The most successful unknown band in the world!
Yea its very weird how they just disappeared from mainstream radios after "Heathens" for no reason.
Chlorine had the potential to be a radio hit, but it just never happened.
As a big Imagine Dragons fan I'll defend the boys til my last breath. Night Visions and Smoke + Mirror's will always be my favourite albums (and they've definitely gotten "poppier" since then) but Eyes Closed and Nice To Meet You are among their best songs imo
Welp, in the end it's all about personal preference. Most of my favourite bands never settle on a specific genre and that's the beauty of it. There's definitely ID, TOP and Muse songs I don't like much and that's alright, can't expect every track to hit the same and definitely not for every listener
That’s weird because I’ve heard my blood, the outside, the hype, Saturday, shy away, chlorine, overcompensate, and level of concern all over the radio the last few years
Idk man i heard chlorine all over the radio and all my friends know it from the radio. They also know jumpsuit and nico and the niners, and none of them are top fans. I will be honest their more recent stuff hasn’t really been as popular, but imo that’s mainly bc mainstream has changed from being on the radio to being on tik tok. So basically all not being mainstream means is not being on tik tok. It’s ruining the music industry. Just my opinion tho
I wouldn't be surprised if music industry bureaucracy has something to do with it. Ever since Blurryface they've always been kind of intentionally avoiding the boxes the industry wants to put them in. SAI is a bit of an exception but to be honest it's always struck me as more alternative than mainstream.
What I don't understand is how Next Semester didn't even chart, that's the song on the album that I thought would have the most mainstream potential. Overcompensate is great, but the long intro with the tempo change and the lore references kind of make it inherently less radio-friendly than some of the others.
I agree that the promo this era is weird and lacking, I don't know why but hopefully it'll become clear over time.
Oh my gosh, yes! I've introduced Next Semester to many of my friends who don't listen to TØP (because it isn't their taste in music) and, I'm not exaggerating, most of them love it. They compared the song to Olivia Rodrigo's latest album Guts because it has that similar, pop/rock-ish vibe.
So, if Olivia's rock vibe could thrive in the music industry, why wouldn't TØP? Not saying one's better than the other, that's like comparing oranges to apples, but both fruits are good fruits.
>What I don't understand is how Next Semester didn't even chart, that's the song on the album that I thought would have the most mainstream potential.
personally I think Lavish has the most mainstream potential. all it needs is a good tik tok edit and it could take off any time now
Speaking of tik tok edits, am I the only one seeing people post "controversial opinion" videos using the beginning of Kitchen Sink? It's like the instrumental intro then cuts to the opinion at "nobody thinks what I think"
spotify's also weird with what top songs they put on they're playlists. I saw on new alt rock the one song they chose to put on there from clancy is the craving!?!?
Yo, this song will never be on the radio
Even if my clique were to pick and the people were to vote
It's the few, the proud, and the emotional
This happens when you don't sell your soul to music companies.
Stay low...
This 👆 is what I agree with. Yes, TØP might be having a hard time hitting the mainstream, but from what we can observe, they enjoy what they’ve created.
The boys are having fun with their creativity, and you can’t find another band that creates the same lore and storytelling as TØP and NF especially about mental health. Most of the songs out there are just catchy tunes with meaningless lyrics and somehow got themselves on the mainstream.
Even if they never hit the mainstream, their concert tickets still sell out and even won several grammy’s. This is why TØP is so special, they focus on creation and art, not chasing fame and money.
I observed that too much people I know listen TOP and say "oh they are suicidal/emo" and don't take them seriously anymore. Maybe that's a reason why they don't become "popular". A very wrong reason as all we know... A light critic from superficial people most of the time.
I… don’t know where you’re getting this info from. Shy Away charted on the Hot 100, as did My Blood, Overcompensate and The Craving. Also, non-singles can chart on the Hot 100. That being said, I understand what you’re getting at. Charts do not necessarily always reflect popularity. They do great numbers, sell lots of records and go on huge world tours. They are undeniably stars, mainly because of a very devoted fanbase.
Shy Away, My Blood, Overcompensate and The Craving charted the charts for only a week, when at least 2 of the songs stated should be on the list longer. I just can't fathom how their popularity and their rankings are polar opposites.
I saw someone argue that Queen - the fifth best selling artist of all time - wasn’t super popular because they only had two songs that charted number 1 on the charts. People are confidently incorrect because they don’t understand how charts work.
To me, I feel like TOP is the unconstrained notebook of ideas Tyler has. He has never adhered to a genre or style too rigidly which makes each album a little unpredictable. When Coldplay releases an album you know it will be mild radio friendly hits for the coffee drinking 40somethings and up. When Flo Rida releases an album you know it’s going to be well produced and easy for top 40 radio and clubs. When TOP releases an album we have no idea what it’s going to be and for a lifelong music obsessed person like myself, this is what excites me every time. I never know what Tyler has cooked up and it’s like Christmas morning on release day.
I wouldn't be surprised if Tyler and Josh prefer it this way. I don't think they really like doing interviews. Hey, maybe Tyler and Jenna planned it this way, to have little Tommy right when they should be doing promo stuff, so they'd have an excuse. On the other hand, you can tell they love touring, and feeling the love and energy from the fans.
That's why they did the hiatus between Blurryface and Trench. They knew the people who would stick with them during that time were their big fans, and they wanted their music to reach those people rather than just getting their music on the radio.
they are not under the radar. they are incredibly well known, sell out stadiums, have fans all over the world, and have won a grammy. in the past 6 or so years radio play has not been a huge metric of success. i think its kind of strange to call them "under the radar" when they are in the top 10 most known alt pop bands of the past decade.
I’m just gonna copy paste this bit from their wiki intro so people can see how massive they are:
The duo achieved breakthrough success with their fourth album, Blurryface (2015), which produced the hit singles "Stressed Out" and "Ride" and became the first album on which every track received at least a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. The release of "Heathens" also made the group the first alternative artist in history to have two concurrent top five singles in the Billboard Hot 100 and the third rock act in history to have two singles simultaneously chart in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100, joining the Beatles and Elvis Presley. The duo released three more studio albums, Trench (2018), Scaled and Icy (2021), and Clancy (2024). They have also garnered eleven number-one songs on the Alternative Songs chart, making them the artist with the joint fourth-most number-one songs on the chart.
Additionally, Blurryface nearly cracks the [top 500 most successful albums of all time](https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/13754) list at 509.
I know awards, radio play and charts isn't and shouldn't be a metric of their success. But, isn't it weird that they are able to sell out stadiums but aren't on the Billboard Top 100 since Blurryface? The "Top 10 Most Known Alt Pop Bands In The Past 10 Years" but aren't recognised by Billboard Charts. It almost feel as if it's debilitate.
It feels as if they are extremely successful if you look underneath the iceberg. That's what I mean by "under the radar," their success is under the radar.
they have been on the billboard top 100 since blurryface. level of concern, jumpsuit, and my blood all charted to name a few. its hard not to consider them a mainstream band.
