Chester Bennington
Photo: MTV News

Members of successful rock bands having side projects or solo careers is nothing new, and it's become even more common as technology has made it easier to record and distribute music. But one conundrum remains: Which ideas go where? And how do you prevent the projects from cannibalizing each other both creatively and commercially?

If anyone knows that situation, it's Chester Bennington, the singer-songwriter of two successful rock outfits: Linkin Park (who plan to have a new LP out next year) and his Dead By Sunrise, which released its long-percolating debut LP earlier this month.

At the Ulalume Music Festival last weekend, Bennington explained how he can tell what goes where. "I can kind of tell like which songs are a little too grungy, a little too punk-driven [for Linkin Park]."

Bennington also said that the collaborative process with Linkin Park helps make the decision as well. "On a song like 'Let Down,' which I felt really strongly about, I really wanted that song not to change. I didn't want to go in and change the words, I didn't want to change any of the vibe, and I knew that would happen a lot taking it to Linkin Park. So it was pretty easy to figure that out."

However, he admitted that the decision is often not quite so simple.

"As time went on it got easier," he said. "I hear a song like 'Condemned' in my head and I know that's probably not going to end up on a Linkin Park record. But now it's getting really difficult, because Linkin Park is going in so many directions it's kind of hard to figure out which songs are which."

• MTV News Extended Play: Ulalume Edition

• Dead By Sunrise
• Linkin Park

Linkin Park's Chester Bennington
Photo: MTV News

After nearly five years in the incubator, earlier this month, Chester Bennington finally released Out of Ashes, the debut disc from his long-gestating side project Dead by Sunrise. Let's just say he's not waiting that long to get back to his day job.

"Linkin Park are in the studio right now," he told MTV News backstage at this past weekend's Ulalume Festival in Columbia, Maryland. "And we've got a sh-- ton of music. I mean, really, it's ridiculous."

Bennington said LP are once again working with producer Rick Rubin — who produced their last effort, 2007's Minutes to Midnight — on the new album. And, yes, they're still sticking to the concept Bennington had first mentioned last year, only, you know, with a slightly different, slightly more realistic twist.

"It's like, 'Oh, let's go and make this giant opus that no one's ever done. It's going to cost billions of dollars and take forever.' And we're like, 'Wait a second, it's going to cost billions of dollars and take forever,' " he laughed. "[So] we might need to just make a record and still try to do a concept but figure out a way to do it without actually waiting another five or six years to put out a record, to try to pull off all the grandiose insanity we were thinking of doing. And we're doing that. So I would imagine, I'm guessing even conservatively, that we'll probably have a record out by June of next year."

Bennington said that, in keeping with Linkin Park tradition, the new album will be sonically adventurous and that it might even feature a few tunes he'd intended for Dead by Sunrise's follow-up to Ashes.

"It's kind of funny, because I wrote a song, and I was positive it was a Dead by Sunrise song, and I was in the studio playing it, and [LP guitarist] Brad [Delson] goes, 'You are putting that down right now!' " he said. "And I was like, 'Well, apparently that's a Linkin Park song.' The song is called called 'F---ing Awesome,' by the way."

Sounds rad. And though he's pushing hard on the new Linkin Park album, Bennington's not quite finished with Dead by Sunrise — not by a long shot, it would seem.

"We are going to tour, and we are going to make more records," he said. "And we're actually talking about doing a festival of just the bands we're in, so it will be Linkin Park, Orgy, Fort Minor, Dead by Sunrise, Julien-K, Circuit Freq, JK-DJs — it's a pretty good bill. It'll have to be called the Narcissist Tour."

• Linkin Park

Chester Bennington
Photo: MTV News

Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington has already described his Dead by Sunrise side project as being "really dark ... like post-apocalyptic 'Blade Runner' meets LSD," so he's not exactly afraid to talk about the rather dark period in his life that birthed his new band.

"I came up with the band name because in the beginnings of making this album, I was partying ... we'll call it partying. It wasn't much fun, but we partied a lot. And there was a lot of times where I was kind of in a really self-destructive place, and sometimes it felt like you weren't sure if you were going to make it to the next day," he explained. "The name kind of evolved from that lifestyle, and the title of the record, Out of Ashes, is kind of coming out of that self-destructive path I was on, and rising from the ashes, so to speak."

