Mike Shinoda

Michael Kenji Shinoda (born February 11, 1977) is the MC/keyboardist/ rhythm guitarist/co-producer of the band Linkin Park.

Related Topics:
February 11 - 1977 - MC - Keyboardist - Rhythm guitarist - Produce - Linkin Park

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He was born in Agoura, California, to a Japanese father and a Russian or a Russian-Hungarian mother who is allegedly descendant of classical music composer Tchaikovsky. He now lives in Los Angeles, where the band is based. He attended Agoura High School along with several members of the bands Incubus and Hoobastank. Shinoda is a distant relative of famed Russian composer Tchaikovsky. He was raised in a 'really, really, liberally Protestant church,' but it is unknown whether or not he still practices his religion. His musical tastes vary widely, from Tool to Dido.

Related Topics:
Agoura, California - Tchaikovsky - Los Angeles - Agoura High School - Incubus - Hoobastank - Protestant - Tool - Dido

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Shinoda was first inspired to become a musician after attending a concert in his middle school years. The concert was a Killer B's show which included Anthrax and Public Enemy. He took piano lessons for ten years, beginning with classical, but later moving to jazz and then hip-hop. From there began his love of emceeing. In 7th grade, Mike met Brad Delson, the future guitarist for Linkin Park, at Lindero Canyon Middle School. Sometime near the end of high school, they joined with Rob Bourdon and started a band called Xero which later evolved into Linkin Park. However, their style was rather different from Linkin Park's sound today.

Related Topics:
Killer B - Anthrax - Public Enemy - Brad Delson - Rob Bourdon - Linkin Park

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He graduated from the Art Center College of Design (where he met Linkin Park's Mr. Hahn) in Pasadena, California with a major in illustration. He also concentrated on graphic design quite heavily in school, resulting in him getting a job as a graphic designer straight out of college. He has stated that the most poignant moment in his life thus far has been receiving his diploma upon graduation. With his experience as a graphic artist, he ended up designing the "street soldier" figure featured on the Hybrid Theory album cover, as well as Linkin Park Underground website and merchandise (a cel-shaded, revised, robotic version of the "street soldier" is featured on Reanimation's cover). He also designed the artwork/logo for Styles of Beyond's debut album, 2000 Fold.

Related Topics:
Art Center College of Design - Mr. Hahn - Pasadena, California - Illustration - Graphic design - Hybrid Theory - Linkin Park Underground - Cel-shaded - Reanimation - Styles of Beyond - 2000 Fold

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After his success with Linkin Park, Mike jointly opened Machine Shop Recordings with the other members of the band. Some artists featured on the imprint include Styles of Beyond, Holly Brook, Simplistic and No Warning.

Related Topics:
Machine Shop Recordings - Styles of Beyond - Holly Brook - Simplistic - No Warning

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For some time, rumors circulated that Shinoda was going to record a solo album, its release confirmed in March of 2005. It features several other well-known artists, including Kenna, Common, Styles of Beyond , Black Thought of The Roots, and with Jay-Z producing the album. Shinoda has stated that the guest artists featured on the album will primarily be composed of personal friends. The record, entitled The Rising Tied, will be released under the alias Fort Minor. The CD itself is set to be released on November 22, 2005. So far, three songs from the album have been released: "Remember the Name," "Petrified," and "Believe Me."

Related Topics:
Kenna - Common - Black Thought - The Roots - Jay-Z - The Rising Tied - Fort Minor

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Shinoda also has found work as a record producer, and has done work for other artists, including Lupe Fiasco and Styles of Beyond. He was also titled as producer for Linkin Park's "mash-up" CD with Jay-Z, Collision Course.

Related Topics:
Lupe Fiasco - Styles of Beyond - Jay-Z - Collision Course

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Alongside Lil' Jon, Mike was given the opportunity to score the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, the first time in the award show's history that artists were given the chance to do so.

Related Topics:
Lil' Jon - MTV

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:VMA Score Tracklisting

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• 100 Degrees
• Saturday
• Montreal
• Hype
• Madison
 
Mike Shinoda: Trivia ►