Twenty One Pilots: Revolutionizing Pop Culture

Twenty One Pilots has sold out several shows on its U.S. tour.

Twenty One Pilots has sold out several shows on its U.S. tour.

Though modern music has come to revolve mostly around mainstream pop artists, more alternative style musicians such as the new nonpareil Twenty One Pilots have begun to slowly but surely merge into the pop culture.

Formed in 2009, Twenty One Pilots consists of only two members, Tyler Joseph (vocals) and Josh Dunn (drums). Up until a few months ago, the band remained off to the side in the world of alternative pop punk music, only die-hard fans knowing their work. Suddenly their song “Stressed Out” from their fourth studio album Blurryface began to take the world by storm.

The song peaked at number two on Billboard’s Top 100 in November of 2015, and number one on Alternative Songs, Hot Rock Songs, Adult Pop Songs and Pop Songs. The most intriguing part of the band’s sudden rise into mainstream stardom is their unique style. With a combination of pop punk, alternative, rock, rap, and techno music stylings it’s nearly impossible to classify their music into a single genre. Additionally, each of their songs contains a personal message, often left open to interpretation by their audience. The meaningful lyrics allow listeners to really connect with the artist and form a unique bond within the Twenty One Pilots fandom.

“I was really able to relate to the lyrics,” stated sophomore Sanjana Nath.

Some of the most prominent lyrics from “Stressed Out” are:

“I was told when I got older all my fears would shrink, but now I’m insecure and I care what people think.”

“Wish we could turn back time to the good old days, when our mamma sang us to sleep but now we’re stressed out.”

“We used to dream of outer space but now they’re laughing in our face saying ‘Wake up you need to make money.’”

Other lyrics:
“It’s all about my forehead/And how it is a door that holds back contents/That makes Pandora’s box contents look non-violent” –
“Migraine

“I’m a pro at imperfections/And I’m best friends with my doubt/And now that my mind’s out… I’m thinking, ‘Wow/I probably should’ve stayed inside my house.’” — “The Judge”

“No one else is dealing with your demons, meaning/Maybe defeating them could be the beginning of your meaning, friend” – “Kitchen Sink”

 This clash of an upbeat sound and heavy lyrics is not a combination often found in modern music, and many are left unsure how to respond to the new phenomenon that is Twenty One Pilots.

“They’re a band that has its own genre. They don’t follow any ‘rules’ of music. It’s rap, alternative, punk, pop, and everything in between. It doesn’t make sense but it works so well,” commented sophomore Lauren Losch.

Though other alternative type bands such as Fall Out Boy, Green Day, Panic at the Disco, and various others have made an appearance in pop culture, none have had quite the impact as this unusual duo in recent times.