And so, like most of the songs on Ashes, "Crawl Back In" — for which Bennington recently shot a video in California's Vasquez Rocks Natural Park — is plenty dark: full of churning, burning, grunge guitars. But it's not pitch-black: Lyrically, the song details Bennington's slow climb back into the light — a climb that started with some serious self-discovery.

"It's a song about questioning your authenticity. I do that every once in a while; I wonder how many of my own thoughts are really my own, and how much influence do the people around me have on the person I am," he said. "There's a lot of that on the record. There's a very dark side [to it], and there's a very light side on it. There are songs about being in love and there's songs about hating people. It's a very strange juxtaposition. And that represents what had been going on in my life over the past couple of years — really great moments happening at the same time as these really terrible things were happening."

And, admittedly, most of those "really great" moments had to do with his other band, Linkin Park. And while Bennington is eternally grateful for all that LP — and their fans — have given him, he's also not afraid to push either away with Dead by Sunrise.

"I think that being in Linkin Park, our sound is so different from song to song and record to record that I really was forced to stop worrying about what I might think our fans want to hear, as opposed to just writing music that I like," he said. "I think that if you get into a place as an artist that is focusing on outside opinions of people you don't even know — like, 'What does the 15-year-old kid in Cleveland think of this song?' — I really don't know, and if I focus on that, I almost end up biting myself to ensure that I keep giving them what they want, and that's a dangerous place to be in.

"I don't want to be a caricature of myself, just kind of rewriting the same song over and over again, to get people to buy it," he continued. "I'd rather take a chance at doing something new and different and lose a few and gain a few rather than keep the same ones around. You can't make everybody happy."

And to that point, though Ashes will finally hit stores in September, Bennington isn't about to forget his Linkin Park duties anytime soon ... in fact, he's trying very hard to combine Dead by Sunrise with LP. Literally.

"I'm actually taking these guys out with me. [Linkin Park] is leaving for Europe and Japan, and Dead by Sunrise is going to be joining us on tour, and we're actually going to be jumping in the middle of LP's set, playing a few songs, then jumping out and letting LP finish out the set," Bennington said. "And that was actually an idea that was brought up by the guys in Linkin Park. I think it's going to be amazing. Exhausting, but amazing."

• Linkin Park

Linkin Park's Brad Delson and Chester Bennington at the premiere of "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"
Photo: Kevin Winter/Staff

Say what you will about "New Divide," the brand-new Linkin Park track featured in the upcoming "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," but you can't accuse the guys of departing from their time-tested formula.

The big, rocket-launcher guitars, the electronic fireworks, the vocal gymnastics — it's very much classic Linkin Park, the kind of tune that's helped move millions of albums and pack arenas around the globe. And if you're an LP fan, you should probably savor it, because from the sound of things, Linkin Park might be leaving songs like "Divide" behind for good.

"We've got this song for 'Transformers,' and then sometime soon after this, Chester's going to be releasing a solo record called Dead by Sunrise, and that will be out towards the end of this year," Linkin Park MC Mike Shinoda said. "And then early next year there's going to be another Linkin Park record too. We've been writing a lot and all the stuff we've been experiencing and stuff we've seen — that stuff is all going into the songs. Over the next year or so, you're going to get a lot of different LP music, and I think you're going to get a lot of takes on everything that's been going on."

And that "different" music starts with Bennington's Sunrise, a long-in-the-works project that the singer says will finally see the light of day in September. And in keeping with what Shinoda was saying, Bennington is warning Linkin Park fans to prepare to be shocked by what they'll hear. Oh, and to fire up their black lights too.

"There's a stylistic thing that's different. With Linkin Park, we have a signature sound — you know it when you hear us. [Dead by Sunrise] does not have that feel. It has a completely different feel. Trying to describe that difference is like trying to describe the difference between Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, you know?" he said. "They're both rock, but they're different styles. I'm confident in saying this next record is going to be the most challenging ... and complex and intriguing music that has come out of the Linkin Park camp. It's really dark. It's like post-apocalyptic 'Blade Runner' meets LSD."