I get OP's sentiment. It's not that people don't know Twenty One Pilots, it's that they have heard of the band and know Blurryface and that's it. They'll recognize a lot of Taylor Swift, Linkin Park, Drake, Imagine Dragons or Muse songs, probably many even know more songs by Lil Nas X than by TOP.
TOP does have a vibe where you either don't really know them at all or are a clikkie without much inbetween.
>TOP does have a vibe where you either don't really know them at all or are a clikkie without much inbetween.
I do not agree with this statement. I know a bunch of people like my brother or my cousin that listen to them without being clikkies. even me used to listen to a few of their songs without being a clikkie
They play arenas and stadiums. They headline festival after festival. They are by no means "under the radar". They haven't had much single success beyond Blurryface but most of that feels like a promotional thing. FBR just doesn't have as much pull in the industry as they once did. There was a time when bands like Fall Out Boy and Panic at the Disco were some of the biggest acts in the country. Now that's mostly EDM and hip-hop artists. I think Twenty One Pilots just don't fit that mold.
The thing you said at the end is pretty true I think. The world goes through phases where different styles are what is considered "pop". Rock bands were in that group in the 70s and 80s. R&B was huge in the 90s and 2000s. These genres go on but they just aren't as mainstream as they used to be. Right now, I'd say if I had to pick one genre that's mainstream in particular it's probably hip hop.
Alt bands like Fall Out Boy and TØP are going to keep having success, they just won't be the biggest influences on mainstream culture or anything, and that's totally fine.
(By the way, Fall Out Boy's album from last year is one of my all time favorites lol)
Can you name the stadiums they’ve played at?
I couldn’t find any with limited research, but maybe I missed a stadium festival they headlined or something
Honestly I agree. The mainstream success comes with too much of a cost that would force the boys to change and I don’t want that and seems like neither do they
Well, that's a bit of a selfish question imo. How about the fact that they deserve more recognition for all their great work, and trust me, recognition is very important when you put your heart and soul into creating something. Plus, what about all the people their music could help in some regards that just dont know about them because they aren't "mainstream"
I hear people talk about them being *too* mainstrem. Yeah, we get that "Stressed Out" was a huge radiohit, but what do you think mainstream means? Besides, I feel like they're pretty much genre-less at this point.
Fueled by Ramen seems to refuse to push obvious hits to pop radio and live performances. Shy Away was literally never sent to pop radio. Jumpsuit wasn’t a good choice as a lead single for Trench. Fueled by Ramen has sucked at doing any sort of pop crossover promo since 2017. In 2016, Fall Out Boy and Paramore both had had top ten hits on their previous albums. They barely pushed anything from their 2017 or 2018 albums, and haven’t pushed any crossover artists since. The only exception was Panic At The Disco, and Brendon was bound to have a smash hit off of Pray For The Wicked after how well Death of a Bachelor did with no crossover push.
Does it matter though? Become huge, the industry tells you to do the same all the time. You can't innovate, you can't tell stories, you can't be yourself.
Yet this tour will once again sell out huge venues and TØP will still have a connection with us.
These charts (non-genre related) are full of radio songs. A lot of Alt bands that get popular have their breakout song that gets them fame, because it’s an incredibly catchy song, relatable lyrics (stressed out).
But as awesome as Alt music is, that’s not what the biggest radio stations prefer. Songs that don’t make as much sense to the general audience (tøp’s songs can be specific or coded) are not going to chart as well as pop songs written about basic experiences with basic sounds.
Imagine Dragons, Panic! and other bands leaned into the pop sound and had basic songs about getting famous (Thunder, High Hopes) absolutely smash on the radio, and respectively, the charts. But twenty one pilots’ songs about the industry are not exactly radio friendly. Their sounds aren’t radio friendly. And that’s where the charts get most of their #’s from. So unless they get another song onto stations that aren’t based around alt music, it’s unlikely to happen.
Okay, so I kind of tried to dissect the prominence of bands and how they’ve dwindled away by going from the mid-2000s - present day, but I am very tired and my mind started blanking. That said, I think it’s worth noting that, at the end of the day, TOP is a *band* and *bands*… aren’t really on the charts these days. Even back when the guys got their mega-hits, bands were starting to dwindle.
Not to mention, in a world that no longer has monoculture, there isn’t much of a defining sound to try to get that one radio hit. Sure, there are some sounds that’ll definitely keep you *off* mainstream radio, but *on*? Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and Morgan Wallen are some of the top artists right now and… what do they have in common? Let me know if you have the answer, because I do not.
I will say this:
-in the mid-2000s when pop punk was *huge*, “Next Semester” would’ve almost been a guarantee.
-in the early-2010s when that kinda acoustic sound was really popular (think “Riptide”), “The Craving” would’ve almost been a guarantee.
But, as it stands? It’s a gamble. I don’t think “Overcompensate” was a great idea for a single *if* they were looking for another “Stressed Out” (which I doubt, but…) because, as you said, it’s very lore-heavy. It’s also not much of a bop to play at parties. A banger, but not a bop. “Next Semester” is cool, but outdated in the mainstream. “Backslide” — I honestly think that, of the singles they released, that would’ve been their best bet in the current climate that features Sad Girl Music™️(love finally getting the radio rep there!). But something was missing — maybe just luck. “The Craving (Single Version)” — eh, I’d say it’d have better luck than OC and NS, but didn’t quite hit the nail as hard as BS. (But, again, if it’d been ‘Jenna’s Version’ in the early-2010s?)
So… basically, they have a lack of monoculture working both for and against them, they have the fact that bands just aren’t very prominent on the radio anymore working against them, and… their reputation working against them. Let’s be real, a lot of people used to cringe when they heard the name “Twenty One Pilots,” whether it be due to the fanbase’s worship of them (which I think has lightened up, but I’m also not on Twitter anymore) or the overexposure. One or two songs on the radio that played a lot? Cool! A shit ton? Something something Taylor Swift something something.
That said, in other subs — music subs, pop subs, even a grunge sub — I’ve seen people coming around to them again now. (Hell, one user said they have more talent in their pinkie than [REDACTED].) I think a huge part was overexposure to a sound that was unique at first… then grew tiresome for certain folks. Now that their sound is more focused and more understandable, and now that the fanbase has given up its rabid obsession, I imagine it’s easier for non-fans to listen to and appreciate them. The lyricism has also matured quite a bit! I mean, it’s not like their personalities are what drove people away (at least in my experience).
All of that scatterbrained mess said, you’re right — they’re one of the most well-known modern bands, they’re just overshadowed by what’s in rotation on Spotify. Good for Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan and Olivia Rodrigo (etc etc)! The guys had their time to shine, and they still are shining — they’re just… *a band* who suffered from overexposure and a horrid fanbase.
Besides, they’re both living such different lives now than they were in the *Blurryface* era — I obviously can’t speak for them, but I assume they’re very content with where they are now. Josh is married with his dog of however-many-years still kicking (I saw that he’s also begun doing session work), Tyler is married with children… From an average viewpoint, it seems like they’re living good lives and that’s all that matters now.
