Emily Armstrong on being asked to join Linkin Park: “I was panicking in the best way”

Just recently, Linkin Park introduced their 2024 line-up to the world. The band's newest co-vocalist, Emily Armstrong, joyfully shared that she felt like she was living in a dream when they invited her to join the group.

During a conversation with Billboard, Mike Shinoda explains that at this same time last year, the band made the decision to carefully evaluate the situation while working in the studio with the Dead Sara singer. They wanted to see if she was ready to fully dedicate herself to the project. This decision eventually led to the creation of their upcoming eighth album, From Zero, and an upcoming tour.

"They said, 'Hey, can we ask you a few questions?" Emily recalls. "We were in the middle of a recording session at the time. They mentioned upcoming shows and big festivals next year. They thought I would be a great fit, able to perform all the old songs. They appreciated my work and the progress I had made. My response was, 'Cool, cool, cool!' I had already discussed with those around me, including the members of Dead Sara, who were fully supportive. I had already tested the waters and they were also interested in collaborating. It was a bit like the scene in The Heat with Melissa McCarthy: 'That's why you don't feed stray cats!' I had been persistent in showing up, like a stray cat. But that moment was the turning point."

Emily then goes on to say: "Can you imagine being told that, and then having to casually walk back into the studio, where they're asking for input on the verse? I couldn't come up with anything else, and I had to act like everything was fine. I was there for a few more hours, trying to play it cool like they did. But there was no way I could process it. I remember we stayed late that night, and after that, I was panicking in a good way, wondering if it was real. For at least three days, I felt like I was floating. And when I finally came back down, everything was different. I knew my life was going to change for the better. It was like coming back to a dream."