Meet Emily Marcia Armstrong—the name that’s been buzzing through music circles since her rise as the new co-lead vocalist of Linkin Park. Born on May 6, 1986, this American musician, singer, and songwriter isn’t just another face in the crowd; she’s the co-founder of the rock band Dead Sara and now a key player in the iconic Linkin Park lineup. Talk about a career jump!
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emily Marcia Armstrong |
| Date of Birth | May 6, 1986 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Early Life | Raised in the Church of Scientology; began playing guitar at 11 |
| Education | Dropped out of high school to pursue music |
| Band | Co-founder of Dead Sara |
| Genre | Rock, Alternative Rock |
| Debut with Linkin Park | September 5, 2024 |
| Notable Songs | “The Emptiness Machine,” “We Will Rock You” |
| Previous Collaborations | Offspring, Beck, Demi Lovato |
| Affiliation | Church of Scientology (controversial ties) |
| Personal Life | Identifies as queer; previously dated model Kate Harrison |
| Discography with Dead Sara | The Airport Sessions (2008), Dead Sara (2012), Pleasure to Meet You (2015), The Covers (2017), Temporary Things Taking Up Space (2018), Ain’t It Tragic (2021) |
| Upcoming Album | From Zero (2024) with Linkin Park |
A Star is Born: Early Life
Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Armstrong was born in sunny Los Angeles, where dreams are as plentiful as palm trees. Her upbringing, however, was anything but ordinary—her parents were prominent members of the Church of Scientology. Yep, you heard that right! Armstrong was raised as a Scientologist. But, as fate would have it, the music bug bit her early. She picked up the guitar at just 11 years old and began singing at 15. That’s quite a head start!
Of course, school didn’t hold much appeal for her. High school? She dropped out faster than you can say “rock and roll.” Why? Because she had one goal in mind: to rock out in a band. Armstrong once shared with the El Paso Times that music was her lifeline, the one thing that kept her motivated when life threw curveballs her way.
A Rock ‘n’ Roll Journey Begins: Dead Sara
Now, let’s dive into the juicy part—Armstrong’s musical journey began in 2002. She teamed up with guitarist Siouxsie Medley, whom she met through mutual friends. Their shared love for Nirvana, L7, and the classic rock sounds of the 60s and 70s fueled their passion. Who knew a friendship could lead to such explosive music?
Initially, the duo went by the name Epiphany and took the stage for their first gig at The Mint in Los Angeles back in March 2005. Alongside singing, Armstrong also played bass—because why not add another string to your bow?
Before Dead Sara even dropped their debut album, Armstrong was already grabbing attention for her voice. Grace Slick, a legendary vocalist herself, praised Armstrong’s “strong, urgent sound” in a 2011 interview with the Wall Street Journal. And if that’s not a stamp of approval, I don’t know what is! Not to mention, Courtney Love invited her to lend her vocals on Hole’s 2010 album, Nobody’s Daughter. Clearly, Armstrong was on the radar of the music elite.
A Rising Star
Armstrong’s collaborations don’t stop there. Before she took the helm with Linkin Park, she was already rubbing shoulders with artists like The Offspring, Beck, Demi Lovato, Awolnation, and even Robby Krieger from The Doors. Talk about a rock ‘n’ roll résumé!
The Big Shift: Linkin Park
Fast forward to September 5, 2024. The music world held its breath as Armstrong was introduced as Linkin Park’s new co-lead vocalist during a livestreamed concert. What a moment! The show featured “The Emptiness Machine,” the lead single from the band’s upcoming album, From Zero, set to be released on November 15, 2024.
Imagine that! Just a few days later, on September 11, she took the stage at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles for her first public performance with the band. Steve Appleford from the Los Angeles Times lauded her ability to deliver both “rich melodies and throat-ripping vocals,” seamlessly fitting into Linkin Park’s established sound. Meanwhile, Chris Willman from Variety noted that the audience of around 17,000 seemed to welcome her with open arms—or rather, a roar of approval. As she belted out “The Emptiness Machine,” the lead single from the upcoming album From Zero, fans were left in awe. Chester Bennington, the band’s beloved former frontman, would surely be smiling down from above, proud of the powerful new voice joining his legacy.
Controversies: The Price of Fame
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: controversy. Armstrong’s ties to the Church of Scientology haven’t gone unnoticed. Back in 2013, she was photographed at the 44th Anniversary Gala of the Church of Scientology’s Celebrity Centre International. The media had a field day, and some fans weren’t too thrilled.
Just when the dust was settling, Armstrong found herself embroiled in the Danny Masterson trial controversy. Attending a 2020 hearing for the former actor and convicted rapist—who, by the way, is a longtime Scientologist—raised eyebrows. Armstrong later clarified that while she considered Masterson a friend, she realized attending that hearing was a misstep. She asserted her empathy for Masterson’s victims, stating that she does not condone abuse or violence against women.
Personal Life: A Peek Behind the Curtain
When it comes to her personal life, Armstrong is not shy. In 2016, she was in a relationship with model Kate Harrison and identifies as queer. She’s all about living authentically, and you’ve got to respect that!
Discography: A Musical Legacy
Now, let’s explore what Armstrong has produced over the years. Her discography with Dead Sara includes:
- The Airport Sessions (2008)
- Dead Sara (2012)
- Pleasure to Meet You (2015)
- The Covers (2017)
- Temporary Things Taking Up Space (2018)
- Ain’t It Tragic (2021)
And, of course, she’s stepping into new territory with Linkin Park’s upcoming release:
- From Zero (2024)
My Take: A New Era for Rock Music
So, what’s my take on Emily Marcia Armstrong joining Linkin Park? It’s a breath of fresh air! The music industry is known for its unpredictable twists and turns, and Armstrong embodies that spirit. With her unique sound and undeniable talent, she’s stepping into some pretty big shoes left by Chester Bennington. But here’s the kicker: she’s not trying to replace him. Instead, she’s bringing her own flair to the table. And honestly, isn’t that what we need in music today?
It’s important to recognize that artists evolve. Armstrong’s journey, from her roots in Dead Sara to her current role in Linkin Park, illustrates her growth as a musician. It shows resilience and a willingness to take risks. Sure, she’s faced criticism, but what rock star hasn’t? In the end, it’s all about the music, and if her contributions lead to powerful songs that resonate with fans, then she’s absolutely in the right place.
The Future Looks Bright
In conclusion, Emily Marcia Armstrong is a force to be reckoned with in the rock music scene. With her past experiences and current trajectory, she’s set to make waves in Linkin Park’s new chapter. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting to know her, one thing is certain: Armstrong is here to stay.
So, buckle up, folks! The ride is just beginning, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what she brings next. Whether you’re singing along to Dead Sara or jamming out to Linkin Park, remember to support artists like Armstrong who dare to follow their passion, controversy and all. After all, what’s music without a little drama?