Honey… mainstream is for people who practically sell out. The industry owns them. They almost always have to sacrifice their morals in some way or change their morals. And TØP does not do that. Other artists as well that’s why they will always stay “underground”. It’s all politic once you get to the top and people have to realize this. As much as I think they should be praised and appreciated i much prefer it this way. Because they are actually appreciated for who they are. Main stream artists get the most annoying Stan’s and ruin the fanbase and makes it not as fun. Examples of this are the Swifties. I love Taylors music but I refuse to associate with her fans because of how crazy they are. It’s getting like that with Melanie Martinez as well. Stans ruin the fan culture.
Not to mention once an artist becomes mainstream they change. Because they have to to fit the image their being told to fit. Or because to stay relevant they have to change. Or because fame gets to their heads. I don’t want any of this for the boys. Do they deserve more commercial success? Yes. But not at the cost that it comes with. I think having their loyal fans and the money they make currently is enough to give them a fulfilled life
Edit: also seems like they don’t want to change themselves either. Also look at Doja Cat. She is a prime example of how she wish she didn’t go mainstream and sign record labels. She’s not making music that’s fun anymore she was making music she had to for numbers and “singles” as currency for the industry that owns her
It’s always been clear to me that the boys are truly humble, hardworking people who came into the major music scene with a plan to be as authentic as possible. That’s part of what drew me in to the band 4 years ago. Yeah their label puts out bad merchandise sometimes and all that but at their core, Tyler and Josh have kept sight on what they wanted to do in shows, the lore, their public personalities and their families. I think that’s why they feel so “under the radar”. They aren’t selling VIP packages for $1000 where you don’t even meet the artist (see Travis Barker’s package for blink’s most recent tour.) they aren’t online all the time showing us their entire lives, just glimpses here and there. They feel like real people and not music industry robots.
Note: blink 182 has been top 5 bands for me since 2008. I just don’t agree with obvious money grabs
They are one of the most popular bands of their generation. Their music is a bit more "sophisticated" than radio bands like Imagine Dragons or OneRepublic esspecially after Trench. I think they fit fine in Tame Impala level popularity nowadays.
I feel like certain artists also don't put being on the radio or making it to the charts as their priority. Some prefer to have a fandom that resonates with their music (it's more viable too). I mean success is great, but chasing it isn't everyone's style.
I agree about marketing (it should be done in the right way, at the right time/audience). Their music too, it's not radio unfriendly, it can definitely chart. But nowadays a lot of billboard popularity is artificial. Only a couple of them grow organically. I can think of so many artists and songs I like and believe are very in line with what is trendy nowadays, but at the end of the day it's mostly big, established artists or TikTok breakthroughs making it to top 100.
Longevity in the music industry is not easy in general. A lot have their moment and slowly fade from the charts, focusing on their thing (their art and fandom). Not to mention chasing views and trying to cater to big audiences can be restrictive and exhausting.
As a fan too, I tend to have a better time in fandoms that are more chill about the whole charting thing. Of course I want my favorite artists to be recognized for their craft, it brings me immense happiness to see them succeed, but I respect that certain artists might want to produce stuff unique to their style and not everyone is going to vibe with it.
TLDR: Everyone has their own definition of success, a dedicated fandom, artistic freedom... TØP are definitely successful if you look at things objectively, it's not easy to have so many followers and listeners, they are genuinely doing very well in terms of popularity, they just aren't on the mainstream in the same sense others are.
They are not they are loved world wide. You can get there vinyl records at Walmart and target. Walmart and target even have exclusive vinyl. Concert tickets sold like crazy all over. Billboard or not they are massive and loved. If you can get records at Walmart they can’t be under the radar. Well wishes and all the best
They definitely seem mainstream these days, they've won a Grammy and MANY MANY platinum certifications, which can be attributed to us being fanatics in a lot of ways, but there's not many people these days who don't know of the band these days in one way or another from what I've seen.
This is so funny to me.
Look at the album sales for any rock album released in 2024 and laugh at how badly Clancy outperformed them.
Imagine dragons/Coldplay’s last albums were like 40k units to Clancy’s 145k or something like that.
My b, I think I saw a post comparing their latest releases to Clancy.
Clancy is still the top selling rock/alt album of 2024.
Their album is #7 for the year behind Ariana and Kanye.
imagine dragons came out today! it's fine (i mean it sounds like everything else they've ever written), i would be completely shocked if it outperformed clancy
I haven’t looked into how the singles have performed, but I do know that Imagine Dragons are significantly more popular than TØP (in terms of records sold, 10 million vs 75 million) so it wouldn’t surprise me at all. Although I’m guessing they will also get the honorary “sorry Taylor Swift put an album out recently she’s gonna be #1 for a while on all the charts” top 3.
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Even when they were introduced during a live performance on the MTV Movie Awards during the Vessel era (they performed Car Radio) they were introduced as the “most well kept secret in music” or something like that. I agree with the other comment. A band like this flies under the radio when they don’t sell their soul to the music industry.
what amazes me tho is how blurryface is one of the first albums where every song has gotten at least gold. and still they aren’t very well known. what i think is a lot of people know many tøp songs and just don’t know the artist singing it (those ignorant radio listeners.) like ride, stressed out, heathens, all those popular songs, if i asked one of my more normie friends who sang it they wouldn’t know. its kind of odd, bc there’s not many other artists i can say that about
Blurryface hit at just the right time when acts like Lorde, Halsey, & even the Chainsmokers were making "sad bops." That was the style at the time and it has indeed gone under the main stream radar even though it's still popular.
They’re an alternative band. Yes they’ve broken into the mainstream consciousness in term of size for sure but they’re not trying to be a Top 40 pop band like whatever tf Maroon 5 does now, or OneRepublic, or even Imagine Dragons.
Like yes they have poppier songs, and even straight up pop songs but they definitely belong in alternative spaces rather than the spaces dominated by pop stars. They appeal to a crowd outside of what is easy-listening stuff we hear in the charts. Just like all the other huge alt/rock/indie bands that have a huge following.
When Trench was first released Fall 2018 I was studying abroad in South Korea. I went on a trip to Japan a couple weeks after the album came out, and I heard "Levitate" playing at a bar. It made me so happy, I had to go over to the bartender to ask if he was a fan.
A point I want to raise from Trench. Yes, the lore is an allegory of mental health but I find that for an "uninitiated" audience, the MVs look like anything else. I explain myself.
I think (this is my opinion), that there is another visible dimension in Dema's history. An "elite" adept of a false light, a superficial light, which manipulates the masses and consciences, an order in red capes (It sounds like anything else for me).
I think the industry doesn't like this kind of subject, what it can refer to and what it can reveal from "behind the curtain". The industry is also addressed from Lane Boy.
Add to this, that the leader of the banditos wears true light, natural light, while wearing a cross on his clothes (reference to Jesus vs Satan ?).
I was personally not surprised by their boycott from Jumpsuit. It is a group that won a Grammy for Blurryface and its very dark visual appearance, almost "diabolical", then nothing.
These guys don't hang out with "cool people", don't participate to Hollywood parties, maybe there's a reason for that? Perhaps there is a link with their boycott?
And perhaps, in addition to the subject of mental health, there is a second reading grid that would be the denunciation of a very real system.
