Mike Shinoda Biography

Mike Shinoda is a American musician. He is the co founder of rock band Linkin Park. He is best known for being the band’s rhythm guitarist, songwriter, keyboardist, and co-vocalist. Mike Shinoda later created a hip hop-driven side project, Fort Minor.

Michael Kenji Shinoda was born on February 11, 1977 in Los Angeles, California. He was raised in Los Angeles suburb of Agoura Hills. His father is Japanese and a descendant of the Kumaichiro Shinoda floral company family. His mother encouraged him to take classical piano lessons when he was six. Shinoda attended Agoura High School with Linkin Park bandmates Brad Delson and Rob Bourdon. The three formed the band Xero, and began to make a more serious attempt to pursue a career in the music industry. After graduating high school, Shinoda enrolled in the Art Center College of Design of Pasadena to study graphic design and illustration.

Mike Shinoda founded Linkin Park with Rob Bourdon and Brad Delson in 1996. They eventually brought in turntablist Joe Hahn, bassist Dave Farrell, and vocalist Mark Wakefield. After Farrell and Wakefield left they signed Chester Bennington. They released Hybrid Theory and became an instant hit. They became one of the best Rock Bands of the New generation. Probably the most successful band of the 21st century. Mike Shinoda side project Fort Minor released Remember the Name ft Styles of Beyond.

Mike Shinoda is a third generation Japanese American. He married author Anna Shinoda in 2003. The couple have two children.