Mike Shinoda

Mike Shinoda is a Japanese-American musician, rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, graphic designer, and entrepreneur whose work spans modern rock and hip-hop. Shinoda co-founded the rock band Linkin Park, serving as co-lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, primary songwriter, and producer. Alongside guitarist Brad Delson, Shinoda engineered and produced the band's "Hybrid Theory" EP and played a key role in the recording of "Hybrid Theory." That RIAA Diamond-certified debut became the best-selling debut of the 21st century, while the sophomore album "Meteora" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and achieved multi-platinum status in the United States. Linkin Park's worldwide sales exceed 100 million, and the band has received multiple honors, including two Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, four MTV VMA Awards, 10 MTV Europe Music Awards, and three World Music Awards.

Beyond Linkin Park, Shinoda has explored hip-hop and music production through the side project Fort Minor, releasing the album "The Rising Tied." He has produced tracks and albums for artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Styles of Beyond, and the X-Ecutioners. Shinoda has also contributed to film scores, including "The Raid: Redemption" and Joe Hahn's film "MALL." He is the co-founder of Machine Shop Records, a California-based record label, and has invested in companies such as Sonos and Spotify. Shinoda and his bandmates co-founded Machine Shop, a music company that evolved into a venture capital firm investing in technology startups.

Shinoda's visual art is closely connected to his music career. As primary songwriter, producer, and co-lead vocalist of Linkin Park, he has overseen the band's artwork and imagery, including album covers, merchandise, and digital content. His artwork has been featured in the Japanese American National Museum. Shinoda received the Japanese American National Museum's Award of Excellence and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Art Center College of Design. He established the Michael K. Shinoda Endowed Scholarship at Art Center College of Design to support future illustration and graphic design students.

Following the passing of Linkin Park's co-vocalist Chester Bennington, Shinoda released his debut solo album "Post Traumatic," which explores his personal experiences and emotions. He later released "In My Head" featuring Kailee Morgue, which appeared as the credits song for the movie "Scream VI." Shinoda also contributed to the "Scream VI" soundtrack by co-writing and producing Demi Lovato's track "Still Alive."

Shinoda continues to lead Linkin Park, collaborating with new co-vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain on the album "From Zero." The band returned to the top of the charts with "The Emptiness Machine," which reached No. 1 on rock charts. Linkin Park's live presence increased with a headlining performance at the UEFA Champions League final Kick Off Show in Munich. The From Zero World Tour included stadium and arena shows across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, highlighting Shinoda's ongoing influence in rock music, music production, and visual arts.