FM in Taiwan reports
posted by Jas, 02/25/06
Pamela found a couple of reports here and here on Fort Minor's concert in Taiwan, nothing important, just where they went after the concert, what they ate, blah, blah... The first report also mentioned that plans are already on the way to have a Linkin Park concert in Taiwan, organisers are now discussing the details. They said it will probably be in July, after the Fuji Music Festival in Japan or somewhere else. Remember, they're still planning, nothing is set yet.

TVBS has an exclusive interview with Mike yesterday but unfortunately Pam missed it, doh! but she'll try to record and capture it when it's aired on E! News on TVBS-G channel next Monday.

February 24, 2006

Video Download: Fort Minor in Taiwan
posted by Jas, 02/24/06
My friend Pamela in Taiwan reports that there has been an incident during the Fort Minor's concert in Taiwan, a woman got hurt while trying to move forward towards the stage, doesn't look serious but still... Pam has captured some video reports from the local TV news which you can watch and download below. Fort Minor will leave Taiwan tomorrow at 1 pm, so the autograph session at the Eslite Bookstore is definitely at 9 am tomorrow.

Mike's arrival in Taiwan - CTV
download | watch here

Mike's arrival in Taiwan - FTV
download | watch here

Fort Minor concert report - TVBSN
download | watch here

Fort Minor concert report - CTI
download part 1: @rapidshare | megaupload | watch here
download part 2: @rapidshare | megaupload | watch here
in case you're wondering that's not Holly Brooke singing 'Where'd You Go', that's Taiwanese singer, Elva Shao (not sure about the last name though)

Mike in Taiwan pics
posted by Jas, 02/24/06
Here are some pics of Mike in Taiwan from various sources, click thumbnails to enlarge, thanks Pam

Fort Minor live on MTV
posted by Jas, 02/24/06
Kristen reports that MTV Overdrive has a live performance of Fort Minor performing "Remember The Name," "Believe Me," "High Road," and "Petrified". Watch here. I will try to capture them and make them available for download later.

Music: Minor revelations
posted by Jas, 02/24/06
The Malay Mail has posted their interview with Mike, he's hoping to get the new Linkin Park album out between July and September this year. In conjunction with Fort Minor Live in Kuala Lumpur concert, Warner Music Malaysia is releasing a special Tour Edition of The Rising Tied album. The set features four additional tracks and a bonus DVD. Update: you can read the details posted by Cookie Monster at the FM Board

Now that he has proved his worth both as an MC and as a hip hop producer with Fort Minor, we asked Shinoda about the possibilities of him quitting Linkin Park and focus on a solo career. "You know, I don't have any plans for the next Fort Minor album. I don't know whether I'm going to do one, even.

"At this point I'm taking things step by step. My focus is on two things – playing the Fort Minor shows and promoting the album and writing the new Linkin Park album. As a matter of fact, I'm actually currently in a recording studio. Chester Bennington is on the other side of the booth listening to something that I just wrote.

"So, you can safely say that Linkin Park won't be going anywhere anytime soon. We are working on our new record already. We've been throwing out album titles but I don't have anything on that yet. As far as songs, we probably have 50 ideas. Shinoda then added he will co-produce the album with Rick Rubin and the band is hoping to get it out sometime between July and September of this year. -- Full interview

Minority report
posted by Jas, 02/24/06
Malaysia's The Star has also posted their long distance chat with Mike.

During last week's long distance conversation, he revealed that after this Fort Minor tour, he intends to get back to the serious business of the next Linkin Park album. The news is that the band's new album will be produced by none other than Rick Rubin (with Shinoda sharing co-production credit). The bearded genius of such rock albums from Red Hot Chili Peppers and System of a Down could well turn Linkin Park's stylised teen-rock into something truly hard-hitting.

"There are so many sub-genres in rap and rock and electronics, so 'rap-rock' doesn't really describe us very well, and we've never felt a strong connection with that category. We definitely want to push the envelope and do something that sounds different from what you know Linkin Park as, and different from everything else that's out there," he hinted on Linkin Park's new direction.

However, he still has time to keep his feet on the ground, staying sane amidst the dizziness of the hectic pace. On the band's website recently, Shinoda leisurely reported that he and Linkin Park co-singer Chester Bennington had been exchanging "diaphragmatic diatribes."

"Um, well I think that's just the reference to the volume of the music," he laughed, by way of explanation. "We're screaming a lot (in the new Linkin Park songs), where the Fort Minor record is kind of dynamic in the sense that there's quieter spots amidst the aggressive parts." -- Full interview

Mike's pick
posted by Jas, 02/24/06
SOHH.com has Mike talking about the hottest acts coming up in the indie scene.

February 23, 2006

Fort Minor autograph session in Taipei
posted by Jas, 02/23/06
My friend Pamela informs me that Mike and Fort Minor will arrive in Taipei, Taiwan tomorrow morning at 9 am, according to the local newspaper. Fort Minor's concert with 50 Cent at the Taipei soccer stadium will start at 7:30 pm tomorrow. According to Warner Music Taiwan, Fort Minor will have an autograph session at the Eslite Bookstore on February 25 at 9 am, maybe later. Thanks Pam

Video Download: 'Where'd You Go'
posted by Jas, 02/23/06
Kristen reports that Fort Minor's 'Where'd You Go' video is now online at MTV Asia. You can download it here or here.