"I have to say, I'm really proud of Chester — he has his own style. ... You know how they say you can turn on Pink Floyd and 'The Wizard of Oz' and they go together?" Shinoda added. "You'll want to put this record on with 'Blade Runner' and 'Tron.' "

"Or 'Blade Runner' and 'Tron' and 'A Clockwork Orange,' all at the same time," Bennington laughed.

And then there's the matter of Linkin Park's new album, the follow-up to their ultra-successful 2007 epic Minutes to Midnight. Already described by Bennington as being a semi-conceptual piece, it now sounds as if the band is pushing the boundaries even further.

"With working on Minutes to Midnight, we really broke out of our shell — we really discovered that we can lose our minds in our music, and we're going to keep going with that for this new one," Bennington said. "We're all creative in a lot of different ways. If you have more than one thing you're good at, or you have more than one style of doing one thing in particular, it helps keep the creativity fresh and new and keeps things rolling in a positive direction. If I was Bob Ross and I painted a forest scene every day, I'd get really good at painting a forest scene, but I don't know if I'd be very good at doing anything else."

• Linkin Park Live At The Staples Center In Los Angeles
• Linkin Park Perform At The Apple Soho Store

• Linkin Park

Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda and Brad Delson on the set of the "New Divide" music video
Photo: MTV

When Linkin Park's Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda met with "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" director (and fan of explosions) Michael Bay, they had no idea what to expect. And, it turns out, they got more than they could've ever imagined.

Not only did they get an extremely advanced look at the film, they ended up playing a role in its very creation. Which, you know, wasn't originally in the cards.

"We got together with Michael, since we had such a good experience with the first film [LP's 'What I've Done' featured prominently in Bay's original 'Transformers' flick], so he had us come in, and he ended up showing us, like, a third or half of the movie," Shinoda recalled. "So we took that, and we recorded a song based on what we saw, and really, we thought that was it. Only it wasn't.

"Michael started passing our song around to some of his people, and one of those people was Hans Zimmer — who is a world-famous, incredible film composer — and he loved it. He thought there were a lot of musical themes in the song that could work in the score," Shinoda continued. "So he basically took those themes and turned them into string arrangements, horn arrangements, all this stuff, and he had us come in and listen to them, and he proposed to do more of that for the score of the film but with us involved. And to be honest, it blew our minds. We're part of his machine now. We're working on the score of the film!"

It's a pretty amazing experience, and it's all thanks to "New Divide," the song they wrote for "Transformers 2." Based loosely on the story of Shia LaBeouf's character in the film, it showcases a new area of growth for the band — writing for something other than an LP album — but still doesn't stray from their sweet spot (read: big, huge guitars, various electronic frippery, vocal fireworks, etc.).

"This song could definitely fit on any of our albums. It's got a classic Linkin Park feel to it," Bennington said. "And that's because we treated it as if we were going to put it on one of our records and release it as the first single off that record. We knew the movie was going to be epic, so we wanted to make an epic-sounding song." (Head over to Buzzworthy for a behind-the-scenes peek at the making of the video.)

"This new 'Transformers' film is slightly darker. ... The themes are more about the main character, Sam, and what he's going through," Shinoda added. "He's going off to college, and there's more of a separation going on in his life, not to mention the fact that he's caught in this battle between his past and his future. So we tried to incorporate all that into the song."

And to that end, witness the just-premiered video for "Divide." Directed by LP DJ Joseph Hahn, it melds the band and the film together, thanks to some rather flashy digital tricks (which kind of look like Radiohead's "House of Cards" video) and kick-ass, high-energy performance footage. In fact, if you didn't know better, you'd swear Linkin Park were actually in the film. And who knows, maybe that's where they'll be in "Transformers 3."

"It's a performance video to be sure, but we wanted to keep it along the lines of the song, you know?" Shinoda said. "So visually it represents the dynamic collision between the organic elements and the digital elements. And you see that in the movie and you've got that in the song — drums and guitars up against synths and sample. We wanted to make something that embraced the film and kept within the spirit of the band. And I think we succeeded in both goals."