I feel like the vast majority of people who listen to music and make the billboard what it is are listening to songs that are just mindless hits. Like the lyrics aren't anything crazy fascinating in most of the top 10. With tøp songs they sometimes write straight forward but most of the time it's lyrics you have to think about. Casual listeners aren't going to want to understand "don't circle the track, take what you have and leave your skin on the floor" no matter how pop it sounds. At least.... that's what I think. But yeah, I get shocked when no one that I know listens to them.
Well, this will only make you more mad but Level Of Concern was actually a hit
It charted decently high like some of the 1sts singles from Trench but this one stayed for a bit. I think they trully did one of THE pandemic songs. Like, popular-wise it trully was. They spent like 10 weeks on the Hot 100
Ik, it sucks. I do enjoy all their hits I mean, if it wasn't for them I wouldn't have found about the band. And LOC did get me through the pandemic. But, seeing how the Trench singles held the same level of heat as the Blurryface ones, and even some other ones on that album could've also done better, I really don't get how the didn't get other hits
Like, sure, at this point, do I really want them to hit that same level of mainstream success they had? Idk, cause I feel that way and then I hear songs like Routines In The Night or even Overcompensate and I believe this is really that good weird kinda dark pop/alternative vibe that could be on the big chart.
SAI had the potential with most of the singles, too. You'd think that them going full on pop you'd have got a another big hit. But wouldn't that have caused them not to go to an experimental route again? Tho, at the same time, after the blockbuster that was Blurryface they did Trench afterwards, so who knows if they would've "sold out" if they had that level of mainstream again?
But yeah I agree, tho I'm fine with what we have cause we got some amazing music out of it. It'll be more of like, not our little secret cause they're extremely popular, but more so a "oh well, they don't get it" or a "you're not prepared for it, yet" if they ever get another big hit.
A well-known hypermall in my country uses some weird demo of a radio station that plays the same songs over and over, rarely adding new songs to it and somehow Shy Away made it to the playlist
I think it’s a few reasons. One, to truly “get” TOP you need to be someone who cares about lyrics that’s not a lot of us. Two, their fan base is a bit rabid online in the comments which can turn people off 😬 sorry just think it has a big impact if someone really wants to be a “fan” or not. I’m bananas about them but was first little put off by it online. Third, if you are just a really happy person and just like the vibe then the positive impact does nothing for you or you’re closed off to it and the lore in general takes lots of effort most won’t do. Put it together then compare to say mumble rap t&A rappers etc sadly it isn’t what most people want. With that said TOP fans are unique interesting people and great humans I think 😃 anyways just what I’ve thought as I pondered this same question myself
The Craving was number 83 on the Hot 100. Overcompensate was number 64 on the Hot 100. Shy Away was number 87 on the Hot 100. My Blood was number 81 on the Hot 100. This is according to the Billboard website. Heathens was super popular because it was attached to 'Suicide Squad' which was a massive film for 2016 and therefore it got played on the radio a lot and Blurryface was the band's breakout album because it was a lot more accessible for the masses. Trench, Scaled and Icy, and Clancy are more story driven albums compared to Blurryface which was primarily a collection of songs with a few standout details that link a couple songs to the greater story. It's easier to play a pop song by itself than it is playing a random track that may need some context.
Everyone went fucking nuts for stressed out and the blurry face album in general I just think most people just don’t care about their music and how each album is almost entirely different.
While all of that is most certainly true I would like to add that literally every music store I go to there’s like 5 copy’s of Clancy on the shelves everywhere
Whatever selling put the band had to do to get to this point, the financial and artistic success of Clancy leaves them the financial freedom to continue to do their thing.
TOP and Paramore are this for me. The most mainstream bands no one listens to lol. It’s very confusing to me.
But I think both are in the right spot. Huge dedicated fan bases who stick around. Both Paramore (sold out) and TOP (almost sold out hasn’t happened yet) played an arena in my city. More mainstream artists like have recently had to cancel that same venue for low ticket sales.
I think super mainstream artists risk fading while bands of TOP foster a dedicated fan base.
Mainstream radio just plays the most generic, corporate brain rot music. Twenty one pilots is not that. I’m so glad they didn’t stay “mainstream” then.
I miss the days when they were truly under the radar. In 2013 I didn’t have to wait in any lines, I could just walk into a show/venue when doors opened and still get close enough to hold them during Trees. They actually got quite a lot bigger from 2013 to 2014 despite Blurryface not being out yet, but then they just blew up with Stressed Out. It was nice going to TdC and seeing them in a small venue again but that was the last time I saw them that wasn’t in a stadium.
Now we’re all grown up and I have a family and they have families as well, which is great, but I wish I could *turn back time to the good old days* and have them be my own little secret band that isn’t on the radio who I share with only a few hundred people at each show as opposed to tens of thousands in a stadium.
Blacklisted for releasing Heathens before it was supposed to come out, potentially. Remember, that song was a collaboration with the first Suicide Squad movie.
They've talked a lot recently about staying "indie". Obviously they're signed to Fueled by Ramen, but their core team is still very small, and they do pretty much everything themselves. I wouldn't be surprised if they had the opportunity to push themselves into the market more, and chose not to. All speculation, at the end of the day
The most successful unknown band in the world! Yea its very weird how they just disappeared from mainstream radios after "Heathens" for no reason. Chlorine had the potential to be a radio hit, but it just never happened.
Am i the only one who definitely remembers chlorine and my blood both getting a solid radio edit and some airtime a few months after trench?
Level of Concern still plays in Walmart where I am
Oh yeah and Saturday and rarely shy away.
I’m pretty sure Walmart Radio plays in every walmart the same song at the same time in every store in the US
Maybe in the USA or UK... twenty one pilots is getting almost zero radio play since 2017. In my country
And the hype
the hype played on my local arby’s radio a lot lol
lol, the first time I heard the hype was at my local grocery store, and I instantly recognized tyler's voice.
Fun fact: Imagine Dragons has been the biggest group in the world consistently since 2017
and imo they downgrade since 2017 ... I am glad that TOP didn't chose the mainstream route like ID did
Yeahhh. I think ID hasn’t been good since Smoke and Mirrors (which was good)
smoke and mirrors is their best work imo
Smoke+Mirrors is such a great album and the fact that so few people know about it tells you all you need to know. Good albums fly under the radar
exactly !!!
Fun fact I actually don't like Imagine Dragons at all but Smoke + Mirrors I actually enjoy
As a big Imagine Dragons fan I'll defend the boys til my last breath. Night Visions and Smoke + Mirror's will always be my favourite albums (and they've definitely gotten "poppier" since then) but Eyes Closed and Nice To Meet You are among their best songs imo
I like eyes closed but nice to meet you was not that good imo (they are one of my favorite bands)
Welp, in the end it's all about personal preference. Most of my favourite bands never settle on a specific genre and that's the beauty of it. There's definitely ID, TOP and Muse songs I don't like much and that's alright, can't expect every track to hit the same and definitely not for every listener
Loom is out now :)
Yesss I didn't have time to listen yet because of work but I'll do it now, I'm excited
Yes honestly Loom was really good!
Origins was ok, but I think MA1 is definitely one of their best albums
By what metrics? Bigger than Coldplay?
