New LPTV: European Tour 2011, Part 2

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Linkin Park Heading to Jakarta

Linkin Park will be playing at Stadion Utama GBK in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 21. Stay tuned for information about pre-sale tickets for the show.

Source : Linkin Park

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Linkin Park to Perform in South Korea

Linkin Park is scheduled to perform in South Korea September 8th 2011 in 8:00 at Olympic Park Stadium, was announced by Access Entertainment has not been confirmed by Linkin Park. Please wait for official confirmation before making a plan.

© MikeshinodaClan.Com

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New LPTV: North American Tour, Part 3

Check out the final installment of LPTV from the 2011 North American Tour below.

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Merch Discount for Online Ticket Purchasers of Cancelled Shows

If you purchased tickets to the Linkin Park shows in Uncasville, CT, Washington DC, or Cincinnati, OH through Ticketmaster.com or LinkinPark.com, you should have received an email with a code that will allow you to download any live show in the LP Tour Archives. In addition, that code is also good for 40% off tour merch in the Linkin Park Online Store. Be sure to check your email if you purchased tickets to the show at Ticketmaster.com or LinkinPark.com as you should have received this email a couple weeks ago.

We know it's not the same as experiencing a Linkin Park show in person, but we hope you will still enjoy.

Source : Linkin Park

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A conversation with Mike Shinoda

