Name: Michael Kenji Shinoda

Instrument: Vocals, Beats + Samples, Keyboards, Guitar

Date of Birth: February 11, 1977

Marital Status: Married to Anna

Siblings: Brother Jason. Mike is half Japanese

Place of Birth: Originally from Agoura, CA, now lives in L.A.

Education: Agoura high school. Graduated from the Pasadena Art College of Design in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in illustration.

Some Interesting Facts about Mike


He majored in Illustration but studied graphic design heavily. Mike got a job as a graphic designer right out of college.Mike designed the soldier on the "Hybrid Theory" cover.

Mike & Brad met in 7th grade.

Mike had to do his eighth term finals (at Pasadena art school) the same weekend Linkin Park did a showcase for about six record labels (exams at the same time when things started happening for the band...talk about a nervous breakdown).

The first time Mike heard 'One Step Closer' on the radio was in Arizona.

Mike took classical piano lessons for 10 years. He got sick of playing classical music though and moved into jazz then hip hop.

Before Chester joined the band, Mike would do his parts and find friends to do the other vocals.