Yesternumb, message from Brad
posted by Jas, 02/23/06
The official LP Newsletter today has a message from Brad talking about the Grammy experience. Last Sunday Mike was in the studio with Chester working on the new LP stuff.

LP Community,

I wanted to take the time to express my appreciation for your dedication and support, and share with you my feelings about an experience I know I will never forget. Earlier this month, we and Jay-Z were afforded two tremendous honors: a Grammy award for our collaboration on "Numb/Encore," and the experience of performing with one of the most important and accomplished musicians of the modern era.

On February 8th, the seven of us were joined onstage by Sir Paul McCartney, to mash together the Collision Course single with one of the Beatles' most classic songs, "Yesterday." "Yesternumb," or "Yesternumbencore," if you will, blended together three seemingly unrelated compositions into one remarkable whole. Most striking to me about this union is that it highlights the connection between these three songs, and, in fact, the interrelationship of all musical forms.

And on a personal level, it was also incredibly fun. I'm compelled to report that Sir Paul is one of the most humble, gracious, affable people with whom we've had the privilege of collaborating.

I speak for all of my bandmates when I say that we are incredibly grateful for this experience, and that we would not have been able to accomplish this special performance, or anything else for that matter, if it weren't for your incredible loyalty and support. I hope this note finds all of you well.

BBB

P.S. Recording is going great--I can't wait for you all to hear this stuff.

Win double pass to Fort Minor concert
posted by Jas, 02/23/06
MarissaE reports that DC Shoes Australia are giving away double pass to Fort Minor's show in your nearest city. Details here

Mike interview & FM Fillmore concert review
posted by Jas, 02/23/06
The Daily Telegraph has an interview with Mike and Mercury News has a review of Fort Minor's concert at the Fillmore on Tuesday.

"I don't know about you, but when I listen to Linkin Park records I hear it being very serious," Shinoda says. "When I listen to the Fort Minor record, there are times when it is very serious, but there are times when it's totally messing around too."

His next challenge? Remembering how to compromise when Linkin Park reunite for an album, expected before the end of this year. "We already started writing a little and I'm happy to say I'm OK with leaving the ego at the door," Shinoda says. "I don't think any of us were worried about anybody getting a big head and acting like an idiot,'cos the music is the most important thing in what we do." -- Full interview

February 21, 2006

Mike Shinoda's personal freedom
posted by Jas, 02/21/06
An interview with Mike from Mercury News where he talks about what else, Fort Minor. The band perform at the Filmore in San Francisco tonight.

The Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles honored him earlier this month at its annual dinner, though Shinoda couldn't make it because of his tour. His parents and wife, however, went on his behalf. "I think it's very appropriate for today's times,'' Shinoda says. "In World War II, we had a situation where the government profiled a group of people and punished them for things they did not do. In the '90s, the government apologized publicly, and in doing so it was clear to everybody on both sides of that issue that it was the wrong thing to do. . . .

"So why do we keep messing up and leaning toward that profiling every once in a while? If everyone agrees that it's wrong, why do we keep making those mistakes? Maybe these little stories need to keep coming up, reminding people that we already screwed that up before, and we shouldn't do it again.''Unfortunately, Shinoda does not play "Kenji'' live, saying he doesn't want to interject "a downer'' during what should be a fun party. -- Full interview, you can also listen to the interview here

February 19, 2006

Club Tattoo's 11th Anniversary
posted by Jas, 02/19/06
Jen reports that Fort Minor and Chester and the Bucket of Weenies are set to perform at the Club Tattoo's 11th Anniversary party on April 22, there will be an official press release next week. Here's the info she received from club owner Sean Dowdell

Date: April 22
Where: Acme Roadhouse in Tempe, AZ
Tickets are $15 and go on sale some time next week
Appearances by Fort Minor, Bucket of Weenies, Jada Pinkett Smith, DJ Z-Trip, Story of the Year , DJ Switch plus more. I will let you know more as soon as I know it. Tickets will be on sale this year to avoid the scalpers they had last year. I will forward you the official press release and ticket info as soon as I get it.

Update: Jen gets another update from Sean himself, tickets will go on sale on February 20 at LuckyMan Online, see promo pics of the event here

February 17, 2006

FM autograph session at Virgin Megastore
posted by Jas, 02/17/06
From the latest Fort Minor Newsletter: Mike Shinoda, Tak, Ryu and Cheapshot will be joining Marc Ecko for an autograph session at Virgin Megastore in Union Square on February 21 to promote the new Getting Up video game. Getting Up features Fort Minor's "There They Go" track. Be sure to arrive early for the free signing! And don't miss Fort Minor LIVE at the Fillmore after you get your video game signed!

MARC ECKO WITH MIKE SHINODA, RYU, TAK, AND CHEAPSHOT FROM FORT MINOR
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 at 6-8pm
Video Game Signing at the Virgin MegaStore
2 Stockton St. in Union Square
San Francisco, CA 94108

Newsletter also says Holly Brook will perform with Fort Minor for the song "Where'd You Go" at the Australia shows.