• Will There Be A 'Transformers 3'?
• 'Transformers 2': Meet The New Guy

• "Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen"

• Linkin Park

Blink-182 in 1999
Photo: Deverill Weekes/WireImage

2008 was a huge year for rock ... and 2009 looks like it could be even bigger. So all this week, we're taking stock of the things guaranteed to rock this year. From the triumphant returns of some of the biggest bands on the planet to a handful of up-and-coming acts that we're expecting big things from in '09, we've got it all covered. This is Rock Week, on MTVNews.com.

It's not like we're complaining. This year is already shaping up to be a pretty solid one, what with new albums expected from U2, Green Day, Paramore, My Chemical Romance, Tokio Hotel and Mastodon.

But that doesn't mean we can't pine for even more rock action. And so, we present our list of things we'd love to see happen this year:

Guns N' Roses: Yes, we already got the long-awaited Chinese Democracy, and that was ... satisfying. But what could Axl and his band of merry replacements do to really bring it all back home? (You know, short of returning the first stringers.) How about mounting a kick-ass tour and playing the classics without showing up three hours late every night, setting off riots or canceling dates because the color of the green room was too green. Plus, an EP of outtakes and remixes would be kind of dope too.

White Stripes: The Raconteurs are great. But it's been two years since Icky Thump and since Meg came down with "acute anxiety" that cut short that album's tour cycle. Rumors of a seventh album in the works from the duo have floated, but nothing official has been announced yet.

Blink-182: The boys are talking again, and while Tom, Travis and Mark are all working on their own projects, we know a thaw has happened and the door is open to a possible reunion. We're not asking for much — maybe just a few spot shows leading to a full-fledged naked dance party and a new album. That's all.

No Doubt: Not that anyone is counting, but technically, it's been eight years since your last album and almost six since there was any real activity. We know you're working on that new album and that it isn't supposed to be ready until 2010, but a Christmas surprise would be so boss.

Blur: Not that Blur leader Damon Albarn has been slacking since this Britpop act went on hiatus in 1999 (see: solo albums; Gorillaz; the Good, the Bad and the Queen; Monkey), but a new album from the group, and maybe that rumored Coachella headlining reunion slot, is all we're asking for.

Linkin Park: Minutes to Midnight came out in 2006. Hurry up and finish that concept album.

A Perfect Circle, Arctic Monkeys, Evanescence, Korn, the Strokes: Speaking of "hurry up" ...

Led Zeppelin: The rumors have been swirling ever since the three original members of this English juggernaut reunited for a one-night-only show in late 2007, but all along, singer Robert Plant has said he's not down for what would likely be the biggest-grossing tour of all time. Here's to hoping he has a change of heart.

Kid Rock: Yeah, 2007's Rock N Roll Jesus had a slow-burn rise up the charts, but, iTunes be damned, Rock proved once again that he can only do things his way. We're ready for another dose, thank you.

Rage Against the Machine: You got back together, played a bunch of dates, nobody punched anybody in the face backstage (as far as we know) — what gives? Just make a new record, will ya?

Flaming Lips: That Christmas on Mars instrumental album just isn't going to cut it. Cough up the real goods, fellas.

Stone Temple Pilots: You're back together, Scott's solo album was ... interesting, but it's high time to crunch some bones.

The Hold Steady: You've been averaging almost an album a year since 2004. Stay Positive came out last year. Do the math.

Velvet Revolver: Get a new singer already.

For more Rock Week coverage, check out our Rock Rookies of 2009: Kevin Rudolf and Chester French, Hey Monday and Friday Night Boys, and Crooked X and Glasvegas.

• These Bands Will Rock Your 2009

• blink-182
• Linkin Park
• No Doubt
• Rage Against the Machine

"Twilight" Soundtrack
Photo: Atlantic

After two weeks at #1, AC/DC's Black Ice — which has already broken the 1 million-sold barrier — has been bitten by the "Twilight" phenomenon.

