Hook Your Friend On Twenty One Pilots: A Fan's Guide

So, you're trying to get a friend into Twenty One Pilots, huh? Awesome! You've stumbled upon the right place. Introducing someone to a band you love can be tricky, but with Twenty One Pilots, it's totally doable. Their music is so diverse and their fanbase so passionate, there's bound to be something that clicks. In this guide, we'll break down some strategies and tips to help you turn your friend into a full-fledged member of the Skeleton Clique. Let's dive in!

Understanding Your Friend's Taste

Before you even think about queuing up "Stressed Out" or "Heathens," the first key step in introducing Twenty One Pilots to a friend is understanding their existing taste in music. Think about the genres, artists, and even specific songs they already enjoy. Do they lean towards pop, rock, hip-hop, or maybe something more alternative? Twenty One Pilots is unique because they blend so many different styles, so knowing your friend's preferences will help you choose the perfect entry point into their discography.

Consider these questions:

• What are their favorite bands or artists?
• What genres do they typically listen to?
• Are there any specific songs they've been playing on repeat lately?
• Do they prefer upbeat anthems or more introspective tracks?

Once you have a good handle on their musical leanings, you can start to tailor your recommendations. For example, if your friend loves pop-punk bands like Fall Out Boy or Panic! at the Disco, you might start them off with Twenty One Pilots' more rock-oriented tracks from Blurryface or Vessel. If they're into hip-hop or rap, songs like "Lane Boy" or "Heavydirtysoul" could be a better fit. The goal here is to find a connection point, something familiar that will pique their interest and make them want to explore more.

The Power of Suggestion: Choosing the Right Songs

Now that you have a good understanding of your friend's musical tastes, it's time for the fun part: curating a playlist! Selecting the right songs is crucial. You want to showcase the band's versatility without overwhelming your friend. Think of it as a musical appetizer – you want to give them a taste of what Twenty One Pilots has to offer and leave them wanting more.

Here's a breakdown of some songs that are generally good starting points, categorized by potential listener preference:

For the Pop Enthusiast:

• "Stressed Out": This is often the gateway song for many new fans. It's catchy, relatable, and has a memorable chorus.
• "Ride": Another super popular track with a reggae-infused vibe and an infectious melody.
• "Heathens": From the Suicide Squad soundtrack, this song has a darker, more cinematic feel but is still incredibly accessible.
• "Holding on to You": A blend of rap, rock, and pop, showcasing the band's dynamic range.

For the Rock Fan:

• "Car Radio": A powerful and emotional track that builds from a quiet piano intro to a frenetic, raw outro. This song is a masterpiece in emotional storytelling through music.
• "Migraine": A blend of alternative rock and rap, with introspective lyrics and a driving beat.
• "Fairly Local": Dark and atmospheric, with a strong rock edge.
• "The Hype": An arena-ready anthem with a singalong chorus.

For the Hip-Hop Head:

• "Lane Boy": A genre-bending track that seamlessly blends rap verses with a rock chorus.
• "Heavydirtysoul": Fast-paced and energetic, with a strong hip-hop influence.
• "Ode to Sleep": This song is a journey in itself, transitioning between rap, rock, and electronic elements.
• "Morph": A rap-heavy track with a complex and intriguing instrumental.

For the Introspective Listener:

• "Truce": A beautiful and emotional ballad with a powerful message of hope.
• "Addict with a Pen": One of the band's earliest tracks, showcasing Tyler Joseph's raw songwriting talent.
• "Neon Gravestones": A thought-provoking song about suicide and mental health.
• "Trees": A fan favorite known for its powerful drum outro and spiritual themes.

Creating the Perfect Playlist:

When building your playlist, aim for a mix of different styles and tempos. Start with a few of the more accessible tracks, then sprinkle in some deeper cuts as you go. Don't overload your friend with too much at once – a playlist of 5-7 songs is a good starting point. Consider the order of the songs too. Start with something catchy to grab their attention, then move into some tracks that showcase the band's lyrical depth and musical versatility. End with a song that leaves them wanting more! This careful curation will give your friend a great first impression of the band.

