Linkin Park’s EMILY ARMSTRONG had to address rumors she had a NEW GIRLFRIEND!
During her recent appearance on the podcast episode “From Zero: A Conversation with Mike Shinoda and Emily Armstrong,” the singer revealed that when she originally joined Linkin Park and still couldn’t tell anyone, she was so happy and inspired that those close to her thought she was in a new relationship.
“Like, it got to a point and they’re like, ‘Who is she?’ And I’m like, ‘No, it’s not…’” she said.
“They thought it was a relationship?! That’s so funny.” Mike Shinoda added.
Armstrong continued: “So, I’m like, ‘I don’t know, I’m so inspired’… Like, my life, it just feels like something… something big is happening and I can’t tell anybody.”
With Emily Armstrong now taking the spotlight as the new lead singer of Linkin Park, replacing Chester Bennington, critics are closely scrutinizing her involvement with the band. At the heart of the debate lies Armstrong’s controversial ties, including past associations with convicted rapist Danny Masterson and the Church of Scientology, which has faced accusations of human rights violations.
While Armstrong has publicly stated that she has cut ties with Masterson and distanced herself from Scientology, she has been criticized heavily for her association. Former Scientologist Chrissie Carnell Bixler, who is the wife of The Mars Volta’s Cedric Bixler-Avala, recently attacked Linkin Park singer Emily Armstrong due to her ties to the Church of Scientology. Amid this scrutiny, one way to understand Armstrong’s true character may be to dive into her work with Dead Sara and explore the themes she tackles in her music.
Through Dead Sara’s discography, it’s clear that Emily Armstrong often tackles with themes of disillusionment, particularly with organized religion. For instance, Linkin Park’s new track “Emptiness Machine,” although not officially penned by Armstrong, has elements that resonate deeply with her usual style. The song touches on feelings of emptiness and religious disillusionment, mirroring lyrics in her past work.
One example of this is Dead Sara’s track “S**cidal” from the Pleasure to Meet You album. In this song, Armstrong’s irreverence towards religion is unmistakable. The lyrics, “We’re s**cidal! Come on and raise your Bible! Run and throw my life away,” demonstrate a sharp critique of religious institutions, particularly their failure to provide comfort during moments of mental anguish. The song doesn’t celebrate despair but rather highlights the struggles of those battling mental illness, seeking solace not in faith but in human connection.
Mental Health
Another recurring theme in Armstrong’s work is mental health. Through her songwriting, she doesn’t shy away from exploring feelings of depression, self-loathing, and s**cidal ideation. “For You I Am,” another track from Pleasure to Meet You, takes a more sincere and vulnerable approach. The lyrics, “I wanna be dead! I wanna be gone! For you I am! But I’m slowly dying,” reveal a raw expression of emotional pain. While it echoes the same feelings present in “Suicidal,” this song shows the fragile hope that comes from love and human connection, rather than relying on religious solace.
Emily Armstrong controversy and art
While Emily Armstrong’s personal connections and public statements about her ties to Scientology and Masterson have left many unsatisfied, her body of work provides insight into her values and mindset. Her lyrics reflect someone grappling with the complexities of mental health, religious disenchantment, and human vulnerability. While she hasn’t explicitly denounced Scientology or offered a more forceful stance, her music suggests a deep conflict with the very ideologies that Scientology represents.
Armstrong’s music speaks to those who have battled mental health challenges and felt alienated by religious institutions. Her refusal to sugarcoat her struggles makes her an authentic voice in rock.
Emily Armstrong’s work with Dead Sara sheds light on her character far more than public controversy ever could. While her personal life and associations may continue to be questioned, her music offers a candid look at her internal world.