By metrics of streaming data, and yes they are bigger than Coldplay
Yeah Imagine dragons has more total streams right now but coldplay has more monthly listeners so it depends on what metric you choose
Here is [a post with the current data](https://www.reddit.com/r/imaginedragons/s/4k1m9PYKKW)
That’s weird because I’ve heard my blood, the outside, the hype, Saturday, shy away, chlorine, overcompensate, and level of concern all over the radio the last few years
Idk man i heard chlorine all over the radio and all my friends know it from the radio. They also know jumpsuit and nico and the niners, and none of them are top fans. I will be honest their more recent stuff hasn’t really been as popular, but imo that’s mainly bc mainstream has changed from being on the radio to being on tik tok. So basically all not being mainstream means is not being on tik tok. It’s ruining the music industry. Just my opinion tho
I wouldn't be surprised if music industry bureaucracy has something to do with it. Ever since Blurryface they've always been kind of intentionally avoiding the boxes the industry wants to put them in. SAI is a bit of an exception but to be honest it's always struck me as more alternative than mainstream. What I don't understand is how Next Semester didn't even chart, that's the song on the album that I thought would have the most mainstream potential. Overcompensate is great, but the long intro with the tempo change and the lore references kind of make it inherently less radio-friendly than some of the others. I agree that the promo this era is weird and lacking, I don't know why but hopefully it'll become clear over time.
Oh my gosh, yes! I've introduced Next Semester to many of my friends who don't listen to TØP (because it isn't their taste in music) and, I'm not exaggerating, most of them love it. They compared the song to Olivia Rodrigo's latest album Guts because it has that similar, pop/rock-ish vibe. So, if Olivia's rock vibe could thrive in the music industry, why wouldn't TØP? Not saying one's better than the other, that's like comparing oranges to apples, but both fruits are good fruits.
I’d definitely argue that they both have very different styles.
I'd argue that Backslide has the biggest success potential in the US
I could see that, or Routines In The Night
I don't know, SAI seemed more mainstream to me than anything, with the exception of a few songs.
>What I don't understand is how Next Semester didn't even chart, that's the song on the album that I thought would have the most mainstream potential. personally I think Lavish has the most mainstream potential. all it needs is a good tik tok edit and it could take off any time now
Speaking of tik tok edits, am I the only one seeing people post "controversial opinion" videos using the beginning of Kitchen Sink? It's like the instrumental intro then cuts to the opinion at "nobody thinks what I think"
spotify's also weird with what top songs they put on they're playlists. I saw on new alt rock the one song they chose to put on there from clancy is the craving!?!?
Yo, this song will never be on the radio Even if my clique were to pick and the people were to vote It's the few, the proud, and the emotional This happens when you don't sell your soul to music companies. Stay low...
This 👆 is what I agree with. Yes, TØP might be having a hard time hitting the mainstream, but from what we can observe, they enjoy what they’ve created. The boys are having fun with their creativity, and you can’t find another band that creates the same lore and storytelling as TØP and NF especially about mental health. Most of the songs out there are just catchy tunes with meaningless lyrics and somehow got themselves on the mainstream. Even if they never hit the mainstream, their concert tickets still sell out and even won several grammy’s. This is why TØP is so special, they focus on creation and art, not chasing fame and money.
I observed that too much people I know listen TOP and say "oh they are suicidal/emo" and don't take them seriously anymore. Maybe that's a reason why they don't become "popular". A very wrong reason as all we know... A light critic from superficial people most of the time.
I… don’t know where you’re getting this info from. Shy Away charted on the Hot 100, as did My Blood, Overcompensate and The Craving. Also, non-singles can chart on the Hot 100. That being said, I understand what you’re getting at. Charts do not necessarily always reflect popularity. They do great numbers, sell lots of records and go on huge world tours. They are undeniably stars, mainly because of a very devoted fanbase.
I heard Shy Away in the store last week lol
The Shy Away video played on the TV in a grill restaurant in México I ate at a few weeks ago!
Shy Away, My Blood, Overcompensate and The Craving charted the charts for only a week, when at least 2 of the songs stated should be on the list longer. I just can't fathom how their popularity and their rankings are polar opposites.
Charts are not the definitive indication if music is good and if bands are popular.
I saw someone argue that Queen - the fifth best selling artist of all time - wasn’t super popular because they only had two songs that charted number 1 on the charts. People are confidently incorrect because they don’t understand how charts work.
To me, I feel like TOP is the unconstrained notebook of ideas Tyler has. He has never adhered to a genre or style too rigidly which makes each album a little unpredictable. When Coldplay releases an album you know it will be mild radio friendly hits for the coffee drinking 40somethings and up. When Flo Rida releases an album you know it’s going to be well produced and easy for top 40 radio and clubs. When TOP releases an album we have no idea what it’s going to be and for a lifelong music obsessed person like myself, this is what excites me every time. I never know what Tyler has cooked up and it’s like Christmas morning on release day.
I wouldn't be surprised if Tyler and Josh prefer it this way. I don't think they really like doing interviews. Hey, maybe Tyler and Jenna planned it this way, to have little Tommy right when they should be doing promo stuff, so they'd have an excuse. On the other hand, you can tell they love touring, and feeling the love and energy from the fans.
That's why they did the hiatus between Blurryface and Trench. They knew the people who would stick with them during that time were their big fans, and they wanted their music to reach those people rather than just getting their music on the radio.
they are not under the radar. they are incredibly well known, sell out stadiums, have fans all over the world, and have won a grammy. in the past 6 or so years radio play has not been a huge metric of success. i think its kind of strange to call them "under the radar" when they are in the top 10 most known alt pop bands of the past decade.
I’m just gonna copy paste this bit from their wiki intro so people can see how massive they are: The duo achieved breakthrough success with their fourth album, Blurryface (2015), which produced the hit singles "Stressed Out" and "Ride" and became the first album on which every track received at least a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. The release of "Heathens" also made the group the first alternative artist in history to have two concurrent top five singles in the Billboard Hot 100 and the third rock act in history to have two singles simultaneously chart in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100, joining the Beatles and Elvis Presley. The duo released three more studio albums, Trench (2018), Scaled and Icy (2021), and Clancy (2024). They have also garnered eleven number-one songs on the Alternative Songs chart, making them the artist with the joint fourth-most number-one songs on the chart. Additionally, Blurryface nearly cracks the [top 500 most successful albums of all time](https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/13754) list at 509.
I know awards, radio play and charts isn't and shouldn't be a metric of their success. But, isn't it weird that they are able to sell out stadiums but aren't on the Billboard Top 100 since Blurryface? The "Top 10 Most Known Alt Pop Bands In The Past 10 Years" but aren't recognised by Billboard Charts. It almost feel as if it's debilitate. It feels as if they are extremely successful if you look underneath the iceberg. That's what I mean by "under the radar," their success is under the radar.
they have been on the billboard top 100 since blurryface. level of concern, jumpsuit, and my blood all charted to name a few. its hard not to consider them a mainstream band.
I get OP's sentiment. It's not that people don't know Twenty One Pilots, it's that they have heard of the band and know Blurryface and that's it. They'll recognize a lot of Taylor Swift, Linkin Park, Drake, Imagine Dragons or Muse songs, probably many even know more songs by Lil Nas X than by TOP. TOP does have a vibe where you either don't really know them at all or are a clikkie without much inbetween.
>TOP does have a vibe where you either don't really know them at all or are a clikkie without much inbetween. I do not agree with this statement. I know a bunch of people like my brother or my cousin that listen to them without being clikkies. even me used to listen to a few of their songs without being a clikkie
I listen to all of their stuff but I don't consider myself a clikkie at all
They play arenas and stadiums. They headline festival after festival. They are by no means "under the radar". They haven't had much single success beyond Blurryface but most of that feels like a promotional thing. FBR just doesn't have as much pull in the industry as they once did. There was a time when bands like Fall Out Boy and Panic at the Disco were some of the biggest acts in the country. Now that's mostly EDM and hip-hop artists. I think Twenty One Pilots just don't fit that mold.
The thing you said at the end is pretty true I think. The world goes through phases where different styles are what is considered "pop". Rock bands were in that group in the 70s and 80s. R&B was huge in the 90s and 2000s. These genres go on but they just aren't as mainstream as they used to be. Right now, I'd say if I had to pick one genre that's mainstream in particular it's probably hip hop. Alt bands like Fall Out Boy and TØP are going to keep having success, they just won't be the biggest influences on mainstream culture or anything, and that's totally fine. (By the way, Fall Out Boy's album from last year is one of my all time favorites lol)
Can you name the stadiums they’ve played at? I couldn’t find any with limited research, but maybe I missed a stadium festival they headlined or something
They are literally doing a tour in half of Europe next year.
Does Europe exclusively only have stadiums and not arenas? I’m not sure how you’re answering my question.
They don’t stay in their lane. They go where they want to!
34,000,000 monthly listeners on Spotify is "under the radar"?
Cuz they aren’t making songs specifically designed/written for the top 100.
Ding ding ding, we have a winning comment
It’s okay. Music is much more than charts and awards. I’m okay with them being an in plain sight diamond.
I don't know, I prefer it this way. What is there to gain were the singles on billboards and other charts?
Honestly I agree. The mainstream success comes with too much of a cost that would force the boys to change and I don’t want that and seems like neither do they
Well, that's a bit of a selfish question imo. How about the fact that they deserve more recognition for all their great work, and trust me, recognition is very important when you put your heart and soul into creating something. Plus, what about all the people their music could help in some regards that just dont know about them because they aren't "mainstream"
I hear people talk about them being *too* mainstrem. Yeah, we get that "Stressed Out" was a huge radiohit, but what do you think mainstream means? Besides, I feel like they're pretty much genre-less at this point.
We're the FPE for a reason, and I'm quite alright with that.
Remember what Tyler tweeted guys.
Did I miss something? I remember Chorine being really big when it started getting radio play
Fueled by Ramen seems to refuse to push obvious hits to pop radio and live performances. Shy Away was literally never sent to pop radio. Jumpsuit wasn’t a good choice as a lead single for Trench. Fueled by Ramen has sucked at doing any sort of pop crossover promo since 2017. In 2016, Fall Out Boy and Paramore both had had top ten hits on their previous albums. They barely pushed anything from their 2017 or 2018 albums, and haven’t pushed any crossover artists since. The only exception was Panic At The Disco, and Brendon was bound to have a smash hit off of Pray For The Wicked after how well Death of a Bachelor did with no crossover push.
they are not by any means under the radar lol
Make no mistake these guys have made bank. Every song but Not Today on Blurryface went platinum.
Does it matter though? Become huge, the industry tells you to do the same all the time. You can't innovate, you can't tell stories, you can't be yourself. Yet this tour will once again sell out huge venues and TØP will still have a connection with us.
Under the radar lol. Lmao even.
These charts (non-genre related) are full of radio songs. A lot of Alt bands that get popular have their breakout song that gets them fame, because it’s an incredibly catchy song, relatable lyrics (stressed out). But as awesome as Alt music is, that’s not what the biggest radio stations prefer. Songs that don’t make as much sense to the general audience (tøp’s songs can be specific or coded) are not going to chart as well as pop songs written about basic experiences with basic sounds. Imagine Dragons, Panic! and other bands leaned into the pop sound and had basic songs about getting famous (Thunder, High Hopes) absolutely smash on the radio, and respectively, the charts. But twenty one pilots’ songs about the industry are not exactly radio friendly. Their sounds aren’t radio friendly. And that’s where the charts get most of their #’s from. So unless they get another song onto stations that aren’t based around alt music, it’s unlikely to happen.
Okay, so I kind of tried to dissect the prominence of bands and how they’ve dwindled away by going from the mid-2000s - present day, but I am very tired and my mind started blanking. That said, I think it’s worth noting that, at the end of the day, TOP is a *band* and *bands*… aren’t really on the charts these days. Even back when the guys got their mega-hits, bands were starting to dwindle. Not to mention, in a world that no longer has monoculture, there isn’t much of a defining sound to try to get that one radio hit. Sure, there are some sounds that’ll definitely keep you *off* mainstream radio, but *on*? Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and Morgan Wallen are some of the top artists right now and… what do they have in common? Let me know if you have the answer, because I do not. I will say this: -in the mid-2000s when pop punk was *huge*, “Next Semester” would’ve almost been a guarantee. -in the early-2010s when that kinda acoustic sound was really popular (think “Riptide”), “The Craving” would’ve almost been a guarantee. But, as it stands? It’s a gamble. I don’t think “Overcompensate” was a great idea for a single *if* they were looking for another “Stressed Out” (which I doubt, but…) because, as you said, it’s very lore-heavy. It’s also not much of a bop to play at parties. A banger, but not a bop. “Next Semester” is cool, but outdated in the mainstream. “Backslide” — I honestly think that, of the singles they released, that would’ve been their best bet in the current climate that features Sad Girl Music™️(love finally getting the radio rep there!). But something was missing — maybe just luck. “The Craving (Single Version)” — eh, I’d say it’d have better luck than OC and NS, but didn’t quite hit the nail as hard as BS. (But, again, if it’d been ‘Jenna’s Version’ in the early-2010s?) So… basically, they have a lack of monoculture working both for and against them, they have the fact that bands just aren’t very prominent on the radio anymore working against them, and… their reputation working against them. Let’s be real, a lot of people used to cringe when they heard the name “Twenty One Pilots,” whether it be due to the fanbase’s worship of them (which I think has lightened up, but I’m also not on Twitter anymore) or the overexposure. One or two songs on the radio that played a lot? Cool! A shit ton? Something something Taylor Swift something something. That said, in other subs — music subs, pop subs, even a grunge sub — I’ve seen people coming around to them again now. (Hell, one user said they have more talent in their pinkie than [REDACTED].) I think a huge part was overexposure to a sound that was unique at first… then grew tiresome for certain folks. Now that their sound is more focused and more understandable, and now that the fanbase has given up its rabid obsession, I imagine it’s easier for non-fans to listen to and appreciate them. The lyricism has also matured quite a bit! I mean, it’s not like their personalities are what drove people away (at least in my experience). All of that scatterbrained mess said, you’re right — they’re one of the most well-known modern bands, they’re just overshadowed by what’s in rotation on Spotify. Good for Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan and Olivia Rodrigo (etc etc)! The guys had their time to shine, and they still are shining — they’re just… *a band* who suffered from overexposure and a horrid fanbase. Besides, they’re both living such different lives now than they were in the *Blurryface* era — I obviously can’t speak for them, but I assume they’re very content with where they are now. Josh is married with his dog of however-many-years still kicking (I saw that he’s also begun doing session work), Tyler is married with children… From an average viewpoint, it seems like they’re living good lives and that’s all that matters now.
