According to Mike Shinoda, the lead rapper and co-vocalist of Linkin Park, the band’s relationship with Microsoft began when Halo tournaments were held on the original Xbox, before this relationship developed further as the team worked to develop a music making application known as Stagelight, where that included support for touchscreens on Windows 8. Shonida expanded, “In working on Stagelight, I was introduced to Microsoft in a way that was surprising and intriguing. With new Windows devices that come with touchscreens, I saw a potential for the future of music writing, recording, and mixing–I envisioned these computers as the hub of the studio environment, augmenting or replacing the classic mixing consoles that currently eat up the studio space. As we met various people at Microsoft, I was inspired by the passion and creativity behind their innovations.” [Press Release]