Linkin Park in Kerrang! Magazine

Hahahaha...now that made me laugh! But yeah, I read the comments first: people claimed nothing big really was in the interview.

 

I definitely, looking back now...can see what Kerrang! meant about the band being unforgivably professional and on the defensive in the old days, but Kerrang also forgot the beating the band took in the press when they first started out. Because of the fact the first record was so polished, and so perfectly executed in spots...the rumors started circulating that the band was manufactured, or wasn't a real rock band. That's definitely a lot for a new band to go through, and I think in many ways A Thousand Suns is the band's way of finally being 100% what they want to be. They followed the formula that made them a success, and saw the benefits of doing so, but it came at a risk of them becoming increasingly unhappy. They were trapped in a genre they never wanted to be a part of, and were slowly becoming criticized in the music media as being more of a "hit factory" and less of a credible rock band.

So I think the reason the band seems more happy/laid back lately than ever before, is because they finally got a chance to be free...and make the album they wanted to make. I truly believe that the days of hearing a Linkin Park record that sounds suspiciously like the one before it are over. It might mean that it will take longer for albums to come out, but I truly think as Mike said a few months ago, the band is done making music that is "fast food" or easy for people to digest. They want to make something that's substantial, and really makes people think, and I believe A Thousand Suns to be the birth of a new band.

And yes, reading that article: Dave definitely is one of the most laid back guys you'll ever meet. When I spoke to him on the phone 4 years ago (wow its been a while) he was laughing, cracking jokes and just generally having a good time. He's a good guy.

 

What's interesting is if you listen to "Leave Out All The Rest (M. Shinoda Remix)" it kinda was already going in the direction of ATS. I found that interesting.

 

Here's something Derek. And people may not believe me but since the first time I heard the remix I knew the direction LP was going in for with this album. And New Divide, Mike's blog, and interviews only strengthened my hypothesis. Remember when Mike said they were working on two song ideas...I believe that LOATR Remix and What I've done distorted remix were the two songs. That's what i've believed these past 2 years and I've been pretty on. I honestly have thought that they were going for a more electronic sound since the first LPTV episode with the song.

 

I've always kinda felt the new record would have more of an electronic influence on it. I just happened to think it'd be MTM with more electronica. Not only is it not that, but it's a completely new sound and I love that.

It's getting more difficult by the day to wait the remaining 20 days to get this record.

 

well i dunno Derek....it depends on what you define electronica as. From the making of previews and the catalyst and even LOATR Remix, you can here up tempo beats that do resemble electronics, synths, and a slight techno vibe. I personally have been calling it just futuristic to my friends . They got pretty annoyed with me saying that since '08.

 

I see what you did there.