Mike in Apathy's music video
posted by Jas, 02/17/06
Babygrande Records has posted pictures of Mike and Apathy during the video shoot for the latter's single called 'The Winter' from his album "Eastern Philosophy". Thanks to Wesley for the tip

Metallica enlists Rick Rubin
posted by Jas, 02/17/06
Not really LP news but Rick Rubin is also producing the next Metallica album. Some pics of him and the 'tallica guys here

With Linkin Park on Pause, Shinoda Plays with Hip Hop
posted by Jas, 02/17/06
andPOP has an interview with Mike where he talked about Fort Minor and The Rising Tied

With the release of their first album, "The Rising Tied," Shinoda's nervous he won't be able to live up to the expectations. "I won't pretend that I don't hope (Fort Minor) does well," Shinoda tells andPOP. "Everyone wants their work to be accepted and enjoyed by fans. But this album is a challenging one, in the subjects and music, so I don't want to set unrealistic expectations."

Before Linkin Park, I pretty much only made hip hop. I think Fort Minor started when I began to wonder what it would sound like to bring it full-circle, to get back to my roots, but use all the tools I have learned since then," he says. For this album, released late last year, Shinoda admits he's invested himself more emotionally because he's doing it all on his own. "The toughest part was being really hard on myself, knowing that I was responsible for all successes and failures of the record." -- Full interview

February 16, 2006

Supporting acts for Fort Minor
posted by Jas, 02/16/06
MarissaE reports that the orgraniser for Fort Minor's Australian tour has announced the opening acts for FM show in Australia and New Zealand.

February 15, 2006

Mike talks about 'Kenji'
posted by Jas, 02/15/06
Metroactive has an interview with Mike where he talks about his family's internment camp story in 'Kenji'

Shinoda remembers writing a paper about the internment in high school to offset the shoddy coverage it received in his textbook. "They had half a page in the high school history book," Shinoda says. "At the top of the page was a picture of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. So it was like, 'Look at what they did to us, so we put these people in prison camps.' That was the attitude. I remember seeing that and being pissed off about it. You're young and have all the different chemical imbalances going on. It makes you very angry."

At a family reunion, Shinoda played the song for small groups to gauge their reactions. "I wanted to make sure they were OK with it," he explains. "I told them that if anybody is concerned to give me input. My uncle, who is a very stoic Japanese guy, cried when he heard the song. He couldn't help it. He said he loved it. That's when I started thinking I had to put this on the album or else I'll end up kicking myself for life."

"The responsibility in having the voice to speak to people around the world is you have to be considerate," Shinoda says. "We don't get into politics and those type of conversations, because we know our younger fans are learning about those things. We wouldn't want to lead them in a direction without them learning things for themselves. If you want to learn about something, you should do it on your own." -- Full interview

Grammy photos
posted by Jas, 02/15/06
Found these stragglers from the Grammys, click on thumbnails to enlarge

Chester wore Howe
posted by Jas, 02/15/06
We know Mike wore a Dolce suit at the recent Grammys and Chester, I thought he was wearing his own clothes lol! it turns out that he was actually wearing clothes designed by American menswear designer Jade Howe. So now we know :-)

February 14, 2006

Video Download: 2006 Asian Excellence Awards
posted by Jas, 02/14/06
Remember the Asian Excellence Award that Linkin Park won for Outstanding Live Performance last month? HybridPiNoY84 reports that AZN TV has posted a video clip of the show which has Mike and Joe accepting the award and Fort Minor's performance. Download clip here (1.2 mb)

click thumbnails to enlarge

Mike is back to write with LP
posted by Jas, 02/14/06
Mike has updated his Myspace blog saying that next on his agenda is some writing with Linkin Park before going back on the road with Fort Minor for their Australasia tour next week. Update: Mike posted another update

February 13, 2006

Mike Shinoda's Fort Minor rise to the occasion
posted by Jas, 02/13/06
An interview with Mike from Chart Attack

"It's almost like a bipolar thing," he says, "the positives are really positive and the negatives hurt real bad. If someone takes a shot at a Linkin Park record it's dispersed between six guys, whereas a shot at a Fort Minor record is just a shot at Mike."

"This project isn't so much about me re-establishing myself, but more like saying 'Please don't forget that this is where I come from, and although you've heard me with Linkin Park, my hip-hop has had to share space with all these other ideas.' Which is great and I'll still continue to do that, but every once in a while it might be nice to break away for a second and do my own thing."

"I'm always learning new ways to write and record and stuff and maybe that will influence the next Linkin Park record in some way." -- Full article

Fort Minor concert review: Nation, Washinton DC
posted by Jas, 02/13/06
A review of Fort Minor concert at Nation from Washington Post

It took only one song for Fort Minor's Mike Shinoda to ask the crowd at Nation on Friday to put their hands up and wave them from side to side. The rapper-songwriter, also a member of Linkin Park, later had a contest to see which side of the club's audience was louder and asked to see fans' lighters and cell phones during a ballad-rap. It was all so comforting.

Over the course of 15 songs, Fort Minor played hip-hop like a rock band, with a firm sense of dynamics and flow. Unlike so many rap performances, where microphones bleed from the manic vocal abuse heaped upon them, Shinoda, Ryu and Tak always sounded tight and audible. -- Full review

Mike Shinoda interview on WBRU
posted by Jas, 02/13/06
Josh reports that WBRU radio station has posted pictures of Mike when he dropped by the studio for an interview.

