The band Twenty One Pilots consists of two members, Tyler Joseph and Joshua Dun, both from Columbus, Ohio. Twenty One Pilots was formed by Tyler in 2009 with 2 of his friends, who both left in 2011, shortly followed by Josh joining the band. Together, the two released Regional At Best, the successor to Twenty One Pilots (2009).
In late 2011, the two Ohio boys were signed to Fueled By Ramen, a record label known for promoting bands and giving them great opportunities in the Alternative music genre; other Fueled By Ramen artists (past and present) include Fall Out Boy, Paramore, and Panic! At The Disco. They embarked on tours opening up for bigger artists, and soon in early 2013 they released Vessel, their 3rd album. The years following Vessel thus far have seen nothing but success for the duo: playing big name music festivals across the country, performing their song "Car Radio" at the 2014 MTV Movie Awards, taking their Quiet Is Violent Tour across the world, and releasing their latest album Blurryface in May of 2015.
The success of Blurryface has continued to carry them onto bigger and better things throughout 2015, selling out nearly every venue they're scheduled at in the US and across the world, as well as another performance on an MTV awards show; this time at the 2015 Video Music Awards, a duet with rapper ASAP Rocky. Twenty One Pilots are quickly becoming one of the hottest acts in alternative music (if they even fit into a genre, which is still widely disputed).
If you know me in real life or if you follow me on social media, you'll know by now that Twenty One Pilots is my favorite bands. I have considered myself a fan of their's for about a year and a half now, although I met them at Summerfest in 2013 and I had no clue who they were. Looking at the following picture brings me such joy because I spontaneously decided to go get an autograph from a band I've never heard of, and now these two boys mean the absolute world to me.
Twenty One Pilots are indisputably in a category of their own; as I said earlier, their music doesn't fit into a genre whatsoever, their sound is entirely unique. Josh plays the drums while Tyler rotates between the ukelele, piano, and occasionally an electric guitar. Their songs are a mix of everything: some alternative vibes, some sweet ukelele tunes, lots of background synthesizer beats, as well as Tyler Joseph rapping through almost every song. As Tyler once said in a interview their music is "A smoothie of every genre except for country."
Not only the sound of Twenty One Pilots is unique, but the lyrics of the songs can't be beat. Tyler is the mastermind behind every lyric of every Twenty One Pilots song. He candidly writes about things that are often directly addressed or talked about, due to societal stigmas: depression, anxiety, feeling alone, feeling helpless, and holding onto hope. It is these meaningful lyrics that fans eat up, they want to hear these things. Nothing is more reassuring than hearing a song that describes what you're going through especially when you feel alone. The boys of Twenty One Pilots are very open with their struggles in life, they relate to their fans on a whole new level, which is rare and beautiful.
TOP have a large, dedicated fan base called The Skeleton Clique, or just the Clique for short. Clique member are some of the most passionate people I've ever met; lining up hours (even days) in advance for their concerts, supporting the boys in everything they do, and being so appreciative and thankful to have these two boys in their lives.
I personally love to hear other's input of how music and bands affect them, so I reached out to some of my closest friends with the simple question: "What does Twenty One Pilots mean to you?" I asked for a paragraph, not too lengthy, and a picture; you and TOP, a picture you took from a concert, artwork, your favorite picture of Tyler and Josh, etc. I have to say my favorite response was, totally unbiased, was from my best friend Jordan who has a Twenty One Pilots tattoo. I was so excited by Jordan's explanation behind his tattoo and my other friend's paragraphs, I decided to open up the forum to my 1,000+ followers on Twitter. Since then, I have received emails from fans across the United States as well as other countries (hi Maria from Brazil!). To say I'm overwhelmed by the response is a massive understatement. The paragraphs I received are heartwarming, inspirational, emotional, and above all, thankful. I genuinely hope you enjoy the following stories as much as I do.