The vampire flick opens next Friday, but before hitting the local cineplex, fans of the much-anticipated adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's novel hit their local record stores to pick up a copy of the movie's soundtrack, which features tracks by Muse, Perry Farrell, Paramore and Linkin Park.

The "Twilight" soundtrack debuts at #1 on next week's Billboard albums sales chart, having sold about 164,700 copies in its first week on store shelves. It becomes the year's third soundtrack to top the chart, following this summer's "Mamma Mia" soundtrack and the "Juno" set, which was released in 2007, but climbed to #1 in January. According to the latest sales totals compiled by Nielsen SoundScan, AC/DC's latest falls one spot to #2, with 159,500 week-three scans reported.

"Twilight" was among 17 new releases impacting next week's chart, and one of four to enter in the top 10. Following the soundtrack to "High School Musical 3: Senior Year," which holds at #3 with just under 110,000 sold, Hinder's Take It to the Limit bows at #4, after selling 81,400 units. Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli's Incanto opens at #8 with 62,200 copies scanned, and country star Brad Paisley's Play debuts at #9 with 53,700 sold.

Meanwhile, Pink's Funhouse drops three spots to #5, with 72,900 scans, while John Legend's Evolver falls two positions to #6, selling another 72,000 copies. T.I.'s Paper Trail holds for a second week at #7, thanks to almost 68,800 scans. Rascal Flatts' Greatest Hits, Volume 1 rounds things out at #10, with 39,100 sold.

A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip enters the chart at #11, after selling 34,200-plus copies of his latest, Renaissance, while Sarah Brightman's Winter Symphony debuts at #38, with 13,500 sold. Shiny Toy Guns' Season of Poison follows at #47, with sales reported at 12,200, and rapper UNK's Second Season makes its debut at #104, with 5,200 copies sold. Travis' Ode to J. Smith follows at #122, with week-one sales reported at about 4,600, while Switchfoot's The Best Yet trails at #123, with 4,500 sold.

• AC/DC
• Paramore
• Perry Farrell
• Travis
• Switchfoot

Linkin Park's Chester Bennington
Photo: MTV News

You could call Linkin Park a lot of things, but you could never accuse them of being lazy.

Frontman Chester Bennington's back injury forced them to sit out their October tour through China, but it looks like the band is not slowing down anytime soon. It's been just a few short months since the conclusion of this summer's Projekt Revolution tour — featuring Busta Rhymes, Chris Cornell and the Bravery, among others — and already, Linkin Park's members are planning their return to the studio. Even as their latest release, 2007's Minutes to Midnight, inches toward the 2.6 million-sold mark, the band has been writing new material for months, Bennington said. Just don't ask him what that material sounds like.

"Asking someone to describe what something sounds like is like telling a blind person to guess what I look like," Bennington told MTV News over the weekend. "It's almost impossible. I can tell you that it's our first stab — and perhaps our only stab, depending on how good we do — at creating a concept record, so there are a lot of things that are going to either free us up in a lot of ways or restrict us in a lot of ways. In terms of describing what it sounds like ... it sounds like peanut butter and jelly. It's sounding delicious."

According to Bennington, it was a friend's idea to write a concept piece. Though he wouldn't discuss the concept in detail, he said he was looking forward to the challenge.

"For me, you say the words 'concept record,' and the first thing I think of is theater or the opera or something," he said. "There's a story, and everything has to relate to that story. It sounds a little daunting to me, so, I think my confidence level will drop, but when it was presented to us by this friend of ours, we liked the idea. It was an inspiring idea, and it was something we could relate a lot of the things we like to write about to. It couldn't have come strictly from us — an outside source brought it to us in a way that was exciting."

Linkin Park plan to enter a recording studio before December to track the as-yet-untitled effort, at about the same time the band's Road to Revolution: Live at Milton Keynes live CD/DVD is set hits stores on November 25. Bennington estimates that it will take six weeks to record the new album. He said the band would be open to working with Rick Rubin (who produced Minutes to Midnight) again on the project. They just haven't yet decided in whose hands they'd like to put their first conceptual album.

