Linkin Park’s new album has a poppier sound.
The ‘Numb’ hitmakers’ rapper and songwriter Mike Shinoda has revealed their forthcoming record ‘One More Light’ is a mixture of genres and while he refuses to label it “pop” or “rock” music, he says it will surprise their fans.
He said: “The mixing of genres has been part of our DNA since the beginning.I wouldn’t call it pop, just like I wouldn’t call it hip-hop, just like I wouldn’t call it rock.” The lead single ‘Heavy’ has been co-written by songwriters Justin Tranter and Julia Michaels – known for their work on Britney Spears and Tinashe’s ‘Slumber Party’ and Justin Bieber’s ‘Sorry’ – something frontman Chester Bennington admits must “confuse” their loyal fans. He told ET Canada: “We’re confusing. We’re like a platypus.”
The ‘In The End’ rockers say the key to their longevity as a Grammy Award-winning rock band over the last two decades has been down to managing to satisfy each member’s individual needs as musicians. Mike added: “[We have] six guys [with] six different opinions all wanting different things, and then we find a way to come together.”
The group – also comprised of Brad Delson, Dave Farrell, Rob Bourdon and Joe Hahn – went on hiatus briefly in 2015, while Chester, 41, toured and performed with Stone Temple Pilots, who’s original frontman Scott Weiland passed away on December 3, 2015, from an accident overdose.
However, in November 2015, Chester announced he would be parting ways with STP to “focus 100 per cent” on Linkin Park. He previously stated: “In all fairness to my bandmates in Linkin Park, as well as to myself and to my family, I’m going to focus solely on Linkin Park so I can contribute 100 per cent. It’s been an amazing experience and a dream come true, and I look forward to the future of both STP and Linkin Park.” The band’s last studio LP was 2014’s ‘The Hunting Party’, which saw the band return to their 90s heavy metal roots.
‘One More Light’ is slated for release on May 19.