Fort Minor live in Malaysia details
posted by Jas, 02/13/06
A reminder and details about Fort Minor concert in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on February 28 from The Star Online

February 11, 2006

An interview with Mike on 99X
posted by Jas, 02/11/06
First of all it's Mike's birthday today, Happy Birthday Mike!
99X has posted an audio clip of their interview with Mike, he was in the studio talking about the Grammys among other things and there are pictures too. Click here to listen to the interview or download here or here. Thanks to Ria for the tip.

Linkin Park say they're going to 'Break Outside The Box' with Rick Rubin
posted by Jas, 02/11/06
MTV has a new interview with Linkin Park. They talk about their performance with Paul McCartney at the Grammys and more about the new Linkin Park album. Chester also said that his solo album will be released in 2007 or later.

Win FM concert tickets and pre-concert passes
posted by Jas, 02/11/06
Motorola Singapore is giving away tickets to the Fort Minor's concert in Singapore as well as passes to the FM pre-concert party, contest is open to MotoLounge members only. More details here

SJ reports that Channel V's holding a contest for Malaysian and Singaporean viewers to win tickets to the FM concerts in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Details here

February 10, 2006

Video Download: Grammy 2006, LP Interview & Fashion - E! News
posted by Jas, 02/10/06
Woo!! Hoo!! Serein has captured an interview with Linkin Park after the Grammys as well as them on the red carpet. Brad asked Mike to explain the Collision Course and the mash-up in the interview and Ryan Seacrest asked Mike, Phoenix and Joe to talk about what they were wearing. Mike said he's wearing a Dolce suit and Gucci shoes, Phoenix showed his Adidas shoes and trust Mr. Hahn to come up with a brilliant answer about his shoe, you just have to see it lol!! download clip here or here. I've also uploaded the clip at YouTube so you can watch the streaming video here. Thanks Serein!

Grammy's best and worst
posted by Jas, 02/10/06
E! Online has another quote from an LP member, didn't say who, on playing the Grammys with Paul McCartney. They are also featured in the best and worst section

Win Fort Minor tix with Channel V
posted by Jas, 02/10/06
MarissaE reports that Channel V (Australia) is giving away a double pass for each of Fort Minor shows in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Details here, contest ends Feb 19 at midnight. Marissa also sent this scan of Fort Minor's concert ad from January issue of Rave magazine.

Grammys 2006: A melody of star style
posted by Jas, 02/10/06
A review of the fashion at this year's Grammys from The Daily Green that mention Linkin Park.

Linkin Park went laid-back with black sneaks and aviators. No outfit is complete without a pair of big, flashy sunglasses. I know sunglasses are in year round, but I didn't know Linkin Park was still on the scene. Missed that memo.

More Grammy photos
posted by Jas, 02/10/06
More photos of the guys on the red carpet and accepting their Grammy award and one after party pic. And Jen sent these two pics of Joe at a pre-grammy event.

click thumbnails to enlarge

Audio & Video Download: Numb/Encore/Yesterday
posted by Jas, 02/09/06
Alright first things first, I've replaced the previous mp3 of the song with a better version. Since it was a once in a lifetime performance of the medley last night, I've asked Serein to make a video clip of the performance in high quality windows format so video size is 640x480 and file size is 23 mb. Thanks Serein [gives her a huge bear hug]

Numb/Encore/Yesterday Medley video
download @megaupload or rapidshare (23 mb, wmv)

Numb/Encore/Yesterday Medley mp3
download @megaupload or rapidshare (3 mb)

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration Award video
download @megaupload or rapidshare (5 mb, wmv)

Please note that megaupload has applied the same rule as rapidshare which means they record IP address so if you get a message saying 'download limit exceeded' it means someone with the same IP address is downloading a file on their server at the moment and try again later.

Rob's comment on the Grammy
posted by Jas, 02/10/06
The Globe and Mail has a quote from Rob about the idea of Linkin Park performing with Paul McCartney at the Grammys.

Perhaps the most talked about performance at the Grammys was the pairing of Paul McCartney with hard rock outfit Linkin Park and rapper Jay-Z on the classic Yesterday. The members of Linkin Park were on Cloud 9 afterwards.

"It was the most surreal, awesome, experience of my life," Chester Bennington said backstage. "Just the fact that he was into the idea was the best day of my life." The performance started with a duet of Jay-Z and Linkin Park's Numb/Encore, which won a Grammy for best rap-song collaboration. They later started singing Yesterday when McCartney walked on stage.The band really wanted McCartney so they could tip their hats to DJ Danger Mouse who started the mash-up concept with his Grey album. It seamlessly blended together the Beatle's famous White album with Jay-Z's Black album.

"We wanted to nod to that and do something that incorporated a Beatles sound," said Rob Bourdon.The band pitched the idea and, to their surprise, all players agreed. "We could not believe it when he said he would actually do it," said Bourdon.