A Conversation with Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda
(transcribed by Theo Shier)
Mike Ragogna: So, Linkin Park goes to the United Nations.
Mike Shinoda: We were on tour in the US as a part of our world tour behind our record A Thousand Suns, and we got an email from the UN. They were asking if we wanted to do a meeting with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and some members of the UN Foundation to discuss Haiti. We were thrilled about this opportunity because we’ve had this ongoing effort to benefit the folks effected by the earthquake in Haiti. Our effort is called Download To Donate. Basically, the UN wanted to recognize Music For Relief and Linkin Park as well as Download To Donate. So, long story short, we got online (on) the Facebook Town Hall. It was an online chat in four different cities, it was the biggest one they’ve done and it’s complicated to do. I think we were in New York, LA, The Bay at Facebook headquarters, and in Washington, DC. The UN Secretary General sat down in a room with four members of our band and we talked about Download To Donate and Music For Relief’s effort. They were very complimentary of what we’ve done so far, and we also got a chance to all talk out some of the ideas about how we can continue to help Haiti. Even a year out, the recovery effort is still on going.
MR: It’s encouraging there’s still a focus on Haiti.
MS: To be fair, there are always a lot of events that deserve that news time. It’s tough for people to figure out what to pay attention to and what to donate to and even if they have money to donate because times are tougher. People maybe don’t have the money to donate to a cause like this one even if they love it. One thing that we wanted to do with Download To Donate was to make it really easy for people to participate, and if they wanted to participate and they didn’t have money to spend, then they could do that to. We created www.downloadtodonate.org and a hundred percent of the proceeds go straight through to Haiti. The idea is that originally, we would let you go on and download all of the music, which at that point was twelve songs and you could donate whatever you wanted. At this point, it’s evolved into a different format. Now a year later it seems like a static donation price is really what’s working for us. It’s a ten dollar donation–you can either go to the website and donate that money or you can text relief to 41010. Basically, you get access to the entire library of music at Download To Donate–it’s no longer 12 songs, it’s now over 60 songs. For ten dollars, you can get 60 songs, it’s from artists like Alanis Morissette, All American Rejects, Crystal Method, Enrique Iglesias, Everest, Glitch Mob, Jack Johnson, Kenna, Linkin Park, Lupe Fiasco, Metric, and many more. There is tons of music, and if you go to www.downloadtodonate.org, you’ll check it out. And a hundred percent of the money flows right through and goes straight to Haiti Relief.
MR: What was your impression of how that Facebook conference went.
MS: I was thrilled with it. It was short because we were all separated. We wanted to make sure we got the basic information out there and really had an informative discussion. I felt like we had an informative discussion, I really learned a lot. Basically, we went offline and our band talked with the UN folks in LA for a while. Phoenix and I were actually up in Facebook headquarters, so we continued online with the folks from UN Foundation for a while. One of the things that stuck out to me was that they had done a campaign to get malaria nets to the families that were living in the tent communities in Haiti. A lot of people–their homes destroyed or had nowhere else to go–they were living in these tent communities. A lot of them were getting sick and dying from malaria, from diseases by insects, and they needed these insect nets in these tent camps. So, the UN Foundation did a campaign where they got those nets for the people, and they saved all of these lives just based on a simple campaign like that. They have a new campaign, which I thought was really great–it’s a solar light campaign. In a lot of tent camps, they found out that there actually isn’t any light. People are going around with lanterns and candles and things like that, but it’s not safe for women and children to be running around in the dark. There could be predators, and as a lot of people know, a lot of the prisons were destroyed, so a lot of the inmates had basically escaped. They haven’t had the best time in cleaning that up and recapturing the folks that were supposed to be in prison; they’ve had some violence and things like that. One of the things they’ve done to head some of that off is to create light at night. It seems like something that’s really simple and we take for granted for sure. They have a lot of sunshine down there, so solar lights are a good solution to the problem. So, they have a campaign right now where they are trying to get solar lights down to the families. We tend to support that with our campaign.
MR: The goal was a hundred new solar lights, do you imagine they will go beyond that?
MS: I believe they absolutely will. They will get as many as they think are necessary. The good thing about these campaigns is that they are very specific with a targeted goal like the one you just talked about. It’s easier to see exactly what you need, how many lights you need, how many families they are going to, and what kind of effect they are having. A lot of people, when they worry about donating to a charity, it’s like, well, if the Red Cross takes in all of these millions of dollars, where does it all go? They want to know specifically what’s being done. With a targeted campaign like the solar light one, it’s all very specific and you get very specific results.
MR: It seems like your band is a band in which everyone is always experimenting with new things. Is that a fair assessment?
MS: Yeah, I would say so.
MR: How far do you think you’ve grown as a band since your early releases?
MS: Well, creatively where we were at in 2000, we were trying to make Hybrid Theory a statement record. We were saying this is who the band is, this is what we’re about, this is what defines how we mix different styles and how that differs from other bands. The record, from song to song, I feel, was intended to make a clear statement about the music we make. As far as the identity of the record, there was a lot of similarity from one song to the next. To give you an idea of how you record a record like that is, you set up a main guitar tone, a main drum tone, and you play almost all of the songs with that one thing as if you’re playing in your rehearsal studio. On each record, we want to challenge ourselves though, back then, it was challenging ourselves to make this sound that was our own and new. As the band has evolved, the challenge has been how do we take that and really represent where the band is at now. We want to keep it challenging and keep it interesting. If we were to just keep doing that over and over again on every record, that would be lazy of us. So, what ends up happening is, basically, from record to record, we do new things and challenge ourselves in new ways. Especially on the new record, obviously, we were trying to step outside of the box and try something different from what people expected of the band, and even maybe what we expected of ourselves.
MR: You also played “The Catalyst” at The Griffith Observatory to help promote the album.
MS: Another event that brings to mind was we played in front of a great Spanish landmark called Puerta de Alcalá, and that was for the MTV VMAs, and we played “Waiting For The End.” That was the song that was televised. but we actually played a full hour set and over 50,000 people showed up to watch the show. They were standing in the streets and singing the songs. We were able to film that, and we are going to be re-releasing A Thousand Suns with a special limited edition version which has the DVD of that performance. You actually get the DVD and the MP3′s of the live songs, so it’s a new release of the album for fans who are interested in that particular performance and want to see some of the old songs played live on stage.
MR: What advice do you have for new artists?
MS: My advice for new artists…I always feel like a broken record, I say the same thing. These days, the most important thing for them to do is to do it themselves, to get familiar with recording your own music, distributing your own music, building your own fan base without many other people’s help. I think the crutch for a lot of young artists is when they sign with somebody else, they think somebody who knows better is going to come in and magically make a fan base appear for them, but that’s not how it works. Really, there are so many applications, so many programs that you can download and you can use online that will allow you the tools to get it done. If you can create your own fan base of a thousand up to ten thousand fans, then if you decide to sign with a major label, you will have all of the leverage in the world. You’ve got a fan base of ten thousand people, that gives you more leverage so that they would have to give you more in your contract if you decide to do that. If you go it alone at ten thousand fans, you have every right to do that. You’re going to be making a hundred percent of the money instead of a small little sliver that they would leave you with at the end of getting involved with a small artist who has no leverage.
MR: Of course, there are so many more opportunities and options for an artist now than there ever were before.
MS: I was laughing about this with somebody the other day. Even just ten years ago, when we wanted to write music in our bus, it would take a unit the size of a refrigerator to get it done. Today, I can literally just take my laptop. We are talking about Pro Tools, we are talking about Garage Band, Logic, and all of the other things out there. I personally use Pro Tools, I think it’s great. Then, after you’ve made songs, you’ve got Facebook, you have Twitter, you have great sites like Bandcamp and Topspin that will help you, basically, sell your music and concert tickets. You literally can do so much now that you couldn’t do even five years ago. Artists can get really far doing it themselves.
MR: And you’re still on tour?
MS: Yeah, we just finished the U.S. leg of the tour, and we are getting ready for the European dates and all of the tour dates are on www.linkinpark.com. Don’t forget to go to www.downloadtodonate.org to get your sixty-plus songs. By the way, songs are continuing to be added. If you donate ten dollars now, then you get all of the songs plus whichever songs we add in the future.

