Ode to Sleep

Last updated
"Ode to Sleep"
Song by Twenty One Pilots
from the album Regional at Best
ReleasedJuly 8, 2011 (2011-07-08)
Length5:14
Label Self-released
Producer(s) Twenty One Pilots
"Ode to Sleep"
TOP Ode to Sleep.jpg
Promotional single by Twenty One Pilots
from the album Regional at best
Released2012
Genre
Length5:07
Label Fueled by Ramen
Songwriter(s) Tyler Joseph
Producer(s) Greg Wells
Twenty One Pilots singles chronology
"Holding On to You"
(2012)		"Ode to Sleep"
(2012)		"Guns for Hands"
(2012)

"Ode to Sleep" is a song by American musical duo Twenty One Pilots. It was originally recorded for their second studio album, Regional at Best (2011), and was later re-recorded for their third album, Vessel (2013).

Contents

Background

Regarding the creation of the song, Joseph states that he did not know "exactly how it happened" or "what he was thinking about", but was satisfied with the final result. [3] One of his favorite songs to bring on stage, he defines Ode to Sleep "a puzzle because of its particular structure and how it accidentally manages to be together". [3]

In regard to the song title, Tyler Joseph said:

The first track on Vessel is called Ode to Sleep and I remember back when I was first trying to name the song, we actually played it live first before it was named, and this is back when we had kind of a small following in our hometown and it was small enough that everyone got to write on a piece of paper and put into a bucket it which name they wanted the song to be named. One was Ode to Sleep – I honestly forget the other names of the songs – but it was cool because a hometown audience got to name the song.

Veteran member Chris Salih said that they "played [Ode to Sleep] to have that song named," during a time in which the band was without a label and they could perform new songs when they wanted to. [4] The song was first performed on October 1, 2010, at the Newport Music Hall, [5] roughly eight months before the release of the sophomore album Regional at Best . Salih said three jars were placed on the band's merchandise table where concertgoers could vote on the song's name. The names were pre-chosen by the band, but the band members have since forgotten the other two names.

Joseph has also said:

I liked putting this song first on the album, because it kinda puts the listener through kind of a song structure boot camp, if you will, when it comes to them being able to anticipate what the rest of the album is. So Ode to Sleep is definitely one that we like to intro with, we open up a lot of our sets with this song and I’m really proud of how weird it is.

Production

The song was written by Tyler Joseph and produced by Twenty One Pilots for Regional at Best.

After teaming up with Fueled by Ramen and a production staff of higher caliber, Greg Wells helped produce the version to appear on Vessel . Like the rest of the album, it was recorded at the Rocket Carousel Studio in Los Angeles, California.

Release

"Ode to Sleep" originally appears on the Twenty One Pilots album Regional at Best. Next it makes an appearance on Twenty One Pilots' Three Songs EP alongside Regional at Best song "Guns for Hands" and "Migraine". In 2017, all three tracks were certified gold by the RIAA and over 500,000 copies were sold individually. [6]

It was then re-recorded on account of Twenty One Pilots teaming up with Fueled by Ramen and placed on Twenty One Pilots' third album Vessel .

During the "Quiet Is Violent Tour", a brief poem entitled "Only Skeleton Bones Remain" would precede the performance of this song. [7]

Critical reception

Dan LeRoy of Alternative Press deems the song Twenty One Pilots' best, stating that "If one single track best incorporates all the elements that have made Twenty One Pilots beloved, 'Ode to Sleep' would be it. A manic, tempo-shifting mashup of hip-hop swagger and indie-rock doubt, with a heart-stopping pop chorus designed to drive demons away." [1]

Mitch Mosk of Atwood Magazine compared the song's pre-chorus to Electric Light Orchestra's "Mr. Blue Sky." According to Mosk, the song's beginning is primarily electronic with rapping similar to Eminem, whereas the song has a "full-blown indie-pop chorus, with jingling piano keys and rock drums." Ultimately, he attributes the appeal of the song to the (genre-swapping) disparity of the "impressive rapping" and "anthemic pop chorus' emotional release."

Music video

On December 31, 2014, the band released a music video for the song "Ode to Sleep". Composed of footage captured by the band's creative director Mark C. Eshleman of Reel Bear Media from three concerts from the past three years, the video depicted the band's rapid growth from their origins as a small local band to a nationally-popular alternative act, an upward trend that would continue into the next album cycle. [8] Eshleman then went on to direct the music video, along with most of the band's others from 2012 to 2015, and again in 2019.