Comment from Chester from Billboard

Once the threat of a lawsuit, Danger Mouse's mash-up of Jay-Z's "The Black Album" and the Beatles' "White Album" is now inspiring performances at the Grammy Awards. Linkin Park's Chester Bennington said Danger Mouse was the only one missing from a performance with Jay-Z and Paul McCartney. "We thought we'd try tie all those things together, and Sir Paul McCartney was gracious enough to cooperate," he said. Playing with McCartney was "the most surreal, awesome experience of my life and probably of everyone on stage with me," he added.

Linkin Park team with Rick Rubin
posted by Jas, 02/10/06
Rolling Stone has a comment from Mike regarding the announcement about Rick Rubin co-producing the new Linkin Park album

Their label issues with Warner Bros. behind them, Linkin Park are in pre-production for the follow-up to 2003's multiplatinum chart-topper, Meteora. This time around, the hard rockers are teaming with veteran producer Rick Rubin, who's worked of late with Neil Diamond (12 Songs) and the Red Hot Chili Peppers (the upcoming Stadium Arcadium).

After a Grammy night performance with Paul McCartney and Jay-Z -- and a win with the rapper for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration ("Numb/Encore") -- Linkin told Rolling Stone of their plans. "Rick Rubin has produced everything from Run-D.M.C. to System of a Down to Johnny Cash," said MC Mike Shinoda. "And our whole style is based on the seamless mixing of styles. So who better to produce the next Linkin Park album?"

According to Shinoda, Linkin Park expect to release their new effort late this summer.

February 9, 2006

Audio & Video Download: Numb/Encore/Yesterday
posted by Jas, 02/09/06
The 'Numb/Encore/Yesterday' mp3 performed by Linkin Park, Jay-Z and Paul McCartney is now available for download here (3.6 mb). And Ani reports that someone has posted a streaming flash video of the performance at You Tube. I will have the windows version available for download later today.

Chester in could nine
posted by Jas, 02/09/06
MTV has this report about last night's Grammy

Linkin Park's Chester Bennington irked his bandmates backstage when he suddenly appeared with a cocktail in hand. "Hey! Where'd you get that?" Mike Shinoda demanded. "I'm in Linkin Park and I just performed with Paul McCartney, I can get a drink when I want one," he replied.

Grammy photos update
posted by Jas, 02/09/06
More pics from last night's Grammy added

more pics

Grammy reviews and comments
posted by Jas, 02/09/06
Chester, commenting on the band's duet with Paul McCartney

"It was the most amazing surreal awesome experience of my life and probably of everybody upon the stage with me. Just the fact he was into the idea was the best day of my life. It was a pretty amazing 10 minutes."

From The Times Herald
The Grammy's managed to put Jay-Z, Linkin Park and Paul McCartney on stage together singing the Beatle's hit Yesterday, and it sounded terrible, but still, what other award show could put such diverse set of performers together to sing the same song?

From LA Times
Paul McCartney was, well, solid early in the show, then got upstaged later — just moments ago — by Linkin Park and Jay-Z, but wow what music magic they all made together! Lots of whiny cynics love to gripe about the bizarre performance combos the Grammys often stage, teaming up veterans with whippersnappers, but when the collaborations pay off like that, then, well, all previous flops can be forgiven and forgotten.

From NY Daily News
At least stalwarts came through fairly well last night, with Bruce Springsteen, U2 and even Paul McCartney contributing solid moments. McCartney, after singing a new song and a raucous "Helter Skelter" with Foo Fighters, joined Linkin Park and Jay-Z in a version of "Yesterday," which served as a nice bridge between generational hits and sounds.

From NY Daily News
The evening's most bizarre combination had Paul McCartney joining Linkin Park and rapper Jay-Z to sing McCartney's "Yesterday."

From AtU2
Jay-Z with Linkin Park. This was a match made in performance heaven. Crisp delivery, excellent stage presence -- fantastic song. And how great that Paul McCartney got to join in the fun as "Yesterday" ended the medley.

From Seattle Times
McCartney made a surprise appearance with Jay-Z and Linkin Park, in a rocking/hip-hop-influenced version of "Yesterday." The old-timer, the rapper and the punk rockers sounded great together. McCartney, 63, also had a solo spot, singing "Fine Line" at the piano and rocking out with his young band on the Beatles' rousing "Helter Skelter."

From Record Online
Paul McCartney, who performed at the Grammys for the first time in his more than 40-year music career, upped the ante. Sir Paul had won 13 Grammys previously and was nominated for three this year. He first performed "Fine Line" from his new album, bantering after, "I finally passed the audition, so I decided to rock a bit," before launching into an awe-inspiring rendition of "Helter Skelter." But the real surprise came when Jay-Z, wearing a John Lennon T-shirt, segued into Chester from Linkin Park singing a refrain from "Yesterday" only to be joined by McCartney himself. Now that's a once-in-a-lifetime trio to brag about!

From Mercury News
Speaking of the Fab Four, Paul McCartney performed twice, but his most memorable appearance was in a collaboration of his ``Yesterday'' with Linkin Park and rapper Jay-Z, who wore a T-shirt with John Lennon on it.