 Source : Linkin Park Times

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New LPTV Episode: North American Tour, Part 2

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MTV's Musical March Madness Preview: Linkin Park Promise Total Dominance

Our 2011 tournament begins on March 14, but early favorites Linkin Park already proclaim, 'We're winners. That's our motto'

MTV Shows

Last year, whether it was due to oversight by the selection committee or just plain bias, Linkin Park did not make the field of 65 bands that competed in MTV's inaugural Musical March Madness tournament.
In the end, after weeks of fiercely contested matchups, more than 2 million votes and precisely one accusation of cheating, it was Coheed and Cambria that ended up taking home the championship, shocking the world and inspiring this hilarious photograph in the process.
And while we're not going to discount the valiant efforts of Coheed and their fervent fanbase — after all, winners were determined by fan voting — we couldn't help but wonder if things would've turned out differently had Linkin Park made the tournament in the first place. They are, after all, one of the biggest rock acts on the planet, commanding a vast (and loyal) army of fans that most certainly would've carried them to the Final Four ... at least.
So this year, we're determined to put that claim to the test. Because while we'll reveal our full 2011 MTV Musical March Madness bracket next Monday (March 14), we're going to let it slip right now that not only did Linkin Park make the field this year, they'll enter the 2011 tournament at a very high seed. This is what happens when you release a jaw-dropping, envelope-pushing album, A Thousand Suns, and then convince the entire world to listen.
So, do Linkin Park have what it takes to claim the 2011 MMM Championship? We decided to ask them, and as it turns out, they've already got their game plan in place.
"Well, I think what we're going to have to do is, we're going to have to be smart about our offense, we're going to have to have a tough defense," Chester Bennington said. "We're going to put a lot of pressure on the other bands, to really perform at their best. Because, you know, our motto is 'Go hard all the time.' Whether we win or lose, we're winners. That's our motto."
That's actually two mottos, but who's counting. And though they're already planning on bringing the pressure — Brad Delson is a master of the full-court press — Linkin Park are focused on one thing, and one thing only: hoisting the hardware on April 5.
"We want to win," Mike Shinoda smiled.
"We want to win," Bennington added. "So basically, we'll let these guys come in and play hard, but we're going to want to kick their asses. And that's just how it goes."

MTV's 2011 Musical March Madness Tournament begins on Monday, March 14, when we reveal the full field of 65 bands that will battle for the championship. Winners are determined by fan votes, so if your favorite act made the cut, it'll be up to you to guide them to glory. You can rally the troops on Twitter using the hashtag #MMM ... but get ready, it's gonna be a war.

Source : MTV

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New LPTV: North American Tour

A new LPTV episode from our North American Tour is up. Check out below and stayed tuned for more coming soon.


Find more videos like this on LinkinPark.com

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Vegas is on; see you there.

I just got an email from management saying that the Las Vegas show is definitely on. Happy to hear Chester is feeling better–we’ll see you all at the concert.

