Being successful in the music industry is a dream shared by many, but for Josh Dun and Tyler Joseph from the band Twenty One Pilots, this dream is now a reality. My cousin has been best friends with Josh since high school and my aunt taught Josh in high school. I watched them go from playing small, local shows to selling out arenas all over the world. It has been an inspiring experience watching someone you know achieve their dreams. Their music is a complex mix of pop, rap, hip-hop, and alternative rock that appeals to diverse groups of people, and watching this special fan base grow was amazing. Twenty One Pilots’ rise to fame has significant ties to their history, their unique approaches and attitudes, and the reality behind their musical style.
Tyler and Josh are both very similar people. They became the successful musicians they are today through their determination and uniqueness. Their music and performances are how they connect to their fans and are based on the emotions and struggles of their past experiences. Tyler and Josh were both raised in a strong Christian environment and attended Christian schools all their life. Originally, Twenty One Pilots was a trio of Tyler and two of his close friends, but they left shortly after the first album was released. Josh knew the previous drummer and met Tyler after one of his shows on Ohio State’s campus. They quickly became best friends and Josh joined the band in 2011.
According to an article in the Columbus Dispatch by Kevin Joy, the name of the band is based on an Arthur Miller play called All My Sons that Tyler read while studying at Ohio State. In the play, a contractor mistakenly constructs faulty airplanes for World War II. He was afraid that he would lose his job if he admitted to the construction mistake so he sent the airplanes to Europe anyways. Twenty-one pilots died in World War II because this contractor knowingly sent the faulty airplanes to save his job. Tyler related to how making the right decision takes more time and work.
The right decision isn’t always the easy decision so he named the band Twenty One Pilots. Their rich history contributed to their one-of-a-kind attitudes and interesting approaches that led to the beginnings of their fame.
They are both self-taught musicians. This contributes to how they have a unique approach to writing and playing music. Throughout Josh’s childhood, he would frequently attend jazz concerts with his dad which sparked his interest in playing the drums.
When he got older he worked in the drum department of the Guitar Shop in Columbus. He would listen to CD’s and would mimic the beats the drummer was playing. Tyler stumbled upon a keyboard in his house and began playing. He played keys that sounded good together, and the first song that he played was his very own. Tyler wanted to major in music, but he had no idea how to read music so no programs would accept him.
They possess qualities that many performers do not have and have remained true to themselves and faithful to their beliefs. Fame has not changed them. They still visit their friends and are loyal to both their old and new fans. On stage at the LC Pavilion in Columbus, they got X’s tattooed on themselves to represent their dedication to their city and to their fans. My aunt, Melody Krall, describes them as true Christian men. Much of their music refers to Christian beliefs but they do not classify their music as Christian rock.
Despite the fame, they are still family oriented. Their music video for their hit Stressed Out features them in the neighborhoods they grew up in. In this music video, they even include their parents and siblings. They are both compassionate, loyal hard workers who do not conform to the social norm; they redefine it.
Their music represents their struggles with anxiety and depression. Facing many struggles of growing up and trying to find their place in this world caused many complications for both of them, especially since the typical path of attending college wasn’t for either of them.
Music became a way for them to express themselves and inspire others. Every song showcases their mental battles. Their music is amazing, and on top of that, their lyrics are real. Their music is not just for entertainment, it is created to inspire and help others and themselves. They inspire people to feel needed in this world and fight depression since that was something they personally struggled with. After every show, Tyler reaches out the crowd and tells them to “stay alive.”
Their music continues to motivate people to persevere through their struggles. The makeup they wear is their “war paint” which represents their battle with their insecurities and anxieties. Specifically, the black makeup on Tyler’s hands and neck symbolizes how his stress suffocates him. Their music and performances are their means of sharing their experiences and inspiring others to fight their battles.
The history of Twenty One Pilots, their unique attitudes and approaches, and the truth behind their music are three factors that contributed to their rise to fame. Their new approach to music and use of symbolism has captured the attention of many and made them who they are today. They have remained humble and loyal to their friends and family while still pursuing a successful musical career. The fact that they are unique, self-taught musicians and admirable people have made their musical career a success.
So next time you see a couple of guys playing at a local bar, just think they might make it big too.