"Some people need to constantly feel emotion, while some go through experiences where all they want is to escape the thoughts and emotions that haunt them. The times when you’re alone at 4 am reflecting on how no one in the world can understand these thoughts, your pain. Whether it’s a fear of the future, the hardships of the past, a prime-time reality show; so many of us just want to know that there is someone out there who has gone through it and made it out alive. For me, Twenty One Pilots could be made up of any two people in the world as long as their lyrics, voice, and message was the same. Tyler Joseph has become my biggest role model; the way he shares his fears and insecurities with the world, knowing that there are people out there laying awake just searching for a purpose. For me, Twenty One Pilot's music isn’t supposed to make me happy or cheer me up. It comforts me. I hear myself when I listen to it. A lot of people will credit Tyler and Josh for helping them through a hard time and changing their lives. But for me, this off-kilter, introspective music has allowed me to move on and to look at the world in a completely new way, and for that I will always be thankful. |-/"
"Three years. Six shows. Two boys. One Clique. Twenty One Pilots.
For me, not listening to or hearing about Twenty One Pilots for a whole day feels weird to me. Its like waking up in the morning and forgetting to brush my teeth. The first time I saw them in show was in October of 2014, the last time was a month ago. I've gone from seeing them with 100 other people to seeing them with 10,000 people. Their music has done so much for me the past three years; it has helped me to realize that I am important, it has helped me to cope with my problems, and mostly, it has helped me stay alive. Twenty One Pilots create such a meaningful and important message through their cathartic music and I don't know where I would be today without it. They have affected so many people in the world and I have met a lot of amazing people that can back me up on that. They make talking about our problems (which we ALL have) easier than it should be. Twenty One Pilots have given me purpose. I am Twenty One Pilots. So are you."
-Margot Kulik (@skeletonnbones)
"I’ll keep it short and sweet. TØP gave me the confidence to call myself a photographer and realize my talent. Their show was super challenging to shoot but it was a great learning experience and I got my best pictures ever that night. I’m so thankful for them, their music and their beautiful lights."
-Sydnie Kobza (@sydniekobza)
(credit to her for the cover photo of this article)
"Twenty one pilots isn't just a band, it's something bigger. Something that show us that we are not alone, that we can trust ourselves and make this world a better place. For me they mean hope. The hope that makes me get up everyday and do something for what i believe in. They are the voice of the voiceless."
-Maria Clara Querioz (@mariaclaraq22)
"What twenty one pilots means to me? What a simple question that is so difficult to answer. Josh and Tyler mean more to me than I can put into words. Their music makes me feel something I have never felt before. They make me feel alive, they make me want to keep going, they make me want to get better. Twenty one pilots are so open about the fact "its okay to not be okay" and that inspires me. I've learned from them that it is okay to struggle but you just have to keep going because 'the sun will rise and we will try again'. All my love to Josh and Tyler for helping me in ways no one else can."
-Isabel Pesci (@isabelpesci)
"5 shows. 2 boys. Twenty One Pilots. A phrase that now means more to me than anything else. This band has become more than just music for me. It has given me comfort. It has given me purpose. & most importantly, it has allowed me to meet some of my best friends. I have found myself through Tyler's lyrics. I have felt safe when I watch Josh with passion in his eyes doing the thing he loves most. They have taught me to find something that makes me happy & make it my own. I have learned that I am not alone & that there are other people who feel the same way that I do. Thank you. Thank you for changing my life. Stay street & stay alive. |-/"
-Ashley Evers (@ashleyaevers)
"Twenty One Pilots are more than a band to me, they are saviors. Before I first heard their music I was in a very dark place in my life. Medication, therapy and many nights alone in my dark room numb from my mental pain and depression. But then I found TOP. While my problems have by no means have gone away, and in some ways have gotten worse, I now have a community of people (The Clique) who feel the same way as I do to help me through it. Their music is catchy and they have cool sounds, yes, but to those who don’t just understand the lyrics but live them it is a complete different experience. Never have I had a band where just listening to their music can take away anxiety. They have saved my life, which is cliché to say, but it’s true. I honestly believe without their music to help me though my darkest hours I might not be here to share this. I love Twenty One Pilots more than anything else in this world. My tattoo is a constant reminder that I am alive and even though I can’t see it I always know it’s there, just like my own Blurryface. |-/"
-Austin Sackett (@A_Sack2)
"I really don't want to sound cliché, but Twenty One Pilots really means the world to me. I've been through so many trials in my life and their music has helped me realize that I'm not alone. I have a whole other family with Tyler, Josh, and the clique! It's so encouraging to see all these people who have never met each other, band together and let this band's words mold their life into something greater. TOP's music is something indescribable; their songs are honest, they remind us to keep living. I'm so so thankful for all this band has done for me andfor every other person who has been impacted by their music. Stay alive. |-/"
-Riley Bagnall (@wtmrileyb)
"Twenty One Pilots is so important to me. Their songs are about some issues that people don't usually like to talk about, but Tyler talks about those issues. He makes me feel like it's okay to have these feelings because everyone feels depressed and confused sometimes. It's such a powerful feeling at their concert because everyone relates to each other because of their music."
