Fort Minor is the story of a musician who didn't want to be in the shadows. This project is an indicator that neither music nor success can be taken from an enthusiastic person. Fort Minor appeared in 2004 as a solo project of the famous MC vocalist Linkin Park .
Mike Shinoda himself claims that the project arose not so much from the desire to get out of the shadow of the world famous group. And more from the need to put songs somewhere that did not fit Linkin Park's style. Before talking about how successful the project turned out, you need to remember how it all began.
Mike Shinoda's childhood
And it all started at 3 years old. It was then that Mike first touched music in the piano class, where his mother enrolled him. And already at the age of 12, Mike wrote a full-fledged composition, which won first place in the competition. What is most interesting, the members were several years older than the young Shinoda.
But Mike was not limited to classical music. By the age of 13, he was already fond of such areas as:
- Jazz;
- Blues;
- Hip-hop;
- Guitar;
- Rep.
Specific, at first glance, the taste of the young musician will later become what will help the Fort Minor project to achieve success.
The beginning of the career of a Fort Minor musician
The further development of Mike Shinoda as a musician was not so remarkable. After leaving school, he entered college in a profession that had nothing to do with music. Fate prepared for him a diploma of a graphic designer.
But it was during the university years that the main line-up of the Linkin Park group was assembled, which would later thunder all over the world. And it will only happen in 1999.
In the meantime, Mike becomes one of the founders of the Hero group. It includes almost all members of the future Linkin Park group except for the soloist. In 1997, the band's first cassette appears. It included only 4 songs. However, it was not possible to make a splash - none of the labels agreed to cooperate.
As part of Linkin Park
The group was much more fortunate when, in 1999, changing their name to a derivative of "Lincoln Park", they recorded a new album. The work brought fame and gave a charge for further work. That is why new albums appeared in 2000, 2002 and 2004. These albums firmly strengthened the group and gave it the opportunity to develop.
Already in 2007, a well-known magazine awarded them an honorable 72nd place among the best metal bands. But in 2004, in addition to the new album, there was another significant event. Mike Shinoda started working on his solo project Fort Minor.
Other activities of the musician
Many people know Mike as a musical genius, the creator of several successful projects. However, the fact that in his life he found application for the education he received is not too advertised.
In 2003, Shinoda's musical path didn't look so clear. He managed to work with a shoe company and created a logo for clients. 2004 was the opening year for 10 Mike's paintings, which were used as covers for future music albums. In 2008, an exhibition of 9 paintings was held at the Japan National Museum.
Fort Minor
Speaking about this project, we should first touch on the name. After all, Mike himself allocated a special place for him. The fact that the project does not bear the name of its creator is already intriguing.
Shinoda said that this project is about making people feel the music. There was no purpose to glorify his name. Like the project's music, the title is controversial. Fort is a symbol of rough music, Minor represents darkness and tranquility.
Despite the fact that the project is solo, many individuals participated in its development and implementation:
- Holly Brook;
- Jonah Matranji;
- John Legend and others
Stages of activity of Fort Minor
- 2003-2004 - the formation of the project. The need to create a new product;
- 2005 Release of the first album "The Rising Tied"
- 2006-2007 - Only a few songs "SCOM", "Dolla", "Get It" "Spraypaint & Ink Pens" are released and become famous. Used as soundtracks in films.
- year 2009. The release of the new album has been postponed indefinitely.
- 2015 A new album called "Welcome" is being released.
2006 was a special time for Fort Minor. Then Mike Shinoda announced that he was freezing the project for an unlimited time. This was done for the reason that a lot of work was planned with the Linkin Park group.
Project recognition
Fort Minor proved to be a successful endeavor. From the very beginning, in 2005, he received positive comments from critics, and has held the position since then. Project achievements include:
- Entry into the Billboard 200, at number 51.
- The use of music as soundtracks in films: "Handsome"; "Friday Night Lights"; "Karate Kid", etc.
But most importantly, the albums of the project are deeply embedded in the hearts of the fans. It was this fact that allowed the project to rediscover itself and be reborn in 2015. Then, according to Mike himself, on the Internet, he saw 100 requests for the revival of the project, and listened to his fans.
Despite the fact that Fort Minor is a solo project, his albums often echoed the performances of Mike Shinoda's main band. Often at Linkin Park concerts, you could hear verses from Fort Minor songs, and sometimes entire songs performed by the group.
