Twenty One Pilots Takes Off
Twenty One Pilots recently performed at Syracuse University during Orange Central. VPA Social Media Team member Roxy Silver '16, a student in VPA's Bandier Program, reviewed the concert.
When the head of Creative Artists Agency, Rob Light, told our Soyars Lecture Series audience that Twenty One Pilots was his new favorite band, he had my attention. Knowing that they would be playing at Syracuse University’s Homecoming concert put on by University Union in Goldstein Auditorium and knowing that Mr. Light is a highly accomplished and highly regarded industry expert, I knew we were in for something special.
Opening for the Ohio-based headliner Twenty One Pilots were Shiffley and local band and rising rapper Travi$ Scott. The undersold show was sparsely attended. Furthermore, the crowd was split into two distinct factions: those who came to see Travi$, and those who didn't. Shiffley complemented the alternative pop and hip-hop duo Twenty One Pilots with a similar vibe. But, when it came to someone jumping on and off the stage, screaming inaudibly at the crowd to “rage with him,” Travi$ Scott did not fit the bill.
After an uncomfortably unfitting set by Scott, the crowd was ready for Twenty One Pilots' vocalist and keyboard player, Tyler Joseph, and drummer Josh Dun to take the stage. With high poise and ecstatic energy the band made the empty room sound like a sold-out arena. Singing mostly from their third studio album “Vessel,” Joseph combined a mix of rock, pop and rap, showing true versatility while adding his unique style and charm.
When buying a concert ticket it’s usually all about wanting to see a specific performer because you enjoy their music. After attending this show, I was certain anyone could have enjoyed it. Hopefully, there were at least some participants who took a chance on this one, 'cause it certainly paid off for them.
Joseph is a true entertainer. Working the stage to the keys, surfing the crowd to singing directly to audience members, he made sure to make the already intimate experience even more personal. And that's exactly what I think artists need to do. Whether it be an area tour or a show of 50 people, that personal experience is what fans crave. Tyler Joseph accomplished that. To end the show, Joseph had the audience form a circle in front of the stage. With the circle, he jumped right in and sang to his fans on their level.
No surprise, Rob Light was correct. Twenty One Pilots is a band worth seeing and a sound worth hearing. Although the night started with a bit of turbulence and some unhappy passengers, Twenty One Pilots took us on a great flight with a smooth landing. I look forward to watching their career take off!