February 8, 2006

Jay-Z, McCartney, Linkin Park perform
posted by Jas, 02/08/06
AP's report on the Jay-Z/McCartney/LP Grammy performance. More photos added

When Jay-Z walked onto the stage wearing a John Lennon T-shirt underneath his gleaming white suit, it was a hint of the Grammy Awards' oddest mashup of the night. The rap superstar performed a duet of "Numb/Encore" with Linkin Park. Earlier, when it won a Grammy for best rap-song collaboration, Linkin Park singer Mike Shinoda thanked "everyone in our management and legal teams that made this record possible, because it was a nightmare." It certainly looked like a business transaction, because Jay-Z and Linkin Park had zero chemistry, barely acknowledging each other onstage.

Toward the end, Shinoda oddly sang a verse of the Beatles' "Yesterday," and that was the second hint. Soon after, Paul McCartney himself walked out to finish the song. There they stood - the rock legend, hard rockers from a few generations after and a rap mogul. McCartney and Shinoda sang together, with Jay-Z adding "that's right" a few times afterward. They ended the song arm-in-arm, standing under a portrait of the late Coretta Scott King

Grammy updates
posted by Jas, 02/08/06
Some of the awards have been given out earlier before the show, click here to see the winners. Winner for the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration is not announced yet so it looks like it will be announced live onstage. There are pics of Jay-Z and LP and Paul McCartney singing together at the rehearsals, whoa! if Sir Paul is gonna perform with them it's gonna be one strange mash-up. I'll add all the new pics after the show. Good luck LP!

Update: Congratulations to Linkin Park and Jay-Z, they've won a grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for 'Numb/Encore'.

Update II: Oh my god! Linkin Park sing a duet with a Beatle [faints], never in my wildest dream that I would one day see Linkin Park singing 'Yesterday' with Paul McCartney, not the best performance but unbelievable nonetheless, must be one of the best memorable moments for the guys. Wish Chester had sung his part in 'Numb/Encore' first before going into 'Yesterday'. Sir Paul you rock! \m/, oh my god! that 'Helter Skelter' performance, I'm speechless! he still has it.

more pics

Joe announced new producer
posted by Jas, 02/08/06
The latest Linkin Park Newsletter has a message from Joe who announced that Rick Rubin will be co-producing the new Linkin Park album.

Right now we're in the experimental phase of the writing process for our new record. There is no solid direction yet, we're trying to be as eclectic as we can for the moment and then we'll see what stands out the most out of all the music we write, which will give us more of an identity to strive for.

We wanted to step it up as far as working with a producer and really try to create an atmosphere that will challenge us in different ways. We chose Rick Rubin because his credits alone speak a lot about his ability and his open-mindedness as a producer, working on everything from the old Def Jam, Beastie Boys and Run DMC, to Slayer, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I think the common denominator with all these groups is that they create great music through the years that has stood the test of time.

When we were discussing producers for our next record, the list of people we were considering was actually pretty small. Fortunately for us, Rick lives in LA and we got to meet up at his house and talk about music, life and approaches to writing, and just kind of have real casual conversation and get to know each other as people. And we really took a liking to him as he did to us, and the more we talked to him it just kind of made sense that we'd try working with him.

With this record we're striving to come up with something different than what we've done before. The first two Linkin Park albums are connecting chapters, and I don't think that this one necessarily needs to connect with those because we've already established our sound. When our band first came out it was really interesting and new, and now that we are established as musicians, I think we need to freshen that up and come up with some different and interesting approaches that pertain to today. We look forward to touring and sharing our new music with all of our fans, hopefully by this summer after our album is complete.

Joe Hahn

10 reasons to watch the Grammy tonight
posted by Jas, 02/08/06
Des Moines Register posted 10 reasons to watch the Grammy tonight and LP/Jay-Z performance is one of them.

6. Jay-Z the retiree As CEO Def Jam label and hip-hop at large, Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) supposedly has retired as a recording artist but is scheduled to reappear onstage at the Grammys. Jigga's imposing presence would rate a higher slot on this list except that he'll be paired with grating rap-metal band Linkin Park. If Jay-Z's former rival/new ally Nas joins him onstage, though, that could develop into a headline moment.

And the Los Angeles Times talk about why getting a performance on the Grammys is more important than winning an award.

Pre-Grammy photos
posted by Jas, 02/08/06
Photos of the guys at some of the pre-Grammy media events held in Los Angeles yesterday. Everyone was looking fab! Phoenix and Rob looked handsome as always, Joe seemed to be enjoying himself, Chester looked good too, check out the new tattoo. Brad looked like the typical Brad when he's not on tour, all curly and hairy! lol!! and Mike, is he ever gonna take a break?

Don't forget, Linkin Park will perform live with Jay-Z tonight at the the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, they are up for an award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for 'Numb/Encore'. The show will be telecast live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Being asked to perform, that's a good sign isn't it? I will post an update when more pics from the show are added. Oh and by the way, Happy Birthday Phoenix!!. Update: Added three more pics of the birthday boy

more pics

Photos: Brad at the Sundance Film Festival
posted by Jas, 02/08/06
Didn't know Brad was at the Sundance Film Festival last month, he was at the MySpace/Gen Art Party, here are some photos. Thanks to Beck for the tip.

more pics

Fort Minor concert review: Nokia Theatre, NY
posted by Jas, 02/07/06
A review of Fort Minor concert at the the Nokia Theatre from Village Voice

If Chuck D's right--that rap is the CNN of the streets--then goddamn did these openers bring the news: Bush planned 9/11. Josephus ghostwrote the Bible. That eye over the temple on the dollar bill--yes, says Immortal Technique, that's an alien spaceship. Bonus news: If Technique was President, promises Technique, he will "replace every raped virgin's broken hymen." And we thought tax cuts were awesome.