Side notes: Dallas and Houston have been rescheduled. Dallas at the American Airlines Center is now on Wednesday March 2nd. Houston at the Toyota Center is now on Thursday March 3rd. Info for people attending the rescheduled shows is HERE.

Also: our Madison Square Garden show will be airing on the FUSE network this week (tomorrow, Friday Feb 18th, at 9:30pm / 8:30 central). Here’s a taste:

http://fuse.tv/ontv/shows/linkin-park/what-ive-done.html
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PRESS RELEASE:

After having to cancel and postpone several shows due to illness of co-lead singer Chester Bennington, LINKIN PARK will resume its A Thousand Suns world tour at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Saturday February 19th. Bennington was hospitalized last week with a viral infection and complications from treatment but has been cleared by his physicians to return to the stage.

“I’d like to thank our fans for all the kind wishes I’ve received,” says Chester Bennington. “I’m looking forward to being back on stage, which is a lot more fun than being in a hospital. I also want to apologize to our fans in the cities affected by the cancelations and postponements and let them know we’ll be back as soon as we can.”

Linkin Park’s live show is a transformative multi-media experience, with visual technology that befits the power of their music. MTV.com praised the tour as “a hit-packed pummeling set” while Artist Direct observed that “rock in the 21st century was defined by Linkin Park tonight.”Joining Linkin Park from February 19th through 26th will be UK legends, The Prodigy.

Source : Linkin Park

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Don't Sleep On Linkin Park

Over the last 15 years there have been many acts that have presented themselves as rap/rock acts and attempted to sustain their careers while maintaining the sensibilities and credibility of both genres. Limp Bizkit and Kid Rock come to mind as having a successful run but it is Linkin Park who claims the prize for staying power, consistently churning out number one albums and top-selling tours over the last decade.

In 2000 Linkin Park effortlessly reached rap and rock fans with their chart smasher “In The End” from their number one debut album Hybrid Theory. “In The End” is arguably the epitome of an original rap/metal track. The video was as intriguing and visually stimulating as the lyrics were thought provoking.

]“On the last record, we were trying to figure out where we wanted to go. I mean, we were in a box. We were Linkin Park who makes this certain sound and we wanted to make a record that didn't sound like that," lead vocalist Mike Shinoda told AllHipHop.com.

When you think of the fusion of rap and hip hop, historically, you have to give credit to the song and video that first made a tangible and palpable connection between the two genres and cultures, “Walk This Way,” a remake of Aerosmith’s rock juggernaut, whose new version included verses from rap pioneers Run DMC. The song was released in 1986 and was a bona fide mash-up before the phrase even existed.

It was a monster hit that aptly appealed to both audiences. It is not to be overlooked that before the collaboration, Run DMC’ s production had consistently had a heavy rock influence which is apparent in hits like “Rock Box” and “King of Rock.”  Later, The Beastie Boys had success with this formula.

That was due in part to diverse producer and Def Jam co-founder Rick Rubin who is still proving his relevance and coming full circle, having co-produced Linkin Park’s latest number one album A Thousand Suns. Linkin Park was looking for a more progressive sound than on previous albums.

"Rick is one of the most versatile producers that I love. I mean, there are guys that make a lot of different stuff and I don't like what they do and I love what Rick does.  I guess the best I could describe it is that when we first started the demos for the record it was clearly different, it was a very specific sound for A Thousand Suns and we were a little hesitant bringing a producer onboard, but once we met with Rick, we knew it was going to be a good fit."

The album debuted at number one in 2010 and is still producing hit singles such as “Waiting for the End” with its infectious beat, laced with hip hop undertones and “Wretches and Kings” whose sound is heavily influenced by Public Enemy is also an outstanding track off their latest album.

When Linkin Park teamed up with Jay-Z in 2004 for the breakthrough mash-up album Collision Course, the validation of a hip hop giant certainly galvanized their credibility as hip hop artists, if there had remained any doubt. Collision Course was an innovative project with each single combing the production and vocals of songs previously recorded by both acts.

The album was mixed by Mike Shinoda and reached number 1 on the Billboard album chart. Another credible hip hop endeavor was Shinoda’s side project, The Rising Tied in 2005. The album featured hip hop heavyweights Black Thought, Common, Lupe Fiasco and Jay-Z who also served as executive producer. The Rising Tied was developed under Shinoda’s Fort Minor side project and created so that he could express music that he felt did not fit Linkin Park’s style. Michael Shinoda told AllHipHop.com that Linkin Park has progressed to incorporating those types of songs today.