Bennington has been working with producer Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, Daughtry) on the debut disc of his side project Dead by Sunrise. He said he wrote all of the material for the band's inaugural offering with a very specific mission in mind.

"I wanted to make sure the record was different from the Linkin Park record," he said. "It's not as hard as it sounds. If you take Mike [Shinoda] out of the equation — because I personally feel he's created our signature sound — it automatically sounds different. It's more of a standard rock record. There are elements to it where you can tell where the inspiration comes from, but it's pure rock with melody."

Dead by Sunrise — also featuring Orgy's Amir Derakh and Ryan Shuck — have been working on the LP over the last couple of years and should be finished tracking the disc sometime in early 2009, with plans to release the set in spring.

"I would say that, in terms of working with the band, it all works very similar to the way Linkin Park works," he said. "I've written all of the songs personally, on an acoustic guitar, and we take it from its acoustic guitar level and build it. Whether it's a heavy rock track or a ballad, or taking all the rock elements out and creating primarily an electronic-driven track, we do it together."

• Linkin Park

50 Cent performs at "A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE"
Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images

NEW YORK — It was part homecoming parade, part raucous house party and, well, we'd like to think people learned something too.

On Thursday night (October 23), Nokia Theatre Times Square played host to "A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE," a tribute to the men and women who serve in the armed forces, and the place was packed with veterans, active-duty kids in military fatigues and more than a few big-name stars too. The whole concert airs Friday at 8 p.m. ET on MTV.

50 Cent, Ludacris, Hinder and O.A.R. performed live, and Kanye West, Kid Rock, Linkin Park (and a host of others) chipped in special pretaped sets. Ciara, Ne-Yo and Keri Hilson appeared to salute the troops, and stars like Justin Timberlake, Will Ferrell and Will.I.Am taped messages too.

And it was all for a good cause — not just to throw our soldiers and veterans a rather kick-ass soiree, but to spread the message about BRAVE, the Bill of Rights for American Veterans, a petition created by MTV and a group of nonpartisan veterans' organizations that calls on elected officials to support vets' issues and enact positive legislative changes.

And while the political message was no doubt important, most of the vets in the audience were there to party, kick back and hear some music. And right off the bat, they were obliged, thanks to a fiery set from 50.

Dressed in camouflage, flanked by Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo, and backed by a tight live band (not to mention a gigantic American flag, "Patton"-style), Fif tore through "Get Up," the first single from his upcoming Before I Self Destruct album, ordering the crowdmembers to throw their hands in the air and marching around the stage like a — pun intended — drill sergeant (you can check out photos of his rehearsal here). And then, with the wail of a guitar, he and his G-Unit mates were off, leaving the crowd begging for more.

And they got it, though not from 50. After a quick intro from Ciara, the room went dark and none other than Kid Rock appeared on a massive video screen, grabbed the mic and announced, "This one is for the biggest, the baddest and the bravest. ... You kicked ass for us, and now we're gonna kick a little ass for you," before launching headlong into "Warrior," a muscle-y rocker made even more diesel by the addition of four guitarists onstage.

The rock didn't stop with the Kid. The video screens lifted to reveal Hinder, who strutted and screamed their way through "Use Me," from their upcoming album Take It to the Limit. Lead singer Austin Winkler tossed devil horns in the air, popped his pelvis and finally thrust his mic into the crowd, urging them to sing along, which they did ... loudly.

After a moment, the room went dark again, only this time, there were no video screens. Rather, after an introduction from Eve, Ludacris began to make his way through the crowd, shaking hands and rapping as his DJ cued up "Southern Hospitality" (many in the audience made like the hook and began throwing 'bows, too). Luda didn't let a broken left foot stop him from bounding around the stage, slapping high-fives and working his way through a medley of his hits, including "Stand Up" and "What Them Girls Like." He tossed off his leather jacket, stood with his arms crossed and exited to thunderous applause.

There were other highlights too: Taped performances from Kanye West and Linkin Park shook the speakers and had the vets throwing their hands in the air. O.A.R. delivered a soulful live take on their hit "Shattered." And Saving Abel closed the night with an emotional performance of "18 Days," frontman Jared Weeks clutching a handful of dog tags and dedicating the song — and the entire night — to the troops.

