The genre-blending southern California music scene was the perfect musical laboratory for Mike Shinoda and Linkin Park to forge their unique sound showcased on 2000’s Hybrid Theory, their first full-length album. With monster tracks like “In the End,” “Crawling,” and “One Step Closer,” it’s been dubbed the bestselling debut of the 21st century and has received Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Along with his bandmates — including the late Chester Bennington — Shinoda went on to win millions of fans and several Grammys thanks to Linkin Park’s electrifying live performances and innovative mix of rock, metal, hip-hop, and rap.
In 2024, Shinoda, along with original Linkin Park members Brad Delson, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, and Joseph Hahn, plus newer recruits Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain, released From Zero to great acclaim. The album debuted at No. 1 in 14 countries and spawned an ongoing global arena tour, picking up Billboard Music Awards for Top Hard Rock Artist and Top Rock Duo/Group along the way.
Before they were selling out stadiums though, they were just three high school kids playing in Shinoda’s bedroom in Agoura Hills, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. Now known and respected worldwide, Shinoda still has great pride in his and the band’s roots in Agoura Hills. Here, he shares all the things that still thrill him about life in the Golden State.
Where do you live? The San Fernando Valley. I went to high school in Agoura Hills, and college in Pasadena, and have pretty much always come back to The Valley.
Why there? I like The Valley. It’s unpretentious and diverse, with plenty to do and lots of great food—I love Anajak Thai, Laidrey Coffee, Verse, and Dan’s Super Subs. It’s also only an hour and a half to the snow, and 30 minutes to the beach.
Who or what is your greatest California love? Unsurprisingly, I love going to concerts, from little clubs to The Hollywood Bowl. But I also love snowboarding. We try to make it to Mammoth every year.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? The cartoonish stereotypes of surfers, tech bros, and aspiring actors. California, particularly L.A., is definitely much more than all that.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? We talk about traffic a lot. But if you don’t talk about traffic, you’re bound to get stuck in it.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? Our theme parks are the best. Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags. Trick-or-treating at Disneyland during Halloween time is a must.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? My wife took me to SingleThread Farms in Healdsburg for our anniversary a few years back. It’s one of the best food and hospitality experiences in California. It is owned and operated by Kyle and Katina Connaughton, who grow the food, the flowers, and source the meal locally. When you arrive, the flower arrangement and food already on the table are one of the most spectacular things I’ve seen in any restaurant in the world.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? We kinda need an In-N-Out Day.
What is your favorite way to play in California? Outside, with lots of friends and loud music.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? If you’re a musician who is visiting L.A., check out Big City Music or Norm’s Rare Guitars.
Best California song? I got stumped on this one, so I asked [bandmate] Emily [Armstrong], who’s also from L.A. She said, “It Never Rains In Southern California.” Great song!
How would your California dream day unfold? If I could teleport instantly, I’d wake up for sunrise in Joshua Tree, have breakfast burritos on the beach in Malibu, then go morning snowboarding in Mammoth. I’d do lunch at Ahgassi Gopchang Korean BBQ, hike in Yosemite, then have dinner at SingleThread Farms. I’d end the night lying on the ground stargazing in Death Valley.