Photos by Shannon Guest – Twenty One Pilots is an American musical duo from Columbus, Ohio, formed in 2009 by Tyler Joseph and originally featuring Nick Thomas and Chris Salih before evolving into the core lineup of Joseph and drummer Josh Dun. Known for their genre-blending sound that fuses alternative rock, hip-hop, pop, and electronic elements, the band first gained attention with their self-released albums Twenty One Pilots (2009) and Regional at Best (2011). Their breakout came after signing with Fueled by Ramen and releasing Vessel (2013), which introduced their energetic live performances and emotionally charged songwriting to a global audience.
The band’s 2015 album Blurryface propelled them into mainstream success, led by massive hits like “Stressed Out” and “Ride.” With introspective lyrics exploring mental health, identity, and self-doubt, Blurryface became a defining record of its era and made Twenty One Pilots the first group in history to have every song on an album certified gold or higher by the RIAA. Their ability to balance vulnerability with high-octane energy has made them icons of the alternative scene and a voice for a generation navigating the pressures of modern life.
Following their GRAMMY Award win and a series of sold-out world tours, Twenty One Pilots have continued to evolve with albums like Trench (2018), Scaled and Icy (2021), and Clancy (2024), which complete an ambitious narrative arc exploring themes of isolation, resistance, and hope. Their visual storytelling, elaborate world-building, and deeply personal songwriting have solidified their reputation as one of the most creative and impactful acts of the 21st century. Constantly reinventing their sound while staying true to their message, Twenty One Pilots remain a powerful force in alternative music and a testament to the connection between artist and fan.
DAY GLOW
