Twentyønepiløts, often abbreviated as tøp, is a group of two men that was formed in Columbus, Ohio back in 2009. The two members are Josh Dun (who entered the band in 2011 to play drums) and Tyler Joseph, the original founder as well as singer, pianist, keytar player, accordionist, bass guitarist, keyboardist and ukulele player. They have four albums under their belt, which include their self-titled (2009, with Nick Thomas and Chris Salih) and Regional at Best (2011). In 2012, the duo signed to Fueled By Ramen. In 2013, they released their first signed debut, Vessel, and Blurryface, which was released May 15, 2015, followed it. Blurryface was the album that sent them soaring top of the charts with their hit single, “Stressed Out,” which reached number two on Billboard for weeks.
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Unfortunately, most people only know tøp from this song only, and do not know the meaning behind it. “Blurryface” was an alter ego created by Joseph to represent his insecurities. Joseph has always been open about his struggles with depression and anxiety and this has resonated with millions of fans worldwide. In the music video for “Stressed Out,” he is seen with black paint covering his neck and hands. This is a metaphor for the suffocation he feels from stress. The most recognized line in the song is as follows: “My name’s Blurryface, and I care what you think.” In an interview with radio.com, Joseph explains the meaning of it. “It’s just being honest,” Joseph begins. “One thing that you notice about anyone that gets up on stage is that they don’t really have a lot of self-awareness. It’s kind of a trait that performers don’t have because you just kinda just have to let go and do whatever you want to do on stage. Self-awareness is a character trait that’s terrible to have if you’re a performer…a lot of these performers [have a sense of] not caring how they come across…I just think that for me personally, I’m not completely like that.” The lyrics that Joseph writes are far more meaningful than they see on the surface, and not many people realize this that have not been fans until Blurryface debuted.
So, while it may be fun to sit down and rap about “student loans and tree house homes,” you should look into it. There is a reason behind every line of every song, and that is part of what makes twenty ønepiløts such a unique band. While “Stressed Out” continues to climb the charts, buy their other albums and enjoy their music not for the beat, but the meaning, and help them get the recognition that they really deserve. Also, catch their newest tour, EMØTIØNAL RØADSHØW, this summer.
