June 4 2012
Read the original article in Romanian here
Below is a google translated version of the interview, needless to say it isn’t great but you can get the idea of what Mike is trying to say.


Mike Shinoda, vocalist and guitarist for Linkin Park, promises an explosive show, tomorrow at Romexpo. The day before the long awaited concert of American alternative rock band Linkin Park, Mike Shinoda, one of the founders of the band gave an interview to newspaper “Truth”. According to him, the six members forming Linkin Park are very excited about meeting with fans in Romania and is looking forward to the show tomorrow night at Romexpo. The concert in Bucharest is part of the tour promoting their latest album, “Living Things”, which includes 11 shows in Europe and North America.


This is the first time in Romania for the band Linkin Park. Why only now?
Mike Shinoda: There are many places in the world where I would like to perform and we  have not yet really had a chance to go, but we work on it. We have not yet played in India, in South America. We’ve not even had enough shows in Canada, which is right next to us. Last year I was in United Arab Emirates and Israel, and the performances were tremendous, we had a lot of fun. We try hard to get all over the world and appreciate the fact that Romanian fans were so patient.


You have sold over 45 million albums, and have won awards, including two Grammys. What is the recipe for success?
I think it varies from one band to another. In our case, always try to learn new things and remember that music is an evolving phenomenon. It would be easy and convenient for us, after we had our first hits, to indulge in the same style of music. But we always try to discover new territories “land studio.” Even the new album, “Living Things” (which will be released on June 26 ), I had about 150 demos. Some good, some bad, but most were experimental, just to find the ones that we like. Part of our success is due to the experience we acquire. Listening songs from the beginning of the band, although I like them and I would not change anything, I realize that some things we did could have been done differently.


How has Linkin Park changed over the 16 years you’ve been a band for?
Certainly the way we write the lyrics changed. Back then I wrote, mostly as in hip-hop – take the instrumental background and then add the voice. Now, we have a much more professional way of working, like real songwriters.


Have you matured, you’re old or better at what you do?
That’s up to those who listen. But for us, when we write either lyrics or the instrumental mix them, we play with them. In all stages in the development of an album, we’ve merged them into one, making them simultaneously. And I think this is the most different from how we used to do.


What are your expectations from concert in Romania?
We are very excited about the show, and can’t wait to perform for the fans in Romania. And we like that we can perform the old songs, but also some new songs like “Burn it down” or “Lies Greed Misery”.


What do you know about Bucharest?
About Bucharest, in fact, we do not know much. We have not made ​​a plan, but are open to any proposals. We will probably do a little exploring.


Do you know any Romanian bands?
No, I do not know any. As you may know, not very many Romanian bands play in America.


What about Romanians in America who do you think? Of Romanian friends?
Perhaps I do, but I live in Los Angeles, where everything is very mixed, there are many nationalities. Honestly, I could not say for sure whether I know any Romanian people simply because we do not ask the question. As bizarre as it may seem, we do not ask about nationality.