Linkin Park DJ Joe Hahn Says Chester Bennington is a Better Songwriter Thanks to Stone Temple Pilots

2013-10-13

Story by Anne Erickson

Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington is growing as a songwriter from his time in Stone Temple Pilots, says Joe Hahn

Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington may be keeping busy fronting Stone Temple Pilots at the moment, but all the work with his new band may end up benefiting Linkin Park. According to Linkin Park DJ Joe Hahn, Bennington’s work with Stone Temple Pilots has only made the singer a better musician.

“Especially recently, Chester’s songwriting has been incredible,” Hahn told Rolling Stone. “For him to flex that [songwriting muscle] with Stone Temple Pilots…he’s definitely a person that has a lot of stuff inside of him, and you can tell by watching him perform it’s there and it needs to come out.”

As for how Hahn feels about Linkin Park being in Stone Temple Pilots, he couldn’t be happier. In fact, Hahn is a huge fan of the band. “Chester is such a great singer and for him to have the opportunity to go and sing with other people, we’re appreciative of them for asking Chester to do it,” he said. “I think on a spiritual level it works in so many ways, where it’s not even about there being a benefit, it’s just something that feels right, especially for Chester.”

Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington released their debut EP, “High Rise,” this week. Meanwhile, Linkin Park will release “Recharged,” an album featuring fresh interpretations of songs from 2012’s “Living Things,” on Oct. 29.