Linkin Park Reveal 3 ‘From Zero’ Songs They Are Most Excited To Play Live
The highly anticipated record – the nu-metal icons’ first in seven years – comes out this November 15.
Linkin Park: courtesy of Secret Signals, photographed by James Minchin III
Linkin Park: courtesy of Secret Signals, photographed by James Minchin III
Linkin Park‘s return is in full swing and the band is excited play more new material soon.
Last September 27, the band held a virtual press conference with media from across Asia. This came ahead of their show in Seoul the next day as part of their world tour in support of their forthcoming eighth album From Zero. Among other things, they answered questions regarding their return after seven years, new music, going back to touring, and more.
When asked by Billboard Philippines which of the new songs from From Zero the band is most excited to perform live, co-lead vocalist Emily Armstrong immediately answers with “Two Faced” – the From Zero‘s 8th track, noting how “it’s really fun live.” Adding to this, she also mentions “Casualty” and “Overflow” – the album’s 6th and 7th tracks respectively. “Those three, I think, were the ones we’ve kinda been talking about… like, really wanting to explore live,” expounds Armstrong. “I think we’re gonna do some rehearsals when we get home and, you know, put it into our live set.”
Meanwhile, DJ and creative director Joe Hahn jokingly answers that he likes “A Place For My Head Part 2” and “Two Steps Closer” – references to two hit tracks from their debut album Hybrid Theory – before stating, “All jokes aside, we’re really excited to play the record. The album’s coming out [and] we can’t really reveal the whole thing but I personally want to play the whole record when we start touring [the album].”
In addition to this, Armstrong and fellow newcomer, drummer Colin Brittain, were asked how it feels to be members of Linkin Park and how they deal with expectations from the band’s legacy and the fans.
“I’m still kind of figuring it out as well. But it’s a chance of a lifetime, really. It’s so much fun. Every day has just been an absolute blessing… and I do not take it for granted one bit,” answers Armstrong. She notes how, while she is still adjusting especially since it has only been around a month since the rest of the world finally found out about the new lineup, the past year of creating From Zero, rehearsing, and more has been one of the favorite years of her life, stating “It just keeps getting better.”
“It doesn’t really feel real, still,” shares Brittain, agreeing with Armstrong’s sentiments and expressing his gratitude for the opportunity. “But I’ve also known these guys for such a long time now. I grew up as the oldest of five and so, I’ve never had older brothers, older sisters. That sort of thing. And these guys have really brought me in and sort of became my older brothers a little bit, especially in such a competitive industry.”
Meanwhile, the members of the band were also asked what Linkin Park personally means and represents to them.
“The opportunity to play music with these guys is pretty awesome,” exclaims bassist Dave “Phoenix” Farrell. He shares that he had always played music since he was young but never thought of it as “a job or a career. “I’ve always done it as something that I’ve loved so, I’ve always looked at [Linkin Park] as an opportunity to continue with that – something I’m passionate about. And today, it’s awesome to be here with [them] and happy to be sharing it with all of you guys as well.”
“I’ve been in this band for like, most of my life at this point,” states guitarist Brad Delson. “I’m pretty sure I’ve been this band much longer than I haven’t been in this band, which is pretty wild.” He recalls something that Armstrong said a few months prior, noting how she said something about “the joy of making music with your friends and contributing to something that’s bigger than you.” “I really feel like one of the pleasures of playing music in Linkin Park is like, being a part of something really great,” he further states. “It’s really like an honor to play music with everyone.”
Adding to this, co-lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Mike Shinoda shares how positively different it has been being out on tour with the band compared to them just rehearsing together. “It’s a lot of fun. I feel, like, empowered by it. I feel like it’s going really well. Excited to do more.” He also notes how things such as “getting together and making things from nothing” and creatively sharing all of it with the fans has kept him going. “[It’s] one of the best things that I do with my time. So, I really enjoy doing and I really enjoy doing it with these particular people. They’re my favorite people to do it with!”
Linkin Park’s forthcoming eighth studio album From Zero is set to come out this November 15. Pre-save the album here. Listen to From Zero‘s latest single “Heavy Is The Crown” below: