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Machine Shop Records, also known as Machine Shop Recordings, is a record label founded by American rock band Linkin Park members Brad Delson and Mike Shinoda in 2001. The record label has released singles and albums in genres including rock, hip hop, underground hip hop, alternative rock and nu metal.

Key Information

The label has signed several artists prior to their mainstream breakthroughs, including Holly Brook (whose name was later changed to Skylar Grey),[2] Styles of Beyond,[3] No Warning[4] and Shinoda's side project Fort Minor.[5]

History

[edit]

1999–2002: Early years

[edit]
American multi instrumentalist Mike Shinoda founded Machine Shop Records in 2008.

The label was originally known as The Shinoda Imprint, named after Mike Shinoda.[6] Machine Shop was born in drummer Rob Bourdon's living room in 1999 when the band was packing CDs and stickers into boxes to send to their very first fans. The label only had the potential to release the extended plays for the band's fan club annually. Shinoda wanted to release albums of Linkin Park under the label, but the albums were already managed by the parent company Warner Bros. Records, and managing the albums on his alone basis was a difficult job. The first release under the label was for the fan club, LP Underground 2.0, which was released on November 18, 2002. The label also made available some enhanced features, such as T-shirts, sticker, key-chain, a band picture, guitar pick and membership card. The album was co produced by Don Gilmore with Shinoda. On November 17, 2003, the label released another extended play for the LPU fan club, entitled LP Underground 3.0, which featured the unreleased songs in the live album Live in Texas (which was released on November 18, 2003, through the record label).

2003–07: Mainstream success

[edit]

The label was later renamed to Machine Shop after the involvement of the band members in the work. Brad Delson took over the work as an A&R representative of the label. The label got the breakthrough success after the release of the overnight recorded collaborative EP by Jay-Z and Linkin Park, entitled Collision Course, which was released under the collaboration of labels, Roc-A-Fella, Warner Bros. and Machine Shop. The EP was released on November 30, 2004.[7] The EP was certified as Platinum in America.[8] Later the label signed artists like No Warning, Simplistic and LNDN. Suffer, Survive became the first non-Linkin Park album and non shared label album to be released under the label. It was released on October 19, 2004. The album featured only 10 songs. The songs like, Dirtier Than the Next, Bad Timing and Hopeless Case gave a breakthrough success to the band and indirectly to the label. On November 18, 2003, the live album by Linkin Park Live in Texas was released under the label and Warner Bros. which was also certified as Platinum.[9] It was also released as a DVD which featured Chester Bennington breaking Brad Delson's guitar. At the end of the concert, Joe Hahn threw a piece of his equipment on the stage floor.

On November 22, 2005, the label again marked its success on releasing the album The Rising Tied by Fort Minor which was a side project by the founder Shinoda.[5] Under the success of the album many artists like Styles of Beyond and Holly Brook were signed in the label.[10] Holly Brook released two independent EPs Holly Brook EP and Sony CONNECT Sets under the label, whereas Styles of Beyond indirectly released singles in which they were featured through the project of Fort Minor. The singles by Fort Minor like Petrified/Remember the Name gave success to S.O.B. and Fort Minor. The breakthrough single Where'd You Go featuring Holly Brook marked number four on the Billboard Hot 100 making it the best ever debut song by any One-Hit-Wonder. The label meanwhile was also releasing EPs for Linkin Park Underground, and in addition it also released an EP for the fan club of Fort Minor, Militia. The label also released mixtapes like We Major and Razor Tag. The signing of S.O.B. brought the group back into the spotlight and marked success. On May 23, 2006, the label released Like Blood Like Honey by Holly Brook which was her debut album, which gave her the spot of #23 of U.S. Heat charts.[11] In 2006, the label again gained spotlight after the single Numb/Encore by Linkin Park & Jay-Z won the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. On October 10, 2005, the label released a mixtape of its own which was named as Machine Shop Mixtape. It featured Various Artists like Taproot, Papa Roach, Deftones and many others.[12]

Hiatus: 2007–2009

[edit]

Mike Shinoda has stated on his blog that, as of January 2009, Machine Shop Recordings will be on hiatus due to disagreements between the label and its parent company Warner Bros. Records. On 23 May 2010 Shinoda stated a new release was likely, suggesting that they are looking to the UK for new releases.[3] The label then released the album only in America.[13] The label then signed out artists like Holly Brook and Styles of Beyond, due to disagreements with Warner Bros. Records. Although there weren't many releases during this course of time, the label missed the release of the album Out of Ashes by Dead By Sunrise (a side project of Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington).

After hiatus: 2009–present

[edit]

The first release by the label after hiatus is Download to Donate like Download to Donate for Haiti, Download to Donate for Haiti V2.0 and Download to Donate: Tsunami Relief.[14][15] This project was handled by Shinoda and Enrique Iglesias. Later the release of 8-bit Rebellion! marked the return of the label, in America. The first big release after hiatus is A Thousand Suns by Linkin Park which was released on September 14, 2010. The album landed on the top of Billboard 200 marking the return to the mainstream success of label. later the success was Living Things, Recharged and The Hunting Party which marked mainstream success in United States.[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] In 2013 the label again released a non-Linkin Park album Resurrection of the Wolf only in US, No Warning after the band reunited. The label also released soundtrack album Mall. The label releases the singles by the band only in the United States, the release in other countries is released under the parent label. The label also released The Hunting Party outside the US for the first time after hiatus in Australia.[24]

Artists

[edit]

Current acts

[edit]
Act Year signed Releases under Machine Shop Description
Linkin Park 2001 20 American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. They are the first artist signed under the label.
Dean DeLeo 2005 — American guitarist known for his work with American rock band Stone Temple Pilots. He is also known for his role in the short-lived bands Talk Show and Army of Anyone. He became the second solo artist to sign under the label after Fort Minor, although he never released his own albums.
No Consequence 2009 3 Group inspired by the founder of the label Mike Shinoda.
LNDN 2011 2 Group from Chicago. Released two albums as a collaboration with Nass.
No Warning 2003 2 A hardcore punk band from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The group became the second group to get signed under the label
Ryan Giles 2013 1 A solo artist who works with different bands and worked with Linkin Park on the track Truth Inside a Lie.
Beta State 2013 2 A four-piece San Francisco band formed in 2009. They have been working hard to break into mainstream success, playing for the likes of Linkin Park, The Strokes, Florence and the Machine, Young the Giant, Cage the Elephant, and The Manchester Orchestra.
Linkin Park Underground 2001 16 The official fan club of Linkin Park. They release a CD annually only for the fans of the band.
Fort Minor 2005 4 Side project by Mike Shinoda, which was on hiatus. It released a single under the label in June, 2015 titled "Welcome".

Former acts

[edit]
Act Years on the label Releases under Machine Shop Description
Styles of Beyond 2005–2007 1 Underground hip-hop group which was on hiatus until their departure in 2013.
Holly Brook 2005–2009 3 Solo artist who worked with Shinoda on the song "Where'd You Go".
Simplistic 2002–2005 1 A rock band from Sacramento California who signed the first development deal with Machine Shop Recordings in 2002. The band recorded an EP produced by Mike Shinoda in 2003. Simplistic's 4 song EP, "The Impact of Crashing" helped to acquire the label's distribution deal from Warner Brothers, but never received distribution itself. Despite recording more than 75 original songs between the EP and in their own studio in Sacramento, the band was never funded to release an album on the label. In 2004 while interviewing producers for the album, the group recorded a song with Danny Lohner (Nine Inch Nails / A Perfect Circle), but then disbanded in 2005 due to personal and creative differences.
The Rosewood Fall 2006 1 The group is now defunct.

Current producers

[edit]

Past producers

[edit]

Discography

[edit]

The following is the list of all albums released through Machine Shop Records and distributed by Warner Bros. Records. Any additional record label involved are specified.

Linkin Park has got a total of 20 releases under the label.
Skylar Grey released three albums on the label before leaving Machine Shop in 2009.
Dean DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots is signed under the label, but didn't release any of his own albums.
Year Artist Album Type Details
2002 Linkin Park Underground LP Underground 2.0 EP
  • Released: November 18, 2002
2003 Linkin Park Meteora Studio
Linkin Park Underground LP Underground 3.0 EP
  • Released: November 17, 2003
Linkin Park Live in Texas Live
  • Released: November 18, 2003
  • Chart positions: #23 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: Platinum
2004 The Rosewood Fall Demonstrate Studio
  • Released: July 8, 2004
  • Chart positions: #105 U.S.
No Warning Suffer, Survive
  • Released: October 19, 2004
  • Chart positions: #55 U.S.
Linkin Park Underground LP Underground 4.0 EP
  • Released: November 22, 2004
Jay-Z & Linkin Park Collision Course
(released with Roc-A-Fella)
  • Released: November 30, 2004
  • Chart position: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: 2× Platinum
2005 Fort Minor Instrumental Album: The Rising Tied Digital
  • Released: January 1, 2005
Various Artists Machine Shop Mixtape Mixtape
  • Released: October 4, 2005
Skylar Grey Holly Brook EP EP
  • Released: October 11, 2005
Sony CONNECT Sets EP
  • Released: October 29, 2005
Fort Minor Fort Minor: We Major Mixtape
  • Released: October 30, 2005
Linkin Park Underground LP Underground 5.0 EP
  • Released: November 21, 2005
Fort Minor The Rising Tied Studio
  • Released: November 22, 2005
  • Chart Positions: #51 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: Platinum
2006 Skylar Grey Like Blood Like Honey Studio
  • Released: May 23, 2006
  • Chart Positions: #26 U.S. Heat
Fort Minor Sessions@AOL Live/EP
  • Released: July 18, 2006
  • Chart Positions: #10 Jpn
Militia EP
  • Released: November 22, 2006
Linkin Park Underground LP Underground 6.0
  • Released: December 5, 2006
2007 Linkin Park Minutes to Midnight Studio
  • Released: May 14, 2007
  • Chart Positions: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA Certification: 4× Platinum
Styles of Beyond Razor Tag Mixtape
  • Released: July 30, 2007
Linkin Park Underground LP Underground 7.0 EP/Live
  • Released: December 5, 2007
2008 Linkin Park Road to Revolution: Live at Milton Keynes Live
  • Released: November 21, 2008
  • Chart Positions: #41 U.S.
2009 No Consequence In the Shadow of Gods
(released with Basick) 		Studio
  • Released: 17 August 2009
Linkin Park Underground LP Underground 9.0: Demos Demo
  • Released: December 3, 2009
  • Chart Positions:
    • 73 Austria
    • 66 Germany
    • 29 New Zealand
2010 Various Artists Download to Donate for Haiti Compilation
  • Released: January 19, 2010
Linkin Park 8-Bit Rebellion Soundtrack
  • Released: April 26, 2010
A Thousand Suns Studio
  • Released: September 15, 2010
  • Chart Position: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA Certification: Platinum
Linkin Park Underground LP Underground X: Demos Compilation/Demo
  • Released: November 17, 2010
2011 Various Artists Download to Donate for Haiti V2.0 Compilation
  • Released: January 11, 2011
Download to Donate: Tsunami Relief
  • Released: March 22, 2011
Linkin Park Underground LP Underground 11 Demo
  • Released: November 15, 2011
2012 Linkin Park Living Things Studio
  • Released: June 26, 2012
  • Chart Positions: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA Certification: Platinum
Linkin Park Underground LP Underground 12 Demo
  • Released: November 16, 2012
2013 No Consequence IO
(released with Basick and Invictus Records) 		Studio
  • Released: January 1, 2013
  • Chart Positions: #72 U.S.
Beta State #Friendship - Deluxe Edition Reissue
  • Released: May 21, 2013
Linkin Park Recharged Remix
  • Released: October 29, 2013
  • Chart Positions: #10 U.S.
Linkin Park Underground LP Underground XIII Demo
  • Released: November 18, 2013
2014 No Warning Resurrection of the Wolf
(released with Bridge 9) 		Studio
  • Released: February 18, 2014
Linkin Park The Hunting Party Studio
  • Released: June 13, 2014
  • Chart Positions: #3 U.S.
  • RIAA Certification: Platinum
Linkin Park Underground LP Underground XIV Demo
  • Released: November 21, 2014
Linkin Park & Alec Puro Mall: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack
  • Released: December 12, 2014
2015 Linkin Park Underground LP Underground 15 Demo
  • Released: November 25, 2015
2016 LP Underground Sixteen
  • Released: November 21, 2016
2017 Linkin Park One More Light Studio
  • Release date: May 19, 2017
  • Chart Positions: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA Certification: Gold
One More Light Live Live
  • Released: December 15, 2017
2018 Mike Shinoda Post Traumatic (EP) EP
  • Released: January 25, 2018
2018 Mike Shinoda Post Traumatic Studio
  • Released: June 15, 2018
  • Chart Positions: #16 U.S.
2020 Linkin Park Hybrid Theory 20th Anniversary Edition Compilation
  • Released: October 9, 2020
2023 Meteora 20th Anniversary Edition
  • Released: April 7, 2023
2024 Papercuts (Singles Collection 2000–2023) Greatest Hits
  • Released: April 12, 2024
From Zero Studio
  • Released: November 15, 2024

Upcoming releases

[edit]
List of upcoming releases
Artist Album details
No Consequence
  • Title: TBA
  • Release date: TBA

Crew and employees

[edit]
  • Mike Shinoda - Founder, President
  • Brad Delson - Founder, President
  • Bill Silva - Chief Operating Officer
  • Jessica Sklar - Chief Strategy Officer, Partner
  • Ryan DeMarti - Director of Operations
  • Trish Evangelista - Project Manager
  • Lorenzo Errico - Digital Manager
  • Kymm Britton – publicity
  • Kas Mercer – publicity

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Machine Shop Records

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Machine Shop Records is an American independent record label founded in 1999 by members of the rock band Linkin Park, functioning as an imprint under Warner Bros. Records.[1] Specializing in rock, hip-hop, and alternative genres, the label has primarily served as the primary outlet for Linkin Park's discography and affiliated projects, including Mike Shinoda's side venture Fort Minor and the hip-hop group Styles of Beyond.[2] Established initially as "The Shinoda Imprint" before adopting its current name, Machine Shop Records emerged during Linkin Park's rise to fame in the early 2000s, reflecting the band's desire for greater creative control over their output and that of emerging artists.[3] The label's early releases focused on promoting innovative crossover sounds, with notable signings that bridged nu-metal, rap-rock, and electronic elements, aligning closely with Linkin Park's hybrid style. Over its history, it experienced a hiatus from approximately 2007 to 2009 amid the band's evolving priorities but reactivated to support key projects. In recent years, Machine Shop Records has been central to Linkin Park's resurgence, co-managing the release of their 2024 album From Zero, which debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and achieved strong global performance with over 37,000 units in its first week.[4] This comeback featured the band's new lineup, including vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain alongside original members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, and Joe Hahn, underscoring the label's ongoing role in the group's legacy of chart-topping success and cultural impact.[4] Beyond music releases, the label ties into broader Machine Shop Entertainment ventures, which encompass artist management and branding for Linkin Park's expansive operations.[4]

History

Founding and early years (2001–2002)

Machine Shop Records was established in 2001 by Linkin Park members Brad Delson and Mike Shinoda as an independent record label.[5] Initially named The Shinoda Imprint after Mike Shinoda, the venture began modestly in drummer Rob Bourdon's living room in Los Angeles, where the band members handled early operations like packaging CDs and merchandise for distribution.[6] This grassroots setup reflected the label's origins within the Linkin Park camp, leveraging the band's rising success from their 2000 debut album Hybrid Theory to build a platform for experimental and affiliated projects. The label's early focus centered on rock, hip hop, underground hip hop, alternative rock, and nu metal genres, serving primarily as an outlet for Linkin Park's side projects and internal collaborations.[5] It emphasized creative freedom for acts tied to the band, including early demos and extended plays that blended the group's signature fusion of heavy riffs, rap verses, and electronic elements. This approach allowed Shinoda and Delson to explore beyond mainstream constraints, fostering a space for raw, unpolished sounds that echoed Linkin Park's own evolution from their pre-Hybrid Theory days. The debut release under the label came on November 18, 2002, with the LP Underground 2.0 mixtape, an exclusive EP for the band's fan club that featured remixes, B-sides, and live tracks recorded between 1999 and 2002.[7] This limited-edition output marked Machine Shop's entry into music distribution, initially targeting underground audiences through direct-to-fan sales and club memberships. Initial signings were limited to Linkin Park-related acts, reinforcing the label's role in nurturing the band's extended creative network. Through these efforts, Machine Shop facilitated grassroots promotion and direct engagement with fans, distributing physical media and building a foundation for future independent releases.

Expansion and mainstream success (2003–2007)

In 2003, Machine Shop Records formalized its partnership with Warner Bros. Records, operating as an imprint to expand distribution and commercial opportunities beyond its initial independent efforts. This arrangement enabled the label to release Linkin Park's live album Live in Texas on November 18, 2003, certified platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding one million units in the United States. The collaboration marked a pivotal shift, allowing Machine Shop to scale operations while retaining creative control under Mike Shinoda's leadership.[8] The label's growth accelerated through strategic artist signings, beginning with Canadian hardcore band No Warning as its first external act in 2004. No Warning's major-label debut Suffer, Survive, released on October 19, 2004, via Machine Shop and Warner Bros., blended aggressive riffs with melodic elements, showcasing the label's aim to bridge underground scenes with mainstream appeal. Shortly thereafter, hip-hop group Styles of Beyond joined the roster, contributing to collaborative projects that highlighted Machine Shop's focus on genre-blending talent. These signings diversified the label's portfolio, building on early internal releases from Linkin Park's circle to attract a wider audience. Early projects under The Shinoda Imprint like the demo EP The Impact of Crashing by Simplistic in late 2003 further reinforced this role.[9][10][11][12] Commercial breakthroughs defined the period, with the November 30, 2004, release of Collision Course, a mash-up EP collaboration between Jay-Z and Linkin Park issued jointly by Roc-A-Fella, Machine Shop, Warner Bros., and Def Jam Recordings. The project debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling over 368,000 copies in its first week, and achieved double-platinum certification from the RIAA for two million units shipped by 2017, underscoring the label's role in high-profile cross-genre successes. Building on this momentum, Shinoda's side project Fort Minor released The Rising Tied on November 22, 2005, through Machine Shop and Warner Bros., featuring guest appearances from Styles of Beyond and others; the album sold over one million copies worldwide and peaked at number 51 on the Billboard 200, driven by the top-five Hot 100 single "Where'd You Go."[13][14][15] Machine Shop further expanded into marketing and events, releasing the Machine Shop Mixtape Volume 1 on October 10, 2005, curated by DJ Muggs and featuring tracks from acts like Papa Roach, Taproot, and Pennywise to promote affiliated artists and build fan engagement. This initiative, distributed via Warner Bros., handled promotional efforts for established Warner acts such as Papa Roach, integrating Machine Shop's branding into broader rock and alternative campaigns. By 2007, these efforts had solidified the label's mainstream presence, with cumulative releases achieving multi-platinum status and fostering a network of collaborative opportunities.[16][17]

Hiatus and challenges (2007–2009)

Following the mainstream success of releases like Fort Minor's The Rising Tied and Holly Brook's Like Blood Like Honey, Machine Shop Records encountered significant contractual disputes with its distributor, Warner Bros. Records, centered on issues of distribution rights and creative control over artist projects. These tensions, which began surfacing in 2007 amid negotiations for subsequent albums, led to a marked slowdown in label operations and the official announcement of a hiatus in January 2009. Mike Shinoda, the label's co-founder, detailed the situation in a blog post, stating that disagreements between Machine Shop and Warner Bros. had made it untenable to continue under the existing terms, particularly regarding the handling of artists like Styles of Beyond. During this period of limited activity, the label saw the departure of early signee Holly Brook (later known as Skylar Grey), who had joined in 2005 and released three projects under Machine Shop: the EPs Holly Brook EP (2005), Sony CONNECT Sets (2006), and New York EP (2008), alongside her 2006 album Like Blood Like Honey. Grey parted ways with the label in 2009 after prolonged negotiations with Machine Shop and Warner Bros., citing creative frustrations and a desire to pivot toward songwriting; she later described the process as leaving her unable to release music under her artist name for an extended time. No new artists were signed, reflecting the operational constraints imposed by the disputes. Internal shifts further defined the hiatus, with Shinoda redirecting his efforts toward his primary commitments with Linkin Park, including the production and promotion of their 2007 album Minutes to Midnight and extensive touring, while sidelining label expansion. This pivot allowed Shinoda to explore production collaborations outside the Machine Shop framework, though the label itself remained dormant without new signings or major releases. By late 2009, the contractual issues were resolved through renegotiated terms with Warner Bros., paving the way for eventual resumption, though details of the agreement were not publicly disclosed at the time.[18]

Revival and ongoing operations (2009–present)

Following the hiatus announced in early 2009, Machine Shop Records resumed operations with the release of Linkin Park's fourth studio album, A Thousand Suns, on September 14, 2010, through a joint venture with Warner Bros. Records.[19] The album, produced by Mike Shinoda and Rick Rubin, marked a conceptual shift toward experimental electronic and rock elements, signaling the label's renewed commitment to its core act amid evolving industry dynamics.[19] This release helped stabilize the imprint by leveraging Linkin Park's established fanbase, with the label providing creative oversight and marketing support for subsequent projects by affiliated artists during the 2010s.[2] In the 2020s, Machine Shop Records achieved a significant milestone with the release of Linkin Park's eighth studio album, From Zero, on November 15, 2024, representing the band's first full-length project since the death of vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017.[4] Featuring new co-vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain alongside surviving original members, the album debuted at No. 1 in 10 countries, driven by strong physical sales (23,149 units in the UK), downloads (4,474), and streaming consumption (10,203 equivalent units), underscoring the label's role in facilitating the group's high-profile comeback.[4] Lead single "The Emptiness Machine," released on September 5, 2024, amassed over 250 million Spotify streams, highlighting Machine Shop's integration of modern promotional strategies.[4] The project was supported by six arena performances across September to November 2024, reinforcing the label's focus on live activations.[4] A deluxe edition of From Zero was released on May 16, 2025, featuring three new songs—"Up From the Bottom," "Unshatter," and "Let You Fade"—along with five live tracks recorded during the initial tour dates. This expanded release further demonstrated the label's adaptability to fan demand and streaming trends. Machine Shop Records expanded into digital distribution channels during this period, capitalizing on streaming platforms to broaden accessibility for its releases, as evidenced by From Zero's hybrid performance across physical and digital formats.[20] The imprint also evolved into a broader lifestyle brand under Machine Shop Entertainment, incorporating event production and fan engagement initiatives, such as Linkin Park Underground club activations and catalog celebrations like the 20th-anniversary box sets for Hybrid Theory.[4] As of November 2025, Machine Shop remains an active imprint distributed by Warner Records, emphasizing hybrid rock and electronic projects while adapting to streaming-dominated industry shifts. The From Zero World Tour, supporting the album, has continued through 2025 with dates across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, extending into early 2026.[4][21]

Roster

Current artists

Linkin Park remains the cornerstone and flagship artist of Machine Shop Records, co-founded by band members Mike Shinoda and Brad Delson in 2001. The group has an extensive discography spanning multiple studio albums, EPs, remix collections, and live recordings, with their eighth studio album, From Zero, marking a significant return in 2024 through a partnership with Warner Records and Machine Shop.[4][22] As of 2025, Linkin Park continues to drive the label's visibility with their ongoing "From Zero 2025 World Tour," new single releases like "Up From The Bottom," and reports of additional music in production, emphasizing their enduring influence on rock and alternative genres.[23][24] Fort Minor, the hip-hop side project of Mike Shinoda, operates as an active extension of Machine Shop's roster, focusing on collaborative and rap-oriented work. The project debuted with the album The Rising Tied in 2005, released via Machine Shop and Warner Bros. Records, and has since produced four key releases including singles, instrumentals, and featured contributions that blend hip-hop with rock elements.[2] In recent years, Fort Minor has remained involved in live performances and collaborations tied to Linkin Park's activities, maintaining its presence within the label's creative ecosystem.[25] No Warning, a hardcore punk band from Toronto, Canada, has been a longstanding act on Machine Shop since signing in 2003, contributing two notable releases including their 2004 album Suffer, Survive.[9][26] The group, known for its aggressive sound and ties to the punk scene, continues as a core roster member with ongoing touring commitments, including shows across North America in 2025 that highlight their sustained activity and fanbase loyalty.[27]

Former artists

Machine Shop Records has seen several artists depart over the years, often due to the completion of contracts, pursuit of independent careers, or shifts in label priorities during its hiatus period from 2007 to 2009. These former signees contributed to the label's early hip-hop and alternative roster, with some achieving notable collaborations before their exits.[28] Styles of Beyond, a hip-hop group, was signed to Machine Shop Records in 2005 following their contributions to Mike Shinoda's Fort Minor project, including the track "Remember the Name." During their tenure, the group worked on material that highlighted their rapid-fire lyricism and fusion of hip-hop with rock elements, though they did not release a full album under the label. The group amicably split from Machine Shop in late 2008 amid disagreements with the parent Warner Bros. Records, regaining ownership of their unreleased album Reseda Beach, which they later issued independently on Dirty Version Records in 2012.[28][29] Skylar Grey, initially signed as Holly Brook in 2004, joined Machine Shop Records as a solo artist and became known for her emotive songwriting and piano-driven pop. She released her debut album Like Blood Like Honey in 2006 through the label, featuring introspective tracks that blended folk and alternative influences, and contributed vocals to Fort Minor's "Where'd You Go," which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Grey departed in 2009 following the label's hiatus, allowing her to pursue solo endeavors under her new stage name, including subsequent releases on other labels.[30][31][32][33] Dead by Sunrise, the alternative rock project of Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington, was signed to Machine Shop Records and released its debut and only album, Out of Ashes, in 2009. The album featured a mix of post-grunge and electronic elements, with Bennington handling vocals and songwriting. Following Bennington's death in 2017 and the label's focus on Linkin Park's revival, the project became inactive, marking it as a former act. Simplistic, an early electronic and rock act from Sacramento, California, signed the label's first development deal in 2002 and released the EP The Impact of Crashing in 2003 under The Shinoda Imprint, a precursor to Machine Shop Recordings. The EP showcased their nu-metal-infused sound with limited production, marking one of the label's initial forays into alternative rock. The band became inactive after 2005, with no further releases, as contractual obligations concluded without additional output.[12] Common patterns among these departures included the natural end of development deals or recording contracts, as well as artists seeking greater independence amid the label's operational challenges in the late 2000s. These exits allowed former artists to explore new opportunities outside Machine Shop's imprint structure.[30]

Affiliated producers

Mike Shinoda serves as the primary producer for Machine Shop Records, overseeing projects for his side group Fort Minor and Linkin Park, where he blends hip-hop beats with rock instrumentation to create hybrid sounds.[34] His production on Fort Minor's 2005 album The Rising Tied exemplifies this approach, integrating rap verses over guitar-driven tracks and electronic elements for a nu-metal-infused hip-hop aesthetic. Similarly, Shinoda's work on Linkin Park albums like Meteora (2003) and later releases emphasizes layered sampling and rhythmic fusion, maintaining the label's focus on genre-crossing innovation. Brad Delson, co-founder of Machine Shop Records, contributes as a co-producer with a focus on guitar production and oversight, particularly for nu-metal tracks that highlight aggressive riffs and tonal clarity.[35] His role in Linkin Park's sessions ensures the integration of heavy guitar elements into broader arrangements, as seen in co-production credits on the label's flagship releases. On the 2024 album From Zero, Delson co-produced alongside Shinoda, shaping the record's rock foundation while adapting to the band's evolving lineup.[36] Other affiliated producers include external collaborators who bring specialized expertise to Machine Shop projects, such as those involved in From Zero, emphasizing electronic integrations in post-2020 releases. Colin Brittain, a multi-instrumentalist and co-producer on the album, contributed to its polished, genre-blending sound with electronic textures and drum programming.[36] Mike Elizondo provided additional production on tracks like "Heavy Is the Crown" and "Overflow," incorporating subtle electronic layers to enhance the hybrid rock-rap dynamics.[36] Machine Shop Records' production philosophy centers on innovative mixing techniques for hybrid genres, prioritizing seamless genre fusion over traditional boundaries, as evident in releases from 2010 to 2025. This approach is showcased in Shinoda's solo album Post Traumatic (2018), which mixes hip-hop, rock, and electronic production for introspective narratives, and extends to From Zero's use of modern digital effects to bridge nu-metal roots with contemporary electronic influences.

