Outside Songwriters Behind Linkin Park’s ‘From Zero’ Album
Linkin Park triumphantly returns with their highly anticipated album, From Zero, showcasing their evolution and musical prowess. However, this latest release features not only the band’s creativity but also the valuable contributions of several skilled outside songwriters who have collaborated on its tracks.
While the band is credited for every single song on the From Zero album, there are eight external songwriters whose expertise and unique perspectives have played a crucial role in shaping the sound of this new record. Let’s dive into the details of these talented individuals who are also instrumental in bringing Linkin Park’s vision to life.
Discover the Eight Talented Outside Songwriters Collaborating on Linkin Park’s From Zero Album
The diverse pool of songwriters contributing to this album encompasses a wide range of musical genres, including country, pop, rock, rap, and soul. Some of these writers are seasoned artists themselves, having explored various styles such as punk, post-hardcore, and even hair metal throughout their careers. Let’s explore who these innovative writers are and what they bring to the table.
Nick Long: Indie-Pop Sensation and Collaborator
Nick Long emerges as one of the standout guest writers, contributing to the energetic track “Cut the Bridge,” alongside fellow songwriter Bea Miller. He also showcases his talent on the intense and dynamic track “IGYEIH” from the From Zero album. As the frontman of the indie-pop band Dark Waves, Long has made waves with singles like “I Don’t Wanna Be in Love” and “The Heartbeat the Soul,” showcasing his ability to blend catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics.
While his current focus is on indie-pop, Long’s musical journey has roots in punk and post-hardcore, giving him a rich and varied musical background. As a talented songwriter, he has penned or co-penned notable songs for various artists, including Børns’ hit “Electric Love,” King Princess with “1950,” Blink-182’s “Edging,” and Machine Gun Kelly’s “I Think I’m Okay” and “Bloody Valentine.” His diverse experiences allow him to bring a fresh perspective to Linkin Park’s sound.
Dark Waves, “I Don’t Wanna Be In Love”
Bea Miller: Rising Star and Collaborative Force
Bea Miller, who shares co-writing credits with Nick Long on the electrifying track “Cut the Bridge,” has carved out a niche for herself as a vibrant performing artist. She first gained national attention at the young age of 13 by competing on X Factor, and has since released her debut EP, Young Blood, in 2014. Throughout her career, Miller has collaborated with a variety of artists, contributing her distinctive voice to tracks by NOTD, 6lack, Jessie Reyes, Snakeships, Sueco, and Zedd, among others.
Bea Miller, “Feel Something”
Mike Elizondo: Versatile Producer and Songwriting Veteran
Mike Elizondo stands out as a renowned producer and songwriter, celebrated for his extensive background in the pop, alternative, hard rock, and metal genres. Returning to collaborate with Linkin Park, Elizondo lends his expertise to the new tracks “Heavy Is the Crown” and “Overflow,” rekindling a partnership that traces back to his earlier role as the band’s bassist. With a rich history as a session musician, he has worked alongside iconic artists like Sheryl Crow, Fiona Apple, and Ry Cooder, showcasing his versatility across musical styles.
In addition to his production work, Elizondo has a remarkable track record producing for notable rock and metal acts such as Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette, Avenged Sevenfold, and Twenty One Pilots. He has also written for popular artists, including Gwen Stefani, Eric Clapton, and Gary Clark Jr., illustrating his ability to navigate and influence multiple music genres with ease.
Gwen Stefani Featuring Eve, “Rich Girl”
Jon Green: Acclaimed Songwriter and Producer
Jon Green has established himself as a prolific songwriter and producer, with a remarkable portfolio that spans pop, country, and rock music. He co-wrote the captivating Linkin Park track “Over Each Other” alongside Matias Mora, contributing significantly to the band’s evolving sound. Green’s involvement with Linkin Park isn’t new; he has a history with the band, having co-written “Nobody Can Save Me” and “Battle Symphony” on their previous album, One More Light, while also serving as a producer on “Nobody Can Save Me.”
Beyond his work with Linkin Park, Green has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, producing and writing for acts such as Paloma Faith, Kane Brown, Lady A, and Jason Mraz. His ability to blend different genres and styles makes him a valuable asset to the songwriting team.
Lady A, “What If I Never Get Over You”
Matias Mora: Pop-Rock Innovator
Matias Mora, a co-writer alongside Jon Green for the impactful single “Over Each Other,” has made a name for himself in the pop-rock genre, releasing three of his own singles, including “I Don’t Wanna Hear Anything Is Wrong.” His experience as a songwriter and producer extends to collaborations with artists like Kerri Medders, Ayokay, Mothica, Peche, Atlas Genius, Illenium, and K. Flay, showcasing his versatility and creativity in the music industry.
Matias Mora, “I Don’t Wanna Hear Anything Is Wrong”
Jaten Dimsdale (Teddy Swims): Emerging Soul Artist
Jaten Dimsdale, better known by his stage name Teddy Swims, joins Linkin Park as a songwriter on the track “Overflow,” alongside Jake Torrey and Mike Elizondo. Although he may not be immediately recognizable by his given name, Dimsdale has gained significant attention as a rising star in the soul music scene. His musical journey includes performing in alt-rock, post-hardcore, and hair metal bands, which enriches his soulful sound and adds depth to his songwriting.
Teddy Swims, “Lose Control”
Jake Torrey: Prolific Pop Songwriter
Jake Torrey boasts two songwriting credits on From Zero, contributing to the tracks “Overflow” and the poignant album closer “Good Things Go.” He previously collaborated with Mike Shinoda on the solo track “In My Head,” further showcasing his versatility as a songwriter. Torrey’s impressive resume includes writing credits with a plethora of popular artists in the pop realm, such as Charley Puth, Kygo, BTS, and Calvin Harris. His ability to craft catchy hooks and memorable melodies makes him a valuable addition to Linkin Park’s songwriting team.
Charlie Puth, “Light Switch”
Cal Shapiro: Talented Rapper and Songwriter
Cal Shapiro is credited as a co-writer alongside Linkin Park on the track “Stained.” As a member of the duo Timeflies, Shapiro has showcased his talents as a rapper, singer, and songwriter. He has released several projects, including The Identity Crisis: Side A, The Test Drive, and Gas Station Sunglasses, highlighting his diverse musical abilities. In recent years, Shapiro has also begun to accumulate songwriting credits for other artists, including MisterWives, Alex Warren, and Johnny Orlando, further solidifying his place in the music industry.
MisterWives, “Superbloom”
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Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire