Twenty One Pilots: How They Became the Largest Band in the Streaming Era

Twenty One Pilots skyrocketed to fame in the streaming era, crafting a unique blend of genres that resonated with audiences worldwide. While their name might not be immediately recognizable, their songs have amassed over 2 billion streams on Spotify. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of their breakthrough album “Blurryface,” the band reflects on their journey to success.

Back in 2015, “Blurryface” made history as the first crossover album post-Spotify, securing the top spot in the US and lingering in the UK charts for an impressive 120 weeks. Vocalist Tyler Joseph and drummer Josh Dun found themselves on an unexpected upward trajectory, going from playing intimate shows to selling out iconic venues like London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire and Alexandra Palace.

Hits like “Ride” and “Stressed Out” became anthems of the summer, winning the band a Grammy and solidifying their presence on the music scene. “Stressed Out” alone has garnered over 2.6 billion streams, surpassing rock classics like “Mr. Brightside” and “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

Reflecting on their journey from humble beginnings at Ohio State University to international stardom, Joseph and Dun credit their dedicated fan base for their success. Despite advice against including certain lyrics or conforming to radio-friendly standards, the duo stayed true to their vision and instincts, ultimately creating a timeless and impactful album.

As they continue to captivate audiences around the world, Twenty One Pilots remains focused on crafting music that resonates with their fans and translates seamlessly to their electrifying live performances. Their dedication to authenticity and innovation has cemented their status as one of the biggest bands of the streaming era.