“I think, well, the reason I did the Fort Minor record was because, at that time, Linkin Park was kind of, I felt like there were things that were going to work for Linkin Park and then there were things that were not going to work and I didn't feel like those songs could work on a Linkin Park record," Shinoda explained. "Since then, the band has really broadened its horizons and the ideas that may have ended up on a Fort Minor record back in the past now can be a Linkin Park song and that's why you get songs like, 'When They Come For Me,' or 'Wretches and Kings.' Those songs off the new record are, I mean, they really started as demos that sounded more like a Fort Minor demo, I think, and then once we all kind of get together and work them out, they grow and they change and they end up on a Linkin Park record.

"Just as a side note, I think, for Chester and I especially having done, like, these side projects, I think it's a good feeling to know that the other ideas that we have, these, like, kind of off the wall things, not only are they accepted now, but they're welcomed and the whole band is excited about them," Shinoda said.

From “In The End” and Hybrid Theory in 2000 to the current A Thousand Suns and songs such as “Wretches and Kings”, 2011 makes a remarkable unprecedented 11 year run for the rap/metal band. Linkin Park was named the number one selling Rock/Alt band by Billboard/Soundscan and has amassed over 50 million album sales. Shinoda remains modest about their formula for success and ability to sustain in both genres.

“I think that gap has been bridged a million times and we just happen to have grown up on many different styles of music and when we write music that's how we write it," Shinoda said. "I think one misconception about how our band or maybe other bands, too, is that when you sit down to write a song you're thinking of imitating something else.

"When we go into the studio, we don't set out to say, 'Let's write a song like another song.' We just sit down and try and write something that is exciting to us and something that's fresh and especially on the new record, "A Thousand Suns," that's where the majority of the songs came from. Just trying to write something that sounded different and was exciting to us,” Shinoda told AllHipHop.com.

Linkin Park is currently on the North American leg of their A Thousand Suns World Tour. The group promises a musically and visually stimulating show for which they developed new technology and each ticket holder receives a free mp3 download of the concert they attended, each of which will be a unique experience.

“We play different set lists and then within those set lists we improvise, so we wanted a way for the look of the show to kind of ebb and flow with whatever we do with the music. So, from night to night, the music will be different and the visuals will be different as well. No two shows will be the same.”

 Source : ALLHIPHOP

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HOUSTON AND DALLAS SHOWS RE-SCHEDULED

The Linkin Park show originally scheduled for February 15th in Houston, TX at Toyota Center has been re-scheduled for Thursday, March 3rd. Tickets for the postponed 2/15 date will be honored. Fans who cannot attend the show on the rescheduled date can return their tickets for a refund. All refund questions should be directed to 866-4-HOUTIX.

Also, the show originally scheduled for February 17th in Dallas, TX at American Airlines Center has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 2nd. All tickets for the postponed 2/17 date will be honored on March 2nd. For those unable to attend the March 2nd date, refunds will be available at point of purchase. Any questions should be directed to Ticketmaster customer service at 800-653-8000. Tickets are still available for purchase.

If you purchased your tickets to either of these shows through www.linkinpark.com check your email over the next few days for details on how your ticket will be re-issued or if you cannot attend, how you will receive your refund.

Unfortunately, we are unable to reschedule the Washington DC, Uncasville, CT and Cincinnati, OH dates at this time. We sincerely apologize to our fans affected by these cancellations and thank you for your understanding. We are currently working on ways to make it up to you.