Sharing the Experience: More Than Just Music

Okay, so you've got the playlist ready to go. But introducing someone to Twenty One Pilots is about more than just the music. It's about sharing the whole experience, the community, the message, and the unique world they've created.

Show Them the Visuals:

Twenty One Pilots are known for their creative music videos. They're not just promotional tools; they're mini-movies that add another layer of meaning to the songs. Videos like "Stressed Out," "Ride," "Heathens," and "Jumpsuit" are visually stunning and can help draw your friend into the band's aesthetic. Share these videos and discuss the symbolism and storylines with your friend. This can be a fantastic way to spark their interest and get them engaged on a deeper level.

Share Live Performances:

Twenty One Pilots' live shows are legendary. The energy, the theatrics, the connection with the crowd – it's an experience unlike any other. Find some live performance videos on YouTube (the MTV Unplugged performance is a great starting point!) and share them with your friend. This will give them a taste of what it's like to be at a Twenty One Pilots concert and show them the band's incredible stage presence. Seeing the band perform live can be a game-changer and really solidify their impression.

Explain the Lore (But Don't Overdo It):

Twenty One Pilots have built an intricate lore around their albums and music videos, with recurring characters, symbols, and themes. This lore can be fascinating for fans, but it can also be overwhelming for newcomers. If your friend seems interested, you can gently introduce them to some of the key concepts, like Dema, Clancy, and the Bishops. But don't bombard them with information all at once. Start with the basics and let them explore the lore at their own pace. The key is to make it engaging and fun, not confusing.

Talk About the Clique:

The Twenty One Pilots fanbase, known as the Skeleton Clique, is one of the most passionate and supportive communities in music. Share stories about the positive impact the band and their music have had on people's lives. Talk about the sense of belonging and connection that comes with being part of the Clique. If your friend is looking for a community, this could be a major selling point. The band's message of hope and resilience resonates deeply with their fans, and this shared experience is a big part of what makes Twenty One Pilots so special.

Respecting Their Pace and Preferences

Okay, you've done your best to curate a playlist, shared some cool videos, and talked about the awesome community. But the most important thing is to respect your friend's pace and preferences. Don't force it! If they're not immediately hooked, that's okay. Everyone connects with music differently, and it might take some time for them to appreciate Twenty One Pilots' unique sound and message.

Don't Be Pushy:

The worst thing you can do is constantly badger your friend to listen to the band. This will only make them less likely to give them a chance. Instead, be patient and let them come to the music on their own terms. Casually mention the band in conversation, share a song or video every now and then, but avoid being overly pushy. The goal is to spark their curiosity, not to pressure them.

Listen to Their Feedback:

Pay attention to your friend's reactions when they do listen to the music. What songs do they like? What songs don't they like? This feedback is invaluable and will help you tailor your recommendations in the future. If they're not feeling the rock-heavy tracks, try suggesting some of the more pop-oriented songs. If they're drawn to the lyrics, focus on songs with strong storytelling. The more you understand their preferences, the better you can guide them on their Twenty One Pilots journey.

Be Open to Other Opinions:

It's possible that your friend simply won't connect with Twenty One Pilots' music, and that's okay too! Music is subjective, and not everyone will love the same things. If they're not into it, don't take it personally. Respect their opinion and move on. The most important thing is to share your passion for the band without trying to force it on someone else.

Final Thoughts: Sharing the Love of Twenty One Pilots

Introducing a friend to a band you love is a rewarding experience. It's about sharing something that brings you joy and hoping that it will bring them joy too. With Twenty One Pilots, you're not just sharing music; you're sharing a message of hope, resilience, and community. By understanding your friend's taste, carefully curating a playlist, and respecting their pace, you can increase the chances of them becoming a fan. But remember, the most important thing is to share your love for the band in a genuine and authentic way. Who knows, you might just gain a new Clique member and a concert buddy for life! |//