didn't instantly fall in love with their music. I watched the video for Holding on to You and thought Tyler and Josh were talented, but it wasn't quite to my taste. I enjoyed it enough to purchase Vessel, figuring they would grow on me a bit. Fast forward a few months, when I finally sat down and listened. I listened to the lyrics, to every drum beat, every line of Vessel. I realized how meaningful their lyrics were and how relevant they were to me, especially at that point in my life. I listened to all the songs, over and over again. So yeah, you could say they grew on me.
I've spent most of my life struggling with anxiety, OCD, and other mental illnesses. Music became a sort of therapy, a respite from all the pain and fear that had engulfed the rest of my life. But
twenty one pilots' music was different than anything else I'd ever listened to. I felt even less alone. There were nights when I'd be sitting alone in my room, in the midst of an anxiety attack and twenty one pilots would be the only thing grounding me and helping me through it. Migraine and Holding on to You also became especially powerful songs for me, the lyrics holding so much meaning.
enough to attend a free show where twenty one pilots was one of the openers. I
was apprehensive about going with a friend, but couldn't go alone. It was hard
for me to share this music with my friends who had no idea of my struggle with
mental illness--I thought they would judge me for listening to them (I'm not
sure why, probably just my anxiety thinking). My desire to see Tyler and Josh
live overpowered this fear, and my friend, who normally likes R&B music,
became a fan halfway through one song. Even though it was a short set, it was
one of the best performances either of us had ever seen. Tyler and Josh not only
create excellent songs, they can also perform live with an amazing stage
presence. There's just something incredibly comforting about a room full of people singing "We're broken people, we're broken people" together. It makes you feel like maybe you aren't the only one waging your wars behind your face and above your throat. Maybe you don't have to go through everything completely alone.
I even managed to get another one of my close friends hooked too (and we get to see twenty one pilots open for Panic! at the Disco and Fall Out Boy in a month together!). I am beyond excited to
see them twice in the next couple months, and to see where Tyler and Josh's
musical career goes over the next couple years. I hope their popularity continues to grow because I know there are so many people out there whose lives could be changed by their amazing
music. There is just something wonderful and unique and powerful about what Tyler and Josh do. Something you have to be a part of to truly understand. Something you just have to listen to and enjoy. twenty one pilots gave me the power to save my own life, and I owe them more than they will ever know.Tyler and Josh, if you ever read this, thank you so much for everything. I wish I was more eloquent with words as there is so much I have to say to you. But thank you will have to do for now.
Power to the Local
Dreamer |-/