Twenty One Pilots have been a major part of my life for more than three years. I've never enjoyed a band so much that I'd ever call them "my favorite." Why do I call them my favorite you ask? Because they saved my life.
Music has always been an outlet for me to let things out and to get things off my chest. I never knew how effective music could be until I heard "Holding Onto You" for the first time on the radio. See, I never heard of Twenty One Pilots until I searched the lyrics on YouTube. For some reason, that song just fascinated me and made me want to hear more. I then went on to buying concert tickets to see them at one of the local venues. Easy to say, that concert changed my life.
I distinctly remember the end of the concert when lead singer, Tyler Joseph, went on to closing the show by saying, "Power to the local dreamer." It was right at that moment I knew what it was that I wanted to do. See, I was about to start my senior year of high school without knowing what I wanted my life to be after I graduated. I've always wanted to travel, do something with video, and I love music. I thought, why not combine all of those things into one? What do I get? Then I knew. Touring videographer and photographer.
Now, at the time, I had no idea if that was a real thing or not. But, after doing some research, I found TØP's Videographer: Mark C. Eshleman. Since then he's been my idol and I always look at his work for inspiration. Before, I said that TØP saved my life. And I'm not exaggerating. I've been facing depression for about five years now. And I've always been suicidal, but listening to TØP has helped me to the point of changing my mood for the good.
For those who don't know, TØP is big on encouraging everyone to stay alive. To keep going because it's worth it even when you're facing the hardest of times. They use their music to make positive, understanding effect for everyone who listens to them. Their songs have meanings that most people are afraid to speak of or even admit. Now, their music isn't any specific genre. It's kind of all over the place, but it's truly amazing at how they manage to create something so beautiful and relatable by using music.
Since my first concert of theirs, I've attended many concerts and have even met them. They continue to have just as much of an effect on me, if not more. They're one of those bands that I think everyone can relate to at one point or another. One of those bands that you always notice or understand something different each time you hear any of their songs.
In the words of Twenty One Pilots: Stay strong, live on, and power to the local dreamer.