Discography

Major releases by artist

Linkin Park Linkin Park's association with Machine Shop Records, co-founded by band member Mike Shinoda in 2001, has resulted in numerous releases, including seven studio albums that marked significant commercial milestones for the label. Their third studio album, Meteora (2003), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and has sold over 13 million copies worldwide, establishing the band's global dominance in the nu-metal genre.[37][38] The band's fourth album, Minutes to Midnight (2007), topped the Billboard 200 upon release and achieved sales exceeding 7.8 million units globally, with the lead single "What I've Done" earning a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance. A Thousand Suns (2010) followed, peaking at number one on the Billboard 200 and selling approximately 2 million copies, noted for its experimental electronic direction.[37][39] Living Things (2012) also reached number one on the Billboard 200, certified platinum in the US with sales around 2.5 million. The Hunting Party (2014) debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, emphasizing a return to heavier rock elements. One More Light (2017) peaked at number one internationally in multiple countries, though it sold approximately 1.5 million copies amid mixed reception. Most recently, From Zero (2024) debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 upon its November 15 release, driven by 97,000 equivalent album units in its first week from strong sales and streaming with the new lineup.[4][39][40] Dead by Sunrise Dead by Sunrise, Mike Shinoda's alternative rock side project, released its debut and only studio album Out of Ashes on June 13, 2009, through Machine Shop Recordings and Warner Bros. Records. The album debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart and number 45 on the Billboard 200, featuring introspective tracks with guest appearances, though it did not achieve major commercial success.[41] Fort Minor Fort Minor, Mike Shinoda's hip-hop side project, released its debut and only studio album The Rising Tied on November 22, 2005, through Machine Shop Recordings and Warner Bros. Records. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 51 on the Billboard 200, eventually certified platinum by the RIAA for over 1 million US sales, bolstered by the hit single "Where'd You Go" featuring Skylar Grey, which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.[42][15] A promotional EP, Sampler Mixtape (2005), preceded it, while Sessions@AOL (2006) captured live performances, contributing to the project's cult following.[43] Skylar Grey Signed to Machine Shop as Holly Brook, Skylar Grey released her debut studio album Like Blood Like Honey on May 23, 2006, produced by Jon Ingoldsby and featuring introspective folk-pop tracks. The album peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, marking her introduction to a broader audience before her shift to songwriting for artists like Eminem.[44][45] Limited additional outputs under the label included collaborative singles, but no further full-length albums were issued before her departure in 2009. No Warning No Warning's Suffer, Survive (2004), the Canadian hardcore band's first release on Machine Shop, arrived on October 19 and represented the label's initial foray beyond Linkin Park with its aggressive, metallic hardcore sound produced by Greig Nori and Matt Hyde. The 10-track album received niche acclaim in the punk scene but did not achieve mainstream chart success, focusing instead on underground impact through tours and reissues. A reunion EP, Resurrection of the Wolf (2013), limited to a 7-inch vinyl benefiting the family of late bassist Zach Amster, was issued in the US via Machine Shop, underscoring the label's support for the act's revival.[46][10]

Compilations and collaborations

Machine Shop Records has facilitated several key compilations and collaborative efforts that underscore cross-artist partnerships and thematic collections, often blending rock, hip-hop, and electronic elements. The label's most commercially successful collaborative project is the 2004 EP Collision Course, a mashup album pairing Linkin Park with Jay-Z, released through Machine Shop Recordings in conjunction with Warner Bros. Records, Roc-A-Fella Records, and Def Jam Recordings.[13] The six-track release fused hip-hop verses from Jay-Z with Linkin Park's nu-metal instrumentals and vocals, producing hits like "Numb/Encore," which peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.[47] It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 368,000 copies sold in its first week and has achieved double platinum certification in the United States, with global sales exceeding 3 million units.[47][48][49] Another significant series under the label is the LP Underground, a collection of fan-exclusive mixtapes and compilations distributed through Linkin Park's LPU membership program. Beginning with LP Underground 2.0 in 2002, which included demos, remixes, and live tracks from 1999–2002, the series continued with annual editions such as Underground 5.0 (2005) and Underground 7.0 (2007), featuring B-sides, rarities, and unreleased material to engage dedicated fans.[7][2] These releases, produced and distributed by Machine Shop Recordings, emphasized community-driven content over mainstream promotion.[2] In 2005, Machine Shop Records issued Machine Shop Mixtape Volume 1, a promotional compilation mixed by DJ Muggs, showcasing tracks from associated artists including Taproot and Papa Roach.[16] This effort highlighted intra-label synergies and served as a sampler for the roster's diverse sounds. Additionally, Fort Minor's 2005 album The Rising Tied, led by Mike Shinoda, incorporated collaborations such as "Remember the Name" featuring Styles of Beyond, who joined the label in 2006 following joint tours.[28][50] These pre-2010 features from Styles of Beyond further integrated hip-hop lyricism with rock production, as seen in their contributions to Fort Minor tracks.[28] These compilations and collaborations significantly advanced genre fusion by merging hip-hop and rock, with Collision Course earning praise for its innovative mashup format and commercial viability, influencing later hybrid projects.[47] The LP Underground series, meanwhile, strengthened fan loyalty through exclusive content, while mixtapes like Volume 1 promoted label diversity; their collective impact persists, as evidenced by 2024 anniversary celebrations of Collision Course.[48]