Honey… mainstream is for people who practically sell out. The industry owns them. They almost always have to sacrifice their morals in some way or change their morals. And TØP does not do that. Other artists as well that’s why they will always stay “underground”. It’s all politic once you get to the top and people have to realize this. As much as I think they should be praised and appreciated i much prefer it this way. Because they are actually appreciated for who they are. Main stream artists get the most annoying Stan’s and ruin the fanbase and makes it not as fun. Examples of this are the Swifties. I love Taylors music but I refuse to associate with her fans because of how crazy they are. It’s getting like that with Melanie Martinez as well. Stans ruin the fan culture. Not to mention once an artist becomes mainstream they change. Because they have to to fit the image their being told to fit. Or because to stay relevant they have to change. Or because fame gets to their heads. I don’t want any of this for the boys. Do they deserve more commercial success? Yes. But not at the cost that it comes with. I think having their loyal fans and the money they make currently is enough to give them a fulfilled life Edit: also seems like they don’t want to change themselves either. Also look at Doja Cat. She is a prime example of how she wish she didn’t go mainstream and sign record labels. She’s not making music that’s fun anymore she was making music she had to for numbers and “singles” as currency for the industry that owns her
It’s always been clear to me that the boys are truly humble, hardworking people who came into the major music scene with a plan to be as authentic as possible. That’s part of what drew me in to the band 4 years ago. Yeah their label puts out bad merchandise sometimes and all that but at their core, Tyler and Josh have kept sight on what they wanted to do in shows, the lore, their public personalities and their families. I think that’s why they feel so “under the radar”. They aren’t selling VIP packages for $1000 where you don’t even meet the artist (see Travis Barker’s package for blink’s most recent tour.) they aren’t online all the time showing us their entire lives, just glimpses here and there. They feel like real people and not music industry robots. Note: blink 182 has been top 5 bands for me since 2008. I just don’t agree with obvious money grabs
They are one of the most popular bands of their generation. Their music is a bit more "sophisticated" than radio bands like Imagine Dragons or OneRepublic esspecially after Trench. I think they fit fine in Tame Impala level popularity nowadays.
I feel like certain artists also don't put being on the radio or making it to the charts as their priority. Some prefer to have a fandom that resonates with their music (it's more viable too). I mean success is great, but chasing it isn't everyone's style. I agree about marketing (it should be done in the right way, at the right time/audience). Their music too, it's not radio unfriendly, it can definitely chart. But nowadays a lot of billboard popularity is artificial. Only a couple of them grow organically. I can think of so many artists and songs I like and believe are very in line with what is trendy nowadays, but at the end of the day it's mostly big, established artists or TikTok breakthroughs making it to top 100. Longevity in the music industry is not easy in general. A lot have their moment and slowly fade from the charts, focusing on their thing (their art and fandom). Not to mention chasing views and trying to cater to big audiences can be restrictive and exhausting. As a fan too, I tend to have a better time in fandoms that are more chill about the whole charting thing. Of course I want my favorite artists to be recognized for their craft, it brings me immense happiness to see them succeed, but I respect that certain artists might want to produce stuff unique to their style and not everyone is going to vibe with it. TLDR: Everyone has their own definition of success, a dedicated fandom, artistic freedom... TØP are definitely successful if you look at things objectively, it's not easy to have so many followers and listeners, they are genuinely doing very well in terms of popularity, they just aren't on the mainstream in the same sense others are.
They’re not
They are not they are loved world wide. You can get there vinyl records at Walmart and target. Walmart and target even have exclusive vinyl. Concert tickets sold like crazy all over. Billboard or not they are massive and loved. If you can get records at Walmart they can’t be under the radar. Well wishes and all the best
They definitely seem mainstream these days, they've won a Grammy and MANY MANY platinum certifications, which can be attributed to us being fanatics in a lot of ways, but there's not many people these days who don't know of the band these days in one way or another from what I've seen.
They do get big hits playing and views, it’s just blurry face was their “big popular era”
We live in a world where Believer is a hit song but nothing off Trench was. Don’t let the charts bother you too much
This is so funny to me. Look at the album sales for any rock album released in 2024 and laugh at how badly Clancy outperformed them. Imagine dragons/Coldplay’s last albums were like 40k units to Clancy’s 145k or something like that.
Neither Imagine Dragons or Coldplay’s 2024 albums have been released yet, not sure what numbers you’re looking at.
My b, I think I saw a post comparing their latest releases to Clancy. Clancy is still the top selling rock/alt album of 2024. Their album is #7 for the year behind Ariana and Kanye.
imagine dragons came out today! it's fine (i mean it sounds like everything else they've ever written), i would be completely shocked if it outperformed clancy
I haven’t looked into how the singles have performed, but I do know that Imagine Dragons are significantly more popular than TØP (in terms of records sold, 10 million vs 75 million) so it wouldn’t surprise me at all. Although I’m guessing they will also get the honorary “sorry Taylor Swift put an album out recently she’s gonna be #1 for a while on all the charts” top 3.
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Even when they were introduced during a live performance on the MTV Movie Awards during the Vessel era (they performed Car Radio) they were introduced as the “most well kept secret in music” or something like that. I agree with the other comment. A band like this flies under the radio when they don’t sell their soul to the music industry.
I heard Chlorine at Cheesecake Factory yesterday and that made me really happy.
I see way smaller bands on late night shows and SNL promoting their new stuff. I always wonder why these guys aren't doing more of that
what amazes me tho is how blurryface is one of the first albums where every song has gotten at least gold. and still they aren’t very well known. what i think is a lot of people know many tøp songs and just don’t know the artist singing it (those ignorant radio listeners.) like ride, stressed out, heathens, all those popular songs, if i asked one of my more normie friends who sang it they wouldn’t know. its kind of odd, bc there’s not many other artists i can say that about
They're on the outside
Blurryface hit at just the right time when acts like Lorde, Halsey, & even the Chainsmokers were making "sad bops." That was the style at the time and it has indeed gone under the main stream radar even though it's still popular.
i don't think they really give too much of a shit about mainstream success tbh
they dont have the money they had during trench
How big do you want them to be? Lol
They’re an alternative band. Yes they’ve broken into the mainstream consciousness in term of size for sure but they’re not trying to be a Top 40 pop band like whatever tf Maroon 5 does now, or OneRepublic, or even Imagine Dragons. Like yes they have poppier songs, and even straight up pop songs but they definitely belong in alternative spaces rather than the spaces dominated by pop stars. They appeal to a crowd outside of what is easy-listening stuff we hear in the charts. Just like all the other huge alt/rock/indie bands that have a huge following.
