Words from MUTEMATH /// Paul Meany
I’m still in shock at what just happened over the course of this last year, but I promise you this, I’ll never be able to express enough appreciation for Tyler and Josh, the whole crew, staff and audiences alike that made an unlikely dream come true.
I’ve told this story a few times so please forgive the redundancy, but I found out about @twentyonepilots while I was at home, summer of last year, mixing Vitals. I went online for some mix references and noticed in my Youtube feed a recommended video which had just gone up and collected an obscene amount of views for an hour long video. It was TØP’s live set from Bonnaroo. I had certainly heard of them but had never really taken the time to dive in. So I did…I remember I was hooked immediately and didn’t even think about clicking away for that whole hour. I was jumping out of my skin watching this show and seeing a couple of amazing performers bring to fruition a host of musical influences that I had thought not possible up until that moment. It was derived of everything I craved and chased since I’d started writing songs and playing in bands. So I became an instant fan.
For those of you who have followed me through thick and cringe, you’re at least vaguely familiar with some of the musical experiments I’ve been a part of over the years. Many of these weren’t too dissimilar from what TØP has now masterfully engineered and delivered in the most inspiring way. And as I’m sure with many of their fans, it somehow always feels like their triumph is your triumph. So for me, imagine that ten-fold.
Six months ago, when we just happened to be playing the same radio event as TØP, we were fortunate enough to get to meet and share stories. Tyler and Josh couldn’t have been more gracious, down to earth and at the same time straight-up inspiring figures to be around…we immediately felt like we had met some long lost brothers. To hear them talk about music, their journey, and what’s important to them was especially refreshing for an old boy like me who’s been rolling around in the musical trenches for a while and starting to doubt that the good guys can actually win in this game.
After we met that night in December and parted ways, I hoped at best to maybe one day collaborate on a song or play a couple shows together. But a few months later when we got the call that we had been offered the direct support slot for the EMØTIØNAL RØADSHØW, I can tell you that I did not sleep that night. I actually couldn’t believe it. It wasn’t until I saw the announcement surfacing online that I allowed myself to accept it as reality. This was by far the most meaningful tour we’ve ever been offered, and a chance to play for arguably the most passionate fans in music today. Not to mention this was already going to be the greatest show on earth with TØP alone taking their headline show to the biggest crowds they had played for to-date. What an epic moment for our band to get to feel like some sort of cast member in all of this.
And the tour itself exceeded all expectations. Chef’Special were a brilliant addition to the show and instantly became our brothers in the art as well. The TØP crew was one of the most finely tuned operations I have ever witnessed with an unbelievable task list to pull off for this unprecedented show from night to night. They executed it with precision and pride knowing they were just as vital to the show’s success as Tyler and Josh. The audiences were as exuberant and responsive as any opener can hope for. I can’t overstate how much this experience meant to me.
Another special thanks to everyone who welcomed all of our crew and family this summer and accommodated us in a way that went beyond just being “an opener.” You made us all feel like an important part of the show (even though we all know we were as expendable on this tour as blue confetti).
One of my favorite moments from this tour will have to be the one night backstage in San Diego where we were all hanging out after the show with some of the @switchfoot guys, and Darren got this sudden idea… what if Tyler, Jon Foreman and myself all traded phones and played a few rounds of some kind of “voice memo roulette.” In case you’re unaware, a songwriter/musician’s voice memo section is the most sacred bank of song-starts you reserve for YOUR ears only and is often full of embarrassing semi-performances. A listen back usually yields a “wtf was I thinking?” So to hand that over to another songwriter you admire for public review is really difficult… EXCEPT when you get their’s as well. I do remember, Jon being the first one to say “I’m down” completely without reservation. No fear and nothing to hide. What a stud. Tyler and I were probably most on edge, but we knew this would be too fun to pass up. So we swapped phones and with clinched eyes, one admired songwriter swipes through your memos and presses play. I can tell you it was the most glorious atmosphere of cringed laughter I’ve ever been a part of. Historic. One of many cherished memories from the best summer of my life. Thanks again everyone!
Atmosvere // Michael Rex // Kristin Hill
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