Today marks one year since Mike Shinoda released his EP, Post Traumatic, and what a year it has BEEN! The only warning fans got, was a little graphic he posted online the evening before he released the EP.
Following the tragic and sudden passing of Chester Bennington six months prior, fans had no idea what the future had in store for Linkin Park. Everyone grieves at different speeds, that’s for sure. However, I personally knew that deep down, Mike wasn’t done making music. Even though that thought was extremely difficult to believe when I was sitting in a Denny’s on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood after attending the memorial show for Chester in October 2017. I was basically crying into my eggs, because I was convinced I would never see them again in my entire life — If I had only known what 2018 was capable of.
I didn’t know what to expect the morning of January 25, 2018. I had to work that morning, but I didn’t let that stop me from listening to the EP. The three songs were absolutely incredible. He also released three self-shot music videos for the three songs as well! Not to sound totally basic — but I was literally SHOOK when I finally got the songs to download. How shook were you Lauren? So shook, that I lost my debit card at the gas station that morning on my way to work. (What I didn’t realize, is that it was in a pocket of my wallet the entire time.)
The three songs on the EP are “Place to Start,” “Over Again,” and “Watching As I Fall.” Each of these songs showed the raw and vulnerable side of Mike, who was put into a position that no one ever wants to be in. These three songs show his struggle with trying to find his path on his own, after the accomplishments Linkin Park made throughout the years. Mike went on to release his 16 track solo album, Post Traumatic in June 2018. PT is a journey through his experience with grief. Starting from the dark times, and showing the process of moving forward.
If you haven’t listened to the album yet, please do! I’m not just saying that as a fan of his, it is truly a work of art. The album is so helpful for anyone who has gone through a difficult experience in life.
The release of the EP started a domino effect of events that made my 2018 one of the best years of my entire life. Kicking off the local promotions for Mike’s Post Traumatic Tour here in San Antonio, Making a few videos to help promote his music, A spontaneous road trip with my parents in May to support Mike on the first day of his solo tour, Flying to New Orleans in October with my mom to see Mike on tour, and getting to finally meet him with her by my side, Traveling to Dallas to see him AGAIN a few days later and getting to PAINT with him, and all of the amazing life-long friends I have made on this crazy journey. It’s been a wild ride, but it has been so much fun. I can’t wait to see what crazy Shinoda Shenanigans 2019 brings me.
Thank you Mike, for releasing your music to the world, It has helped to heal so many people. We are all extremely grateful, and we will always continue to support you — no matter what.