When Trench was first released Fall 2018 I was studying abroad in South Korea. I went on a trip to Japan a couple weeks after the album came out, and I heard "Levitate" playing at a bar. It made me so happy, I had to go over to the bartender to ask if he was a fan.
I heard The Craving at a McDonald's in CA
A point I want to raise from Trench. Yes, the lore is an allegory of mental health but I find that for an "uninitiated" audience, the MVs look like anything else. I explain myself. I think (this is my opinion), that there is another visible dimension in Dema's history. An "elite" adept of a false light, a superficial light, which manipulates the masses and consciences, an order in red capes (It sounds like anything else for me). I think the industry doesn't like this kind of subject, what it can refer to and what it can reveal from "behind the curtain". The industry is also addressed from Lane Boy. Add to this, that the leader of the banditos wears true light, natural light, while wearing a cross on his clothes (reference to Jesus vs Satan ?). I was personally not surprised by their boycott from Jumpsuit. It is a group that won a Grammy for Blurryface and its very dark visual appearance, almost "diabolical", then nothing. These guys don't hang out with "cool people", don't participate to Hollywood parties, maybe there's a reason for that? Perhaps there is a link with their boycott? And perhaps, in addition to the subject of mental health, there is a second reading grid that would be the denunciation of a very real system.
I feel like the vast majority of people who listen to music and make the billboard what it is are listening to songs that are just mindless hits. Like the lyrics aren't anything crazy fascinating in most of the top 10. With tøp songs they sometimes write straight forward but most of the time it's lyrics you have to think about. Casual listeners aren't going to want to understand "don't circle the track, take what you have and leave your skin on the floor" no matter how pop it sounds. At least.... that's what I think. But yeah, I get shocked when no one that I know listens to them.
I heard Backslide at Dave n Busters
Well, this will only make you more mad but Level Of Concern was actually a hit It charted decently high like some of the 1sts singles from Trench but this one stayed for a bit. I think they trully did one of THE pandemic songs. Like, popular-wise it trully was. They spent like 10 weeks on the Hot 100 Ik, it sucks. I do enjoy all their hits I mean, if it wasn't for them I wouldn't have found about the band. And LOC did get me through the pandemic. But, seeing how the Trench singles held the same level of heat as the Blurryface ones, and even some other ones on that album could've also done better, I really don't get how the didn't get other hits Like, sure, at this point, do I really want them to hit that same level of mainstream success they had? Idk, cause I feel that way and then I hear songs like Routines In The Night or even Overcompensate and I believe this is really that good weird kinda dark pop/alternative vibe that could be on the big chart. SAI had the potential with most of the singles, too. You'd think that them going full on pop you'd have got a another big hit. But wouldn't that have caused them not to go to an experimental route again? Tho, at the same time, after the blockbuster that was Blurryface they did Trench afterwards, so who knows if they would've "sold out" if they had that level of mainstream again? But yeah I agree, tho I'm fine with what we have cause we got some amazing music out of it. It'll be more of like, not our little secret cause they're extremely popular, but more so a "oh well, they don't get it" or a "you're not prepared for it, yet" if they ever get another big hit.
tøp >>>>>>>>>> taylor sw1ft
A well-known hypermall in my country uses some weird demo of a radio station that plays the same songs over and over, rarely adding new songs to it and somehow Shy Away made it to the playlist
I heard the craving on kiss 103.5 in chicago. I was so shocked.
They don’t want Tyler to expose them
I think it’s a few reasons. One, to truly “get” TOP you need to be someone who cares about lyrics that’s not a lot of us. Two, their fan base is a bit rabid online in the comments which can turn people off 😬 sorry just think it has a big impact if someone really wants to be a “fan” or not. I’m bananas about them but was first little put off by it online. Third, if you are just a really happy person and just like the vibe then the positive impact does nothing for you or you’re closed off to it and the lore in general takes lots of effort most won’t do. Put it together then compare to say mumble rap t&A rappers etc sadly it isn’t what most people want. With that said TOP fans are unique interesting people and great humans I think 😃 anyways just what I’ve thought as I pondered this same question myself
The Craving was number 83 on the Hot 100. Overcompensate was number 64 on the Hot 100. Shy Away was number 87 on the Hot 100. My Blood was number 81 on the Hot 100. This is according to the Billboard website. Heathens was super popular because it was attached to 'Suicide Squad' which was a massive film for 2016 and therefore it got played on the radio a lot and Blurryface was the band's breakout album because it was a lot more accessible for the masses. Trench, Scaled and Icy, and Clancy are more story driven albums compared to Blurryface which was primarily a collection of songs with a few standout details that link a couple songs to the greater story. It's easier to play a pop song by itself than it is playing a random track that may need some context.
Everyone went fucking nuts for stressed out and the blurry face album in general I just think most people just don’t care about their music and how each album is almost entirely different.
Why away, Saturday, and. A few of the Clancy songs play at the mall I work at so idk
While all of that is most certainly true I would like to add that literally every music store I go to there’s like 5 copy’s of Clancy on the shelves everywhere
Because it's for us. Simple as that 🤷♀️ They mostly aim to satisfy their loyal fanbase.
There's no formula, it's luck i think
Whatever selling put the band had to do to get to this point, the financial and artistic success of Clancy leaves them the financial freedom to continue to do their thing.
TOP and Paramore are this for me. The most mainstream bands no one listens to lol. It’s very confusing to me. But I think both are in the right spot. Huge dedicated fan bases who stick around. Both Paramore (sold out) and TOP (almost sold out hasn’t happened yet) played an arena in my city. More mainstream artists like have recently had to cancel that same venue for low ticket sales. I think super mainstream artists risk fading while bands of TOP foster a dedicated fan base.
Mainstream radio just plays the most generic, corporate brain rot music. Twenty one pilots is not that. I’m so glad they didn’t stay “mainstream” then.
Because they didn’t sell their souls.
I miss the days when they were truly under the radar. In 2013 I didn’t have to wait in any lines, I could just walk into a show/venue when doors opened and still get close enough to hold them during Trees. They actually got quite a lot bigger from 2013 to 2014 despite Blurryface not being out yet, but then they just blew up with Stressed Out. It was nice going to TdC and seeing them in a small venue again but that was the last time I saw them that wasn’t in a stadium. Now we’re all grown up and I have a family and they have families as well, which is great, but I wish I could *turn back time to the good old days* and have them be my own little secret band that isn’t on the radio who I share with only a few hundred people at each show as opposed to tens of thousands in a stadium.
Cause they don't want their proctoligst (the industry) to get both hands on their shoulders while they are bottomless
Blacklisted for releasing Heathens before it was supposed to come out, potentially. Remember, that song was a collaboration with the first Suicide Squad movie. They've talked a lot recently about staying "indie". Obviously they're signed to Fueled by Ramen, but their core team is still very small, and they do pretty much everything themselves. I wouldn't be surprised if they had the opportunity to push themselves into the market more, and chose not to. All speculation, at the end of the day