-Maria Najera (@maria_najera9)
-Sarah Penn (sayitssarahhh8)
-Angelica Flores (@wtmangelica)
-Zoe Moraites (@zoeonepilots)
"When I was coming near the end of age 13, I heard Twenty One Pilots for the first time. Before that, not many other songs had given me chills. For the next two weeks, I could not stop listening to them. I could go on for hours trying to put into words how much this band means to me but I'm aware I don't have that much time/space, so let me say this: This band has gotten me through seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, fear, heartache, loneliness, and has eased some of my darkest thoughts. Their lyrics don't sugar coat anxiety or depression, and the feelings people endure while dealing with either, or both, of the two. Because they know the truth -- it isn't simple, nor, easy. It's dark, it's painful, it's sad, it's numb. They've attracted millions of fans, many dealing with the hardest obstacles of life; it's something you can't describe when you know you're not alone. And, in this fanbase, you're never alone... Yes, this band means so much to me and that is because it saves people. It brings the saddest happiness; its helps us feel alive again; helps us find hope, strength, love, and comfort; and, allows us to be a part of something. I feel so much love in my heart for this band."
-Emily Ho (@emily30003)
-Allison Armstrong (@allison_ann_96)
"Twenty One Pilots gives purpose. They express purpose as a common theme in their lyrics, and, likewise, they see purpose in all of us. A song that resides with me is Kitchen Sink from their album, Regional At Best. The following sets of lyrics describe how purpose can be manifested:
'Are you searching for purpose?
Then write something, yeah it might be worthless
Then paint something then, it might be wordless
Pointless curses, nonsense verses
You'll see purpose start to surface
No one else is dealing with your demons
Meaning maybe defeating them
Could be the beginning of your meaning, friend.'
Sometimes it can be hard for me to understand why I’m here, what is this life for? Seeing purpose, finding purpose; it gives me a reason. This band inspires me to have a reason to keep going and to develop my own purpose. My purpose is different from anyone else’s purpose, and only I myself can understand this purpose entirely. A prime example that Twenty One Pilots gives as a symbol of purpose is the universal |-/. It serves as a reminder to all of us to create. It tells us to create something that only we know the true meaning of, literally anything, and with that we will have purpose and something to live for. Ya feel?
(This photo was taken at Pantherfest Milwaukee in September of 2015. My hands, my purpose.)"
-Bridget Erwin (@BibbityBridge)
"Twenty One Pilots have taught me many important lessons but the one that stands out most clearly, is the idea that Fear will Lose. This mantra comes from one of the verses in Car Radio, a song that has changed my life. When I'm having a bad day or I just can't seem to catch a break, I remember that in any situation where I am afraid, anxious, or insecure, I can overcome it by reminding myself that if I get over this mental-speed bump, fear will have lost. For example, if I feel anxious over what my future holds, I remind myself that 'Fear will lose' as long as I can put that fear aside and replace it with optimism and understanding that I can't control the future. Then peace will have won inside me, and that's why Twenty One Pilots has helped me keep living on."
-Rowan Salton (@RowanSalton)
"I started listening to Twenty One Pilots around 2 years ago, and ever since I've found them, they have been one of my favorite bands. Their ability to create music that makes me happy when I am down and that sends such meaningful messages inspires me to go out there and be the best version of myself that I can be. I have never seen them in concert, but I am finally seeing them next July. I am extremely excited to finally hear some of my favorite songs sung live. The picture I attached is fanart that I drew for them awhile ago when I was listening to their music and it got my creative juices going. I love them so much, and I hope I can meet them one day!"
