Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda on grief, Chester Bennington and a new album, Post Traumatic
'The words you use matter,' he says on the importance of being careful when discussing suicide online
Grief shows its face in a lot of ways: confusion, sadness, anger. But if you think about it, grief can also inspire something entirely different. It can manifest as motivation and a catalyst for change.
That's how it was for Mike Shinoda, a member and singer of the band Linkin Park. His late friend and creative partner Chester Bennington took his life last year, leaving the world, his band, and his fans, friends and family stunned. Shinoda's life was irreversibly changed, but his creative spirit wasn't dimmed.
While processing his grief, Shinoda turned to what he knew best: songwriting. Through his grief, he created a collection of songs grappling with the loss of his friend and where it left him and his life's work.
"It's a journey out of grief and darkness, not into grief and darkness," he says by way of describing his new album, Post Traumatic.
However, Shinoda also explains that everyone should be responsible and exercise care when it comes to discussing the topic of suicide online. If not handled properly, he says, we can risk triggering certain individuals who are susceptible to harming themselves.
"Mental health is health," he says, adding that people should treat their mental health like they would their physical health and seek help from a professional if they need it.
Below, the crowd sings along to In the End at the Chester Bennington tribute show in 2017. Fast forward to the 2:15:00 mark to see it.
— Produced by Mitch Pollock