Biography: Mike Shinoda - Learn more about Linkin Park Emcee/Vocalist, Keyboardist and Guitarist Mike Shinoda

Full Name: Michael Kenji Shinoda
Age: 28
Date of Birth: 11th February 1977
Role in band: Keyboards, Beats + Samples, Guitar, Emcee, Vocals

Weapons of choice:
(on stage)
Audio Technica Wireless Mic
Ibanez guitars
PRS guitars
Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier heads
Mesa Boogie cabinets

(studio)
Digidesign Protools software & hardware
Anteres software
Waves software
Emagic hardware
Korg Triton keyboards
Roland keyboard modules
AKAI S-900 & MPC 2000 samplers
Baldwin pianos

Interesting Mike Shinoda Facts - Did you know?

Mike graduated from Art college in Pasadena and also majored in illustration.

Mike's first job was as a graphic designer.

Mike designed the cover for the Hybrid Theory cd and did alot of the designs for the Meteora and Reanimation booklets and Digipak sleeves.

Mike has known Brad Delson since the 7th grade.

Mike was the founder of Xero.

Mike supports the downloading of music and says that it stongly helped their fanbase (He often says at live shows 'If you don't have this song you can get it off the internet, just try Napster or something').

Mike designed the artwork for Styles of Beyond's CD "2000 Fold".

Mike produced The X-Ecutioners's CD "Built From Scratch".

Mike has produced 3 Linkin Park CD's - "Hybrid Theory EP," "Reanimation" and "Collision Course," and he often avoids questions about if he will produce future Linkin Park CD's.

Mike runs an imprint label known as "Machine Shop Recordings" (formally "The Shinoda Imprint") in which he helps produce and sign upcoming bands. Machine Shop is recognised as a very artist friendly record label, and all the bands signed to it appreciate the way it is run in their favour.