Submitted by admin_vms on Fri, 01/24/2014 - 16:55
In January of 2013, Josh Dun, drummer of Columbus band twenty | one | pilots, visited Vaughan Music Studios to discuss the recent wave of success the group had seen. He shared his experience and insight with a crowd of fans and fellow musicians. Here is the article from the VMS February 2013 newsletter. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest stories like this: <!--break-->
“I’m at a point where I really want to help people who want to get to this.” Josh Dun’s discussion at Vaughan Music Studios in January with a group of 70+ attendees provided insight in to how his group, twenty | one | pilots, earned their success and record deal with major label, Fueled By Ramen.
Dun explained how his commitment was what got the ball rolling. He quit his job to sit in at his first show with the band, which ended up getting shut down after one song. Little did he know that this dedication would get him a permanent spot in the group.
He talked about their humble beginnings and how they wouldn’t encourage their Columbus fans to make it to concerts in distant Ohio cities. “The goal of it was to gain brand new fans.” After using this technique for almost a year, they planned a hometown show at the Newport Music Hall, which sold out to a capacity of 1700. This got the attention of some major record labels, which required the band to look back on their vision of what they really wanted to be. After they sorted through the many offers they had, they signed with Fuel By Ramen who were better able to “brand their band”.
“Rather than come in front of us and pull us along, they come behind us and push us forward.”
He discussed their initial recording process, all home recordings done in singer Tyler’s basement. “We wanted to be able to at least put something together that shows potentially what we’re capable of.”
Video promotion has been integral to branding twenty | one | pilots and getting their music out. “A lot of times just having a CD or just listening to one song isn’t enough to be captivating.” Partnering with video production team, Reel Bear Media, allowed them to capture the energy of their small shows to share with people around the globe. “You can’t really ignore the power of video and that emotion. I think that it fits with music so well.”
In the end, Dun explained that hard work should always be a factor in continuing success. “Since we signed, we’ve started working a lot harder.” “They’re giving us more work so we can continue to push forward.” We would like to thank Josh, twenty | one | pilots, and all who attended for making this such an outstanding, informative event.
For those who attended the event, what was the most valuable advice you received from Josh? Let us know in the comments!
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