Not that Ghostface has ever run low on nonsense, but at least he's smiling. Hyped by his protege Trife, Ghost worked twenty minutes through better known verses from "Run," "Wildflower," and "Ice Cream" off Raekwon's Cuban Linx, half-hoping this crowd of Linkin Park t-shirts, what with their Ws thrown up and camera phones out, might rap along and redeem themselves for initially mistaking Trife for him. No dice, but at least Ghost got a chance to explain why he always asks light engineers to "change the light game up": If they just stick him with one color, Ghost says, "that fuck with my emotions."

Maybe that's why Fort Minor featuring Mike Shinoda, a/k/a Linkin Park featuring Black People, kept their lights moving. Forget emotions; if Minor's stage had stuck to one color, we'd realize their songs are ciphers, barely accounting for their own existence. "The first thing I need when I got a new beat / is to see how it sounds echoing off the street," Shinoda shares on "In Stereo"; who knew he'd be so excited about becoming a real rapper? But it ain't all glory for Fort Minor. Just ask minor Minor MC Ryu: "My life's like swallowing a pine cone." As if he's not still raking in those Tony Hawk bucks.

In an effort to "jazz up" or "hip-hopify" the Linkin Park sound but not too much, Shinoda brought out a drummer, three sensitive male singer types for the oohs and ahhs, a string trio called Black Violin, more rappers, and a turntablist who mostly just triggered guitar samples. It was a big fat sound rap execs think Park kids think rap is about, but after all that the only line that stuck was Ghost's: "Every time you go uptown, you get gipped."

"Remember The Name" featured song on NFL Network
posted by Jas, 02/08/06
Juan Q reports that Fort Minor's 'Remember The Name' has been NFL Network's featured song for the past few weeks. Thanks Juan.

As I had been tuned into the NFL Playoffs these past few weeks, the NFL Network found on most satellite and cable television has put Fort Minor's "Remember The Name" as their featured song. In many of their shows including NFL Total Access, the song is played in the beginning of the segment after each commercial. After the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl this past weekend, many of the players held up signs with the words : Luck, Skill, Will, and Pain for the key words in the song including Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward. (10% Luck, 20% Skill, 15% concentrated power at Will, 5% pleasure, 50% Pain, etc...)

New competition to see Fort Minor in Australia
posted by Jas, 02/08/06
This is for all Australian FM fans, Anisyah reports that Lowies hot30 countdown has a new competition to see Fort Minor. It's called "Fort Minor Roadie Roulette". Each night a registered person has the wheel spun to either win an FM CD or, two tickets to see FM or, two tickets to see FM and meet them backstage! Register at www.hot30.com and follow the links to your relevant station.

And MarissaE sent more FM update from Australia. Fort Minor is on the cover of Music Australia Guide and a mention on page 8 (nothing new). "ARIA" the Australian Record Industry Association Top 40 Urban Albums (30/01/2006) has Fort Minor at No. 11 this week, No. 12 last week with TRT highest position on the album charts at No.7 with 10 weeks spent now in the Australian charts. TRT is now certified GOLD in sales (more than 30,000 units sold). Warner Music Australia also has posted "Remember The Name" as TBA, possibly the next single here. Lowie's Hot 30 has "Remember The Name" charting nightly in the countdown - last Friday it was No.19 go Australia!

February 7, 2006

LP, Jay-Z to perform at the Grammy
posted by Jas, 02/06/06
Set that VCR, Linkin Park and Jay-Z will perform together at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards. The show will be telecast live on CBS on February 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Linkin Park and Jay-Z's 'Numb/Encore' collaboration has been nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Read press release here

Fort Minor concert review: Avalon, Boston
posted by Jas, 02/06/06
Another review of Fort Minor concert at the the Avalon Ballroom, this time from Boston Globe

Shinoda's stage presence was relaxed but honed; his rhymes were earnest and technically solid, balancing edginess with positive themes. His band, just as professional, featured three more MCs, singers, a drummer, a DJ, and in a pleasant touch, a string section. Their performance of songs from their new album, ''The Rising Tied" was tight and energetic.

It was exactly what the audience came for. Members of the young, exceedingly well-behaved crowd knew all the words to the choruses and held up their lighted cellphones at the appropriate time. They idolized their man, but modestly. He had to inveigle them to demand an encore, so calm were they at the set's end. In rap terminology, Shinoda can spit: He has soaked in the music, and his assumption of a purist hip-hop identity doesn't feel forced or fake, in itself a major accomplishment. Less adept is his flow -- the subtle, individualized art by which an MC binds verses together, switches meter, or embeds internal rhymes. An ineffable, almost mystical quality, flow is a sort of final frontier that rock crossovers rarely if ever reach. -- Full review

Fort Minor concert pics
posted by Jas, 02/06/06
Chris Schwegler has posted his Fort Minor's photos from the band's concert in Detroit, MI. Thanks to Josh for the tip.