And then it was over, and hundreds of former (and current) soldiers spilled out into Times Square. Their voices were hoarse, their faces plastered with smiles, and, for at least one night, they all looked like really happy kids. It's a start.

Don't miss "A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE," presented by MTV's Choose or Lose campaign and CNN to support veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The show features performances by 50 Cent, Ludacris, Kanye West, Hinder, Saving Abel and more, and airs Friday at 8 p.m. ET on MTV.

• A Night For Vets: An MTV Concert For The BRAVE

• "A Night For Vets: An MTV Concert For The BRAVE"

• 50 Cent
• Linkin Park
• Kanye West

"Twilight" soundtrack
Photo: Atlantic

In marketing, it's what's known as "accessing the target market." In writing, it's called "making broad generalizations."

Regardless of which way you look at it, we've got good news for all you super-eager "Twilight" fans out there: On Thursday (October 16), Atlantic Records confirmed to MTV News that Hot Topic — the nation's leading mall-bound purveyors of all things gothic — would be hosting exclusive listening parties of the "Twilight" soundtrack.

The parties will take place at all Hot Topic locations on October 24 at 7 p.m. sharp. Fans will be able to hear the entire soundtrack — which contains new songs from Paramore and Perry Farrell, plus tracks from Linkin Park, Muse and a host of others — and preorder the album, too.

In addition, all listening-party preorders come with a mysterious "special gift" (available while they last), and partygoers will also be given a 10 percent discount on any purchases made during the event (which means you can finally get your hands on that gigantic pair of Tripp Orange Stitched Strap Pants you've been wanting!).

The "Twilight" soundtrack will hit stores November 4, just 17 days before the movie is due in theaters. The first single off the album is Paramore's "Decode," which made its world premiere in early October on author Stephenie Meyer's Web site. Earlier this week, Paramore shot a video for the song with director Shane Drake, and videos from the set — taken by frontwoman (and avowed "Twilight" fanatic) Hayley Williams — can currently be seen on Paramore's official Web site.

Every Tuesday is "Twilight" Tuesday here at MTV News! Check back here each and every week for the hottest scoop on the film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's beloved vampire series, and we'll still bring you breaking "Twilight" news throughout the rest of the week. And make sure you check out the MTV Movies Blog for our ongoing "Twilight" discussions each and every day.

Check out everything we've got on "Twilight."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

• Paramore
• Perry Farrell
• Linkin Park
• Muse

The Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Miranda Cosgrove, More Arrive At 2009 Kids' Choice Awards

• Jonas Brothers
• Miley Cyrus
• Miranda Cosgrove
• Vanessa Hudgens
• Ashley Tisdale

VMA 2008: Winners

• Britney Spears
• Chris Brown
• Lil Wayne
• Tokio Hotel
• Linkin Park

Linkin Park Live At The Staples Center In Los Angeles

• Linkin Park

Linkin Park Perform At The Apple Soho Store

• Linkin Park

2008 Grammy Award Nominees: Akon, Fergie, T.I., More

• Akon
• Amy Winehouse
• Jay-Z
• Christina Aguilera
• Justin Timberlake

Adrian Grenier, Nelly, Shia LaBeouf, Britney And More Stars Spotted In Vegas

• Jay-Z
• Beyoncé
• Britney Spears
• Boys Like Girls
• Common

Paris Hilton, Diddy, Timbaland, Janet Jackson, More Hit The Vegas Party Scene

• Britney Spears
• Justin Timberlake
• Timbaland
• Nick Cannon
• Lil Jon

The 2007 MTV Video Music Award Nominees

• Beyoncé
• Justin Timberlake
• Shakira
• Amy Winehouse
• Kanye West

Live Earth Performances, 07.07.2007

• Black Eyed Peas
• Foo Fighters
• Linkin Park
• Rihanna
• Kelly Clarkson

Linkin Park, Korn, Incubus, More At Weenie Roast '07

• Linkin Park
• Korn
• Incubus
• 30 Seconds To Mars
• Bad Religion