Upcoming releases

As of November 2025, Machine Shop Records has not publicly announced any new album or project releases for its roster. The label's most recent major output was the deluxe edition of Linkin Park's From Zero, issued on May 16, 2025, which added three new studio tracks and five live recordings from the band's ongoing world tour.[51] This edition built on the original album's November 2024 debut, incorporating tie-ins to the tour that continued through the year.[52] No updates on potential extensions, new signings in electronic or rock genres, or projects involving affiliates like No Consequence have been confirmed in industry reports.[53]

Operations and impact

Business structure and leadership

Machine Shop Records operates as an imprint of Warner Records (formerly Warner Bros. Records), a division of Warner Music Group, with distribution handled by the parent company since 2003.[54] As a joint venture, the label maintains independent creative control for its artists, allowing founders and primary stakeholders to guide artistic decisions while leveraging Warner's global infrastructure for promotion and release.[4] Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the label functions as part of the broader Machine Shop Entertainment, an in-house management and branding entity owned by Linkin Park members.[55] The label was founded in 2001 by Linkin Park guitarist and producer Brad Delson and vocalist and producer Mike Shinoda, who remain the primary decision-makers and presidents, overseeing strategic direction and artist signings.[56] Key executives include Chief Operating Officer Bill Silva, who manages day-to-day operations alongside a team of managers such as Ryan DeMarti, focusing on artist development and legacy projects.[57][4] Marketing efforts are supported by Warner executives, including co-chairman Tom Corson and SVP Jen Ivory.[4] Following a period of legal disputes with Warner Music Group in the mid-2000s over royalties, which were resolved by 2006, Machine Shop Records revived operations post-2009 amid the rise of digital streaming platforms.[58] The label adapted its structure to emphasize digital rights management, partnering with services like Spotify to capitalize on streaming revenue, as evidenced by Linkin Park's 56 million monthly listeners as of late 2024 and over 250 million streams for key singles by 2024.[4] This shift enabled sustained operations, blending physical releases with digital distribution to support both legacy catalog reissues and new artist projects.[4]

Marketing, events, and brand extensions

Machine Shop Entertainment, the broader entity encompassing the record label, has developed a dedicated marketing arm focused on grassroots promotion. This division provides publicity and marketing services to external artists and brands, leveraging direct fan engagement strategies honed through Linkin Park's operations. For instance, it has supported promotional efforts for established acts by facilitating community-driven campaigns and college outreach initiatives.[59] The company's events portfolio centers on fan-centric experiences tied to the Linkin Park Underground (LPU) fan club, which has organized exclusive gatherings since its inception in 2001. These include intimate acoustic performances at the Machine Shop headquarters, such as a three-song set ahead of major tours, fostering deeper connections between the band and its supporters. In recent years, LPU events have expanded to include meet-and-greets and summits during international tours, enhancing community loyalty. For the 2024–2025 From Zero World Tour, Machine Shop provided operational support, including ticket presales exclusive to LPU members with premium memberships, which helped drive attendance across the four-continent itinerary that spanned January 2025 to November 2025 and attracted an estimated 1.2 million fans with multiple sold-out shows.[60][61][4][62] Brand extensions emphasize lifestyle elements aligned with nu metal and hip-hop influences, particularly through merchandise and apparel lines. Machine Shop has partnered with entities like Hard Rock International for signature series collections, including limited-edition T-shirts and apparel that blend rock aesthetics with charitable initiatives, such as proceeds benefiting Music for Relief's environmental efforts. These extensions also incorporate digital content tie-ins, like exclusive LPU downloads and online community activations. In 2025, collaborations extended to experiential activations, such as integrating Haribo branding into tour elements for interactive fan engagements.[63][64] The 2020s marked significant growth for Machine Shop's extensions, propelled by social media virality and streaming integrations. The lead single from Linkin Park's 2024 album From Zero, "The Emptiness Machine," amassed over 250 million Spotify streams within months of release and has since exceeded 700 million as of November 2025, amplified by targeted social campaigns that boosted global chart performance. This streaming momentum, combined with LPU's digital community tools, contributed to the label's expanded reach, with From Zero achieving No. 1 status in multiple markets and underscoring the efficacy of hybrid online-offline branding strategies.[4][65]

References

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  32. https://www.discogs.com/artist/401858-Holly-Brook
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  44. https://www.discogs.com/release/5764082-No-Warning-Suffer-Survive
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