February 5, 2006

Fort Minor concert review: Avalon, Boston
posted by Jas, 02/05/06
Boston Herald has posted their review of Fort Minor concert at the the Avalon Ballroom Friday night.

The crowd was already warm after an hour of rafter-bending hip-hop, but Shinoda and his Fort Minor posse brought even more heat. Backed by a DJ, one drummer, three backup singers, rap crew Styles of Beyond and a three-piece string section known as Black Violin, Shinoda delivered on his promise to bring a stadium-type show to the midsized venue.

The well-tuned collective sounded crisp and worked the crowd. Shinoda led with "Remember the Name" from Fort Minor's "The Rising Tied" and dipped through a variety of new joints as well as"It's Going Down" and other Linkin Park crowd pleasers. From start to finish Shinoda bonded with his fans. Not only did he conjure a hectic vibe that most rappers can't draw from their fans, but his vocal clarity was profound.

Anyone who came with doubts that the Linkin Park frontman could smash a hip-hop show no doubt left with assurance, as well as about 50 bucks worth for their $20 door charge. -- Full review

'Where'd You Go' videoshoot
posted by Jas, 02/05/06
Videostatic posted this picture of Mike and director Philip Andelman on the set of "Where'd Go You" video in Los Angeles. Thanks to Colleen for the tip.

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CC Winans looks foward to see LP at the Grammy
posted by Jas, 02/05/06
Palm Beach Post has an interview with CC Winans, she said she's looking forward to see everybody including Linkin Park at the Grammy come Wednesday, Feb 8 (pssst.... it's Phoenix birthday too)

Q: Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Grammy show?
A: Everybody from Mariah to Kanye to Linkin Park. It's amazing to me that we're going to be in the same room with all of these artists, who are at the top of their games. We're just here to learn.

February 3, 2006

Linkin Park's Shinoda hits next level with hip-hop project
posted by Jas, 02/03/06
More press interviews with Mike from the Boston Globe, Boston Herald and Music Infusion. Fort Minor will play in Boston, MA tonight at the Avalon.

Fort Minor concert review: House Of Blues, Chicago
posted by Jas, 02/03/06
Illinois Entertainer has the first review of Fort Minor concert from the current tour. The review is from their show at the House of Blues in Chicago.

FM Tour preview: Roxy Theatre, Atlanta, GA
posted by Jas, 02/03/06
From The State: Fort Minor is the music outreach program of Linkin Park co-frontman Mike Shinoda. He's the rapper of the rap-rock band. Linkin Park is rooted in pop music hooks and light rhymes. The band earned some hip-hop street cred from its collaboration with Jay-Z on the mash up album "Collision Course." Jay-Z must have been impressed, because he's an executive producer on Shinoda's album. But that just means he signed on for a cut of the royalties. Fort Minor isn't as forced as Linkin Park sometimes sounds. Shinoda feels comfortable rhyming over more traditional (non-guitar baked) beats. The production is glossy, but tempered enough in places to allow Shinoda to display his mic skills. Little Brother, the most underrated hip-hop group on a major label, opens the show. The trio's latest album, "The Minstrel Show," was deft, empowering and as timely as Kanye West's "The College Dropout." If you're looking for an MC to worship, LB's Phonte will gladly wear the crown.
The Coca Cola Roxy
3110 Roswell Road N.W.
(404) 233-7699; www.atlantamusicguide.com/roxy_tickets.htm

Underworld-Evolution review
posted by Jas, 02/02/06
Review of the Underworld-Evolution soundtrack from Blogcritics

After the first track passed away, I was greeted with "Morning After". A guitar infused, techno savvy rock track, lead by the strong vocals of Linkin Park's Chester Benninton. Although not as hard as some of the tunes I've heard from Linkin Park, this song does get the blood flowing. -- Full review

February 2, 2006

Labor of love leads to a Minor miracle
posted by Jas, 02/02/06
Fort Minor is currently on the road and naturally Mike has been busy doing press interviews. Both Newsday and The Providence Journal (with audio clip) have posted their interviews with Mike.

Major Minor show
posted by Jas, 02/02/06
Details on Fort Minor concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from The Star. Tickets go on sale this Saturday.

February 1, 2006

Fort Minor in Australia promo & Mike interview
posted by Jas, 02/01/06
MarissaE sends an update on Fort Minor's upcoming concerts in Australia. First off is the tour promo info at Coppel.com, Channel V and DC Shoes Australia.

Lowie's Hot 30 has posted his interview with Mike recently, download part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4 and part 5 (files in wma format, right click link and save) or download one full clip here (1 mb, asf). Mike talked about Fort Minor of course and Linkin Park, the new sound in the new LP album, he even gave a sneak preview [yeah right, such a teaser]

The show is also promoting FM's shows big time with two competitions. Enter your details online to play Fort Minor's dislexic disk where the radio station calls a listener who registered online, plays them a hip hop sample clip, pick the correct artist & album and win a VIP double pass to one the shows with a double backstage pass thrown in to meet Fort Minor. Another competition, listen out for "backstage bandits segment" to phone in your backstage story for a chance to win a copy of The Rising Tied & iPod Nano, many are given away each night.