Source : Linkin Park

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Linkin Park coming to rock Dallas

Multi-platinum artist LINKIN PARK, voted Best Live Act at the 2010 European MTV Music Awards, are currently on their highly anticipated North American tour in support of their newest album "A Thousand Suns".  And this week they're headed to Dallas.
LINKIN PARK will be playing February 17th at the American Airlines Center.  Included as a bonus with the purchase of every ticket, fans will be able to download a live recording of the show they attended by texting a code from their mobile phones that will be displayed at the venue.  The band will be doing meet and greets with the Linkin Park Underground members during the tour as well.  If you aren't an LPU member and want to be check out the fanclub at http://lpu.linkinpark.com.  Additionally, one dollar for each ticket purchased will go to Music For Relief, a charity founded by Linkin Park to provide relief to victims of natural disasters and to bring awareness to solutions to the global warming challenge.  So not only do you get to rock out with an amazing band - you get to help save the world as well!
More information on the organization can be found at LINKIN PARK's website and tickets can be purchased at Live Nation.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Linkin Park coming to rock Dallas - Dallas Concerts | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/concerts-in-dallas/linkin-park-coming-to-rock-dallas#ixzz1E0LT25Tx

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SHOW IN HOUSTON CANCELLATION

Linkin Park has been forced to cancel their February 15th show in Houston, TX at the Toyota Center. Chester is still under doctor's orders to refrain from performing. The band sincerely regrets this unavoidable cancellation and apologizes to fans for any disappointment caused. Please hold on to your tickets. Updates to follow later this week.

If you purchased your tickets through linkinpark.com, check your email over the next few days for details. Also, we know it's not the same, but we'll send you a free audio download of any show from this tour.

Source : Linkin Park

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UNCASVILLE, CT 2/11 CANCELLATION

Hi guys,

We are deeply disappointed that we’ve had to cancel our second show in a row. It’s been a long time since we’ve played in your town, and were excited for you to hear the new music and see the new production. As you know, it’s not often that we have to cancel a gig–Chester appreciates all the love you all have sent on the website, and we know that it will help him to bounce back soon.

If you purchased your tickets through linkinpark.com, check your email over the next few days for details on how you will receive your refund. Also, we know it's not the same, but we'll send you a free audio download of any show from this tour.

Sincerely,

Mike and LP

Source : Linkin Park

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LINKIN PARK LIVE EP ON ITUNES

A live EP from this tour (recorded at our show in front of the Puerta De Alcalá in Madrid) has now arrived on iTunes.  Go HERE to listen or buy.  Thanks for supporting the band, and we’ll see you out here on tour!

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Shows in Europe Added

Linkin Park has added a run of dates in Europe this summer. LPU members will have access to pre-sale tickets for select shows. Join LPU today to access the pre-sales which start tomorrow, February 2 at 09:00 (local). Tickets go on sale to the public starting Friday, February 4 at 09:00 (local).

June 14: Stockholm, Sweden - Ericsson Globe Arena | LPU PRE-SALE
June 19: Oberursel, Germany - Hessentag State Fair Festival | LPU PRE-SALE

ON SALE NOW:
June 12: Donington, UK - Download Festival | TICKETS
July 1: Arras, France - Arras Main Square Festival | TICKETS
July 2: St. Gallen, Swizerland - Open Air St. Gallen | TICKETS

If you're already an LPU member, find out how to access the pre-sale HERE. LPUX Annual members also have access to exclusive meet & greets and other benefits. Learn more at LPUnderground.com.

Source : Linkin Park

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A THOUSAND SUNS TOUR UPDATE

Finally got a moment to sit down and give you guys an update. First of all, being a native Californian, I don’t know why you East Coasters complain about this weather. Single digit temperatures and record-breaking snowfall? No problem!

Actually, we’ve had to make some adjustments to our touring plans as we’ve gone. Weather has made certain flights and trips difficult, and we’re actually looking at options on plane, train, and bus for the trip from Boston to New York tonight after the show. (If all else fails, I have a dogsled lined up for me, Chester, and Phoenix). Luckily, all the shows have gone on without any major complications so far.

We’ll be doing a bunch of interviews and a performance on SNL this week, so look for us on TV and the world wide interwebz.

Check out this rave review of our show on Technorati:
http://technorati.com/entertainment/music/article/concert-review-a-...

 Source : Linkin Park

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Interview with Mike from Boston Globe

Linkin Park will be playing at the TD Gardern in Boston, MA on Feb 1, Boston Globe talk to Mike via the phone from a Chicago tour stop.

