During their press run for The Hunting Party, Mike Shinoda explained in several interviews that Linkin Park didn’t want to make Indie Rock, but a visceral, carnivorous rock album instead. During one interview he named the band Chvrches as an example for the type of music Linkin Park didn’t want to create. This statement was now picked up by German music channel “Joiz” when they interviewed Chvrches. You can watch the video HERE.
As Mike Shinoda pointed out on his blog today, the group’s singer was baited by the journalist who sensationalized Mike’s earlier comments:
They were asked to respond to a version of the comment that was not consistent with what I actually said. Now, to be clear, it’s a journalist’s tendency (if not their main objective) to sensationalize this kind of commentary, and make a fight where there is none. Let’s not let them have that.
I learned a new term this year: “click bait.” Click bait is when someone titles a piece in a sensationalized way in order to get more clicks.
I agree with Mike that this “beef” was caused by the journalist who twisted Mike’s words, but let’s be honest: when you diss a certain type of music, no matter for what reason, and mention certain bands, they might understand it as a provocation.
To quote the interview that caused the misunderstanding:
[…]there’s so much stuff that sounds like Haim or CHVRCHES or Vampire Weekend that I’m full. The thing I’m hungry for is not that. I turn on the rock station in L.A. and it sounds like Disney commercial music. And I’m confused by that. The dude from Foster the People was literally a jingle writer.
To be clear: I agree with Mike’s opinion on Indie music and I get what he meant and that he just explained how this type of music has inspired Linkin Park’s creative process. I also know – like many other fans – that he listens to a lot of Indie music as you can see on his Spotify channel. But saying a band’s music sounds like “Disney commercial music”? Not good. I wonder why he even had to mention certain bands.
To summarize: the interview quote might’ve been sensationalized, but Mike, you did it to yourself.
On a sidenote, I’m still a little disappointed in Chvrches’ reaction to the comments. A band like that should be smart enough to not let journalists instrumentalize them for the big scoop.
Do you agree? No? I suck? Share your opinion below!