Before I begin this article I'll be honest; I only got into 21 Pilots recently. (My friends didn't introduce me to them even though they listened to them for years). I heard "Stressed Out" for the first time on YouTube. Then, the auto play feature allowed me to listen to a few more songs after that and I fell in love with their music and the message. I started listening to all of their songs from the first to the last album and I loved their music so much that I had to dedicate a piece of my writing to them.
Their lyrics are so meaningful to me, especially since I have anxiety. Tyler would describe situations that I would find myself in most days and listening to his songs helped me to power through it. Even if the lyrics didn't apply directly to me, I would always spend time listening to them and thinking about what they mean.
One song that is particularly powerful is "Holding On To You." In this song he talks about suicide as related to anxiety or depression. He says, “Tie a noose around your mind loose enough to breathe fine and tie it to a tree tell it you belong to me this ain't a noose, this is a leash and I have news for you: you must obey me.” In these lyrics he expresses that you must take control even if it is extremely difficult, and you can overcome your anxiety, even if only momentary.
All of their lyrics come straight from the heart and they aren't afraid to say what they want to and to critique the music business. In their song "Lane Boy," for example, he talks about how presumably producers or maybe even music critics tell them yo stay within their lane, or genre. In response he says that “(they) go where the want to.” They express that they write their own music and produce it in the way that they want. They mix genres like rap, hip hop, reggae, and more to create a unique sound. This song also includes lyrics that call some of the music today heartless. By saying this they are commenting on how certain artists sing about what they know will be hits or they sing about things that are violent, or actually heartless.
Their fans are also extremely important to them. In interviews, through social media, and through concerts they have expressed this. Each show is unique and they connect with the audience in the fairly small venues they play by talking with them and having them do certain dance moves. The live videos of their concerts are electric and all of the fans rave about how amazing it is to attend and how they feel like they are connected to Tyler and Josh.
The amazing duo has made a name for themselves over the past year. Their music grew more popular over time and today they have more fans than ever. This is well deserved as they are creative, relatable, caring, and so much more. I excited to see this band continue to grow and I hope someday that I can see them perform live.