“I don’t think we ever do anything half-assed.’’ That’s how Mike Shinoda explains the sonic change-up his band Linkin Park made on its 2010 album “A Thousand Suns.’’
On the phone from a Chicago tour stop, the Linkin Park rapper-songwriter-producer says he and his bandmates in the multiplatinum rock group started down this new road with their previous album, “Minutes to Midnight.’’ But this time, they knew a radical alteration to the rap-rock hybrid they’d come to be known for since the turn of the century, with hits like “Breaking the Habit’’ and “What I’ve Done,’’ was necessary. Instead of channeling all of their angst into buzzsaw riffs, keening screams, and brawny raps, the band, with returning coproducer Rick Rubin, explore more electronic, ambient, and, frankly, mellower paths.
“We’re not trying to offend fans of [early albums] ‘Hybrid Theory’ and ‘Meteora.’ We’re trying to make music that’s challenging for us, that’s coming from an honest place,’’ says Shinoda. “We realized that [the old sound] was the thing that was selling, but we decided to take a risk.’’
Linkin Park brings sounds both old and new to the TD Garden on Tuesday.
Q. You worked with Rick Rubin again on “A Thousand Suns.’’ How was that? Was he on board with the new direction?
A. On the last record we were trying to break outside of the confines of a sound that we had established ourselves and we no longer wanted to feel like we had to make that thing over and over again. We wanted to do something different, so he was trying to give us the moral support and the tools to find new ways to make new sounds. On the new record we were already comfortable with being uncomfortable. We almost did the record ourselves but we took a meeting with Rick and it just fit. He understood the demos. He understood where we wanted the record to go.
Q. What’s been the reaction to the record? I think it’s your most interesting one yet, but I’m wondering if I’m in the minority on that.
A. I would say that you’re not at this point, which I’m happy to say. I feel like we really lucked out that the touring worked out the way it did, because the US got some extra time to get used to the album — because it’s a different record. It’s full of ideas, it’s a dense record, sonically and thematically; and to be honest, I’m surprised when I hear people say that they loved it on first listen. More often than not, you hear people say that they had to get used to it or grow into it. And that’s fine. We thought that was the kind of record we were making.
Q. There’s definitely a faction of your audience, especially the metal fans, who have been vocal in their displeasure. But do you think you’ve gained any new listeners?
A. I literally heard somebody say, “When I saw that it was Linkin Park and I listened to the record, I didn’t like it because it was weird. And then I heard this great new song on the radio and I didn’t know what band it was by and I loved it and I went to buy it and it was Linkin Park.’’ They had the weird baggage of old Linkin Park in their minds, and as soon as they got rid of that baggage they liked the new album. That’s what we need right now, people to have an open mind that Linkin Park isn’t about one thing.
Q. You guys have been together for over 10 years, what’s the secret to a lasting musical marriage?
A. I think we’re really lucky in that sense. I don’t know if we’re an anomaly or not. We’re good friends and we still get along in the studio and touring. We even occasionally hang out on our time off which is, believe it or not, for a lot of bands pretty rare.
Q. Pop, dance, and hip-hop have become increasingly dominant in the last few years, with rock losing its profile somewhat. Why do you think that is?
A. I’m not a chart guy, I don’t follow the trends. I know what I like, just as anybody else does, and I haven’t been listening to as much straight-up rock in the last couple of years because it’s boring. The rock bands that I do like — Phoenix, the Temper Trap — tend to have something special about them that rounds out the experience and makes it more original and unique. There was a long period of time where bands were imitating stuff from the ’60s and ’70s, and that’s cute for a minute, but if you can’t bring something else to the table on top of that you can only hold people’s interest for so long.

Source : LPTIMES

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LPU Summit in Chicago - Day 2

The LPU Summit in Chicago was a big success. Thanks to all of the LPU members who came out for the day, especially the ones who came a LONG way. Highlights of the event included the Music For Relief and Neighborhoodies t-shirt making event. Fans came out early and designed t-shirts that will be sent to an under privileged school in Haiti. Then, fans had the chance to watch the LP crew load in and build the stage. When activities started, some fans got a backstage tour, others got to check out the crew bus, and the rest had the chance to walk across Linkin Park's stage and check out their gear up close. To conclude the day, everyone in attendance got to meet Linkin Park and take part in a Q&A.

Pictures and videos will be posted soon. Thanks again to everyone who came out and made it such a great event. Be sure to post blogs, photos and videos of your Summit experience on LinkinPark.com.

Source : Linkin Park

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