twenty-one pilots

Christian friends Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun are an eclectic alternative musical duo from Columbus, Ohio. Their group, Twenty One Pilots, has gone through some changes over the years since their founding in 2009. But it has been the duo of Tyler and Josh since 2011.

Their music cannot be completely categorized as they have crossed genres such as electro-pop, indie pop, hip hop, rock, electronica, rap, emo, alternative rock and more.

According to Beat Media, Twenty One Pilots goal is to get people who are struggling through life thinking through the message the band shares in their lyrics giving testimonies of their personal struggles. Anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, mental health and more are addressed through their music. But most importantly, hope is given!

In a song called, ‘Addict with a Pen,’ Joseph is sharing how he knows he is a son of King Jesus, but has not spent much time in prayer. Singing, “Hello, we haven’t talked in quite some time, I know I haven’t been the best of sons.” The song continues as he sings, “You hear me screaming, ‘Father,’ so wash me with Your water.”

Watch an acoustic version of “Addict with a Pen”

The Skeleton Clique

Their fans are called, “Skeleton Clique.” One fan posted about the song, ‘Addict with a Pen,’ “I wonder if people understand how much that hurts. Because it really does. This man, these men, are the reason me and many others are here today. And when you see someone, who saved you. Who helped you and who has been there for you. When you see them hurt, it hurts you… mentally and physically. People may look at us and say, ‘Why would you cry over this band, why are you like that?’ I would answer, ‘because they were there when I needed life.'”

Another fan said, “The way he sings feels so…raw. It almost feels like we should look away. Like we’re intruding on something so deeply human and personal that it’s almost wrong to watch. But we need that. We need someone to create something. Some piece of art that’s almost disturbing in it’s rawness, so we can face our own humanity, too. That’s what Twenty One Pilots has done for us. They’ve given us a mirror in which we can more easily view those parts of ourselves that we want to forget, but must not. And through that process, we begin to heal.”

A generation that is searching, seeking and needing guidance for the trials and struggles of life are receiving hope through the music of Twenty One Pilots. And they are using parables in the form of musical art to point to Jesus. He alone is the way, the truth and the life, who gives true life here and now. And for eternity.

Now is Your Time of Favor, Now is Your Day of Salvation

If you would like give your life to Jesus now, between you and God, watch this short video praying the prayer provided. And then start talking to God in your own words. Begin thanking Him, asking Him questions. Asking the wonderful Holy Spirit to fill you up.

After praying this, you can live knowing Jesus loves you no matter what. Talk to Him everyday, reading His Bible. You can start your reading in the Gospel of Mark or John. If you don’t have a Bible, download the YouVersion Bible App. And find a great church that will help you grow in your relationship with God. Encouraging you to show God’s love through you to others.

This is the first article in a series about Twenty One Pilots.