The Untold Truth Of Twenty One Pilots

On May 21, 2021, the musical duo twenty one pilots delighted fans with the release of their sixth studio album, "Scaled and Icy." This album was accompanied by a special livestream event showcasing not only new tracks but also some of their biggest hits from prior albums. The excitement surrounding the release was palpable, as fans took to social media to share their anticipation. Prior to the album launch, they unveiled three singles, with the latest being "Saturday," which made its debut on May 18. Fans could catch glimpses of this promotion on their official Instagram account.

"Scaled and Icy" features 11 tracks and was produced under unique circumstances due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The band, comprised of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun, navigated their creative process with Joseph residing in Columbus, Ohio, and Dun in Los Angeles. This geographic separation made collaboration particularly challenging. However, the resulting album is described as a collection of songs that strive to "push forward through setbacks," according to a press release shared by Billboard. While Joseph took on most of the songwriting and production, Dun engineered his drum tracks from the comfort of his home studio.

Despite their talent and success, twenty one pilots remains an intriguing enigma to many fans. Who exactly are the individuals behind this innovative band? As we delve deeper, we'll uncover fascinating truths about their origins, creative process, and the philosophy that shapes their unique sound.

Twenty one pilots was originally a trio

Today, twenty one pilots consists of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun, but the band's roots trace back to its beginnings as a trio. Initially formed in 2009 at Ohio State University, the band featured Joseph alongside his friends Chris Salih and Nick Thomas. Initially, Salih and Joseph began the project, but they quickly included Thomas, a high school friend, in hopes of enhancing their sound.

Recognizing their potential, the trio self-produced their debut album, aptly titled "twenty one pilots," and embarked on a regional tour beyond their Columbus hometown. Salih remarked on their strategy, stating, "I fully believe that’s what set us apart from other local bands." However, in 2011, both Salih and Thomas departed from the band, leading Joseph to recruit Dun as their new drummer based on Salih's recommendation.

Twenty one pilots' band name is a literary reference

A common question among fans is the origin of the band's name, twenty one pilots. The intriguing title is derived from an Arthur Miller play called "All My Sons," which Tyler Joseph encountered during his time at Ohio State University. The play centers around a contractor who, during World War II, sends faulty parts overseas, resulting in the deaths of 21 pilots. Joseph resonated with the theme of making difficult choices and the weight of one’s decisions.

This name has evolved into a guiding philosophy for Joseph and Dun, as they consistently choose to take the road less traveled in their career. Their commitment to authenticity is evident in their decision to turn down sponsorships and continue touring in a van instead of a lavish bus, even when they had the opportunity to sell out arenas.

Twenty one pilots relied on grassroots marketing

The band's rise to fame is a testament to their innovative marketing strategies. They began performing in their hometown of Columbus, Ohio, and effectively utilized guerrilla marketing to garner attention. Emphasizing social media presence, they also hired a videographer to help document their journey. Joseph noted the importance of making it easy for fans to access content.

Interestingly, they avoided excessive promotion, focusing instead on word-of-mouth advertising. Joseph recalls performing for small crowds but relying on those attendees to share their experiences with others. His early marketing tactics included handing out tickets personally and even having his mother assist in distributing them to Ohio State students.

Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun's faith plays into their personas

Both members of twenty one pilots have conservative religious backgrounds, which significantly influences their music and public personas. Joseph was raised in a strict household where his father was the principal of a Christian school. Meanwhile, Dun faced similar restrictions, growing up in a home where rock or hip-hop music was forbidden.

Despite these constraints, both musicians have maintained strong connections to their roots. Joseph continues to live in Columbus with his wife, while Dun's childhood home featured in the music video for their hit song "Stressed Out." Joseph has even initiated a charity aimed at helping low-income children in Ohio, showcasing his commitment to giving back to the community.

Twenty one pilots' music defies genre -- and they’re okay with that

One of the key lessons Joseph learned during the band's formation was to disregard genre constraints when creating music. The duo’s second hit, "Lane Boy," features the lyrics, "They say, 'Stay in your lane, boy'/But we go where we want to." Joseph emphasizes their desire to produce genre-defying music that resonates with their authentic selves.

Described as "boldly traversing genre boundaries," their music blends elements of emo-inspired rock, synth-driven melodies, and even rap. This eclectic sound has become a defining characteristic of the band. Joseph credits his younger brother for encouraging him to explore rapping, leading to a unique musical identity that continues to evolve.

As their sixth album "Scaled and Icy" garners attention and success, it solidifies their standing as a formidable force in the music industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity and artistic expression.