The guitarist stressed in an interview that the voice is the main element of his creations, but the instruments must sound engaging even without it
THE LinkinPark was distinguished by a very characteristic fusion of different musical elements. There’s rock – whether it leans towards nu metal or other more alternative genres -, there’s hip hop, there’s electronic music, there’s even a bit of pop… all this on album where, with the exception of the debut Hybrid theory (2000), at least one of the members was always present in the role of producer.
What is the songwriting process like for this group with such a unique sound? In an interview with World of guitarthe guitarist Brad Delson – currently off tour and only involved in studio activities – shared some interesting facts about it.
The initial question was much more targeted: the interviewer wanted to know details about Delson’s approach as a guitarist From scratch (2024), album that marked the return of Linkin Park with new members Emily Armstrong (voice) e Colin Brittain (drums). The musician’s comment, however, was more general.
Initially, Brad emphasized that he explored the piano a lot, which is reflected in the compositions offered to the group. He also revealed that he doesn’t have the reasoning of a guitarist, which was also evident from the absence of solos in the band’s songs.
He said:
“The guitar has always been my main instrument, but now I play the piano a lot because it’s less familiar to me. I still play the guitar a lot, but I think about songs from a songwriter’s point of view – I don’t think about it as a guitarist.”
Again according to Delson the main element of Linkin Park’s songs is the voice. The sung lines, in his words, “guide the creative process”
“The voice really drives the creative process. Sometimes we start with the track – that’s how it was on the albums Hybrid theory (2000) e Meteor (2003). The way Rick Rubin he taught us to get into the vocals as quickly as possible.”
Interestingly, Rick Rubin did not work on the above-mentioned albums. Both were produced by Don Gilmorealso known for his work with Well done Carlotta, Hollywood’s Undead AND Trapamong others. In case of Meteorthe function is co-signed by the band itself. Rubin was involved in the records following these two: Minutes to midnight (2007), A thousand suns (2010) e Living things (2012).
Linkin Park songs should work without vocals
Another important point in Linkin Park’s songwriting process has to do with the “thermometer” of whether a song is good enough for the band. According to Brad Delson, a track created for the group “should be engaging even without vocals”.
This does not mean, however, that the instrumental should take priority. After all, as he himself stated, the voice guides the creative process. This method serves, first and foremost, to identify a truly good creation.
“We move back and forth fluidly in those directions. In my mind, the track should be engaging, even without vocals. However, we are writing songs, not instrumentals. Having that vocal talent in the middle Mike Shinoda and Emily – and their interaction – is essential.”
Would Brad Delson return to performing?
As mentioned, the actual involvement of Brad Delson with the current phase of LinkinParkreactivated with Emily Armstrong (voice) e Colin Brittain (drums). The guitarist, one of the founding members of the band, participates in the group only in studio activities, being outside of tours.
Live, Alex Feder takes its place. In addition to the names already mentioned, that of the singer and multi-instrumentalist Mike Shinodathe bass player Dave “Phoenix” Farrell and the DJ Joe Hahn complete the training.
Is there any chance Delson will return to his role on stage? And what do you think of Feder? The musician also answered these questions in an interview with World of guitar.
When asked if he would perform again, Brad made a cryptic statement. He is known to be dealing with mental health issues that led him to decide to retire from the scene, so it would not be possible for him to offer a conclusive answer. However, he does not close the door on this possibility, stating:
“You never know. I don’t have a crystal ball, I can’t say for sure [se retornaria às turnês].”
Regarding the arrival of Alex Feder, chosen by himself, Brad initially adopted a joking tone — “Alex is so beautiful that the world couldn’t resist him [risos]” — and reinforced how Linkin Park’s seven-year hiatus, between Chester Bennington’s death and the current reunion, had them reprioritizing. The guitarist commented:
“Having less active time in recent years has given us the opportunity to think qualitatively: what gives us energy, where we feel most satisfied, and where we thrive. It wasn’t about going back to what we were doing. It was about taking what that we had learned in our free time to approach our roles with greater self-awareness. And it is in the studio that I really like doing new things.
Delson referred to Feder as his “world-traveling doppelganger” and said his colleague “brings a lot to the show.” He also called him “an incredible musician and a strong live guitarist”. And he said it clearly: even if he no longer performs, he helped create the concept of the show that is going around the world.
“I’m very proud of the show. Even though I’m not on stage, I put a lot of my creative love into the show. I’ve always been obsessed with the repertoire, the concept of the show and how it flows. I’ve worked really hard on the current show; it’s no different from the past.”
Mental health
In November, Mike Shinoda gave an interview to Zach Sang Show (go Chatty) and, while talking about Colin Brittain’s arrival, ended up sharing some additional information about Brad Delson.
Initially, Mike commented that Colin would just be one of the songwriters and producers of From scratch. However, the fact that the original drummer Rob Bourdon The choice not to commit to the reactivation of the group meant that a vacancy was created.
“Colin Brittain would be part of the process (from Linkin Park’s new album, From scratch) only as composer and co-producer. I love working with Colin. I met him during the sessions and brought him here to help me. But we saw that he needed someone to play the drums, and since I knew that was his main instrument, I offered it to him. This would steer him away from a career in manufacturing.
Then the Delson situation was mentioned. According to Shinoda, the guitarist has mental health issues that prevent him from touring.
“In case anyone doesn’t understand the dynamic, Brad is our guitarist – he’s in the band – but he’s realized that in terms of… it’s kind of a mental health issue. He doesn’t like the touring and the lifestyle of the live show. So, he’s our guitarist, but he doesn’t play live.”
The arrival of Alex Feder, in fact, was Brad Delson’s choice. However, for a moment, the possibility was offered of Brittain becoming the touring guitarist rather than the actual drummer. Mike says:
“Brad chose Alex to play his parts live and they get along really well. But we didn’t know Alex at the time, so we asked Colin: ‘Brad needs someone to play guitar and we need a drummer ‘You do both equally .well. What would you like to do?’ He was like a kid in a candy store, I think he said, ‘I can’t believe what you’re asking me right now.’
The new phase of Linkin Park
As well as playing a short run of shows in 2024 – two of which sold out in Sao Paulo last November – Linkin Park have released a new album featuring Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain. From scratch It also arrived last month and had a great response.
The album reached number one on the charts in 15 countries, including the UK, Germany, Australia, France and Portugal. There was only one “stone in the shoe” in the most important music market in the world, the USA, where they came in 2nd place: the EP Golden Hour: Part.2from the k-pop group Ateezwon the highest award.
Although it did not reach number one in the United States, From scratch was the rock album that reached the highest position in the national overall charts in 2024. The last time an album of this genre reached the top of the chart was in November last year, with Another time…from Flashes-182.
Linkin Park resumes Da Zero World Tour in Mexico City on January 31st. Crossing several continents, the group closes the agenda with four more presentations in Brazil, Brazil Rio de Janeiro (08/11), Saint Paul (10/11), Brasilia (13/11) e Porto Alegre (11/15). There are no tickets on sale yet.
+++ READ MORE: The band that stopped Linkin Park from reaching the top of the charts in the US
+++ READ MORE: The 3 best songs from Linkin Park’s new album, according to Rolling Stone critic
+++ READ MORE: The big difference in Linkin Park’s new album, according to Brad Delson
+++ Follow Rolling Stone Brasil @rollingstonebrasil on Instagram
+++ Follow journalist Igor Miranda @igormirandasite on Instagram
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