-Makenna Magdaleno-Mague (@makiedoodle44)
"For me, I haven't been a fan of TØP as long as everyone else has. But what Twenty One Pilots means to me, is being able to be together with others who have dealt to similar situations mentally and physically as you. The 'clique' as they like to refer to themselves combine as one to be like a family at concerts and even in the online community. Twenty One Pilots has done more than enough as band helping and getting closer with their fans more than other artists and bands. I'm glad to call Twenty One Pilots as one of my favorite bands because of how much they mean to me but also other people like myself."
-Jiselle Santos (@jiselle_santos)
"Twenty One Pilots gets it. They get the reality of society and the pressure of being a human. The lyrics of their songs have gotten me through so much. I have a handful of severe mental disorders, and it's crazy how specifically TØP lyrics refer exactly to what I'm going through. The fan base is amazing but absolutely nuts, but sometimes I think we forget what the meaning of twenty one pilots really is. To me, they are lyrical geniuses, and they are able to help everyone else who has a rough time in life. This band is so much more than a band, its people coming together to celebrate and cry and laugh and sing. A lot of their music is relatable to everyone, but some certain songs you really need to have lived through in your own life to understand. Thank you, twenty one pilots, for helping me beat back the constant migraine. |-/"
-Mary Kate Drayna (@MaryKateDrayna)
"When I listen to Twenty One Pilots, I feel like there is someone out there who understands what I'm going through. They inspire so many people to stay alive every day and I don't know if they realize the impact that their music has on their fans. Thankfully, I have gotten to see them live twice and it was the most incredible experience. They put so much into their performances and they truly seem happy to be there. They are some of the best performers I have ever seen live. I am so grateful for them and I silently thank them every time I hear one of their songs."
-Grace Offerdahl (@dontbegracist)
"Twenty One Pilots have influenced my life in a major way. They provide me with confidence to get through the day. They remind me that what I'm feeling is valid and most importantly I am not alone. I've met someone of my best friends through this band and I cannot thank them enough."
-Morgan Fennig (@morgalorg44)
"To me, Twenty One Pilots mean hope. They mean never being alone. Knowing that there's always light, even in the darkest of times. When I hear ‘Twenty One Pilots’ I automatically think of music that has helped me get through so much. I think of two guys who selflessly share what they've been through in order to help others. This band and the music they create gives a new meaning to life. It reassures people that everything is going to be okay. It makes people feel like they are not alone."
-Shelby McCormack (@ShelbyRena97)
"Throughout our lives, there are people we encounter who are meant to change us for the better. Sometimes it's certain friends or family members. For me, I believe one of the biggest impacts made on me has been Twenty One Pilots. They are more than just a band to me, as cliché as that sounds. Their music has brought me to some of my favorite people, and I owe some of the happiest moments of my life to them. I'm not going to get very deep into this, but I've struggled with my own share of demons that have been plaguing me since I was fairly young. It was difficult to see stable future for myself, but this band has helped to not only ground me but give me a purpose. I have never felt the way I do about this band towards anything else in my entire life. They really do mean everything to me, and only few understand what I truly mean when I say that I owe them everything. Twenty One Pilots is a bit of an abstract concept, something that causes you to think, but the thoughts themselves that this band provokes is what keeps me and so many others alive. It's hard to explain in a short paragraph how exactly this band has affected me, but what I can say is that my life would not be the same without them. |-/"
-Lily Sanders (@EMPTYSKIES)
As the responses poured into my email inbox about what Twenty One Pilots meant to some of the people closest to me and complete strangers, I really began to think. I started to reflect on my life since I began listening to Twenty One Pilots; how without them, I wouldn't have met some of the absolutely best people that are in my life today. I wouldn't have found music that gives me hope and makes me feel less alone on my darkest days. I wouldn't have attended the best concerts in the world, where a sense of unity amongst the crowd is nearly palpable. As much as I hate those overdone, cliche statements, they're are all true; Twenty One Pilots change and save people's lives everyday. I'm immensely thankful for every single person who took time out of their day to contribute to this article, your responses help me put everything into perspective. I love my friends, this band, and my position at The Odyssey that allows me to create something incredible like this article. So, thank you. I'll end this with my favorite Twenty One Pilots quote:
"Don't give up, push through the droughts, channel the inevitable disappointments into your craft. Break molds. Think. Create. And most importantly, stay alive. In the meantime, make it about others. That seems to work. Stay strong, live on, and power to the local dreamer." |-/
Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health, says science
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