It was revealed that a skeptical Eshleman had pulled Joseph aside a few times before the shooting at the empty venue, questioning whether the small crowd was even worth filming. Joseph insisted and the music video has since garnered over 20 million views. [9]

Personnel

Other musicians

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [10] Platinum1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fueled by Ramen</span> American record label

Fueled by Ramen, LLC is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group and distributed by 300 Elektra Entertainment. The label, founded in Gainesville, Florida, in 1996, is now based in New York City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twenty One Pilots</span> American musical duo

Twenty One Pilots are an American musical duo from Columbus, Ohio. Initially a band, the group was formed in 2009 by lead vocalist Tyler Joseph along with Nick Thomas and Chris Salih, who both left in 2011. Since their departure, the line-up has consisted of Joseph and drummer Josh Dun. The duo is best known for their singles "Stressed Out", "Ride", and "Heathens", which achieved commercial success between 2015 and 2016. The duo received a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards for "Stressed Out".

<i>Vessel</i> (Twenty One Pilots album) 2013 studio album by Twenty One Pilots

Vessel is the third studio album by American musical duo Twenty One Pilots, which was released on January 8, 2013. It is the band's first album released via Fueled by Ramen, and is their major-label debut album. Vessel debuted at number 58 on the Billboard 200 chart, but reached number 21 in 2016. As of July 2019, the album has sold over two million equivalent album units in the U.S. All of its tracks have been certified at least Gold by the RIAA, which made Twenty One Pilots the first group or artist to achieve this feat with two separate albums. The album received positive reviews from critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holding On to You (Twenty One Pilots song)</span> Twenty One Pilots song

"Holding On to You" is a song by American musical duo Twenty One Pilots from their second studio album Regional at Best (2011). It was re-recorded and later included as the second song on the track list of their major-label debut album, Vessel (2013). "Holding On to You" features upbeat rhythms and bouncy suspended chords over which Tyler Joseph delivers scattershot raps with down-to-earth sentiments and sings grandiose, euphoric choruses. The track's indie-inspired synth-pop transforms from a sensitive ballad to a hip-hop number with rapped verses and codas. The song contains lyrical elements of "Lean wit It, Rock wit It" by Dem Franchize Boyz. Lyrically, "Holding on to You" is an ode to self-control. It addresses "the claiming of one's own life and holding onto your values." The song's lyrics express introspective lines as well as a sentiment about taking back control of one's own mind, lost to mental health. 

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guns for Hands</span> Twenty One Pilots song

"Guns for Hands" is a song written and recorded by American musical duo Twenty One Pilots, released as a single only in Japan. It was originally recorded for their second studio album, Regional at Best (2011), and was later re-recorded for their third album Vessel (2013), their 2012 extended play Three Songs, and their 2013 extended play Migraine. The song's accompanying music video was directed by Mark C. Eshleman. The song was heavily promoted in Japan as part of the duo's concert tour through the country and experienced moderate success there, reaching number 21 on the country's Hot 100 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">House of Gold (Twenty One Pilots song)</span> Twenty One Pilots song

"House of Gold" is a song by American alternative duo Twenty One Pilots. It originally appeared as a bonus track on their second album Regional at Best (2011) and was rounded out and re-released on their major-label debut studio album Vessel (2013). "House of Gold" is an alternative folk song driven by ukulele that is built on an aching melody and stomping drums. Tyler Joseph wrote and dedicated the song to his mother, Kelly Joseph.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Dun</span> American musician

Joshua William Dun is an American musician. He is best known as the drummer of the musical duo Twenty One Pilots, alongside Tyler Joseph, but he has collaborated with other artists as well. His band has been nominated for six Grammy Awards, of which he has won one.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler Joseph</span> American musician and record producer

Tyler Robert Joseph is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He is best known as the frontman for the musical duo Twenty One Pilots, alongside bandmate Josh Dun. Across his career he has recorded eight albums: one solo, and seven with Twenty One Pilots. He has been nominated for six Grammy Awards as a member of the duo, of which he has won one.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twenty One Pilots discography</span>

American musical duo Twenty One Pilots have released seven studio albums, five live albums, one compilation album, 10 extended plays, 29 singles and 50 music videos. The band was formed in 2009 and currently consists of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun. After two self-released albums, Twenty One Pilots in 2009 and Regional at Best in 2011, they were signed by Fueled by Ramen in 2012, which released their following studio albums, as well as Blurryface Live, a three-LP, tri-gatefold picture disc vinyl, Scaled and Icy and MTV Unplugged.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Car Radio (song)</span> Twenty One Pilots song

"Car Radio" is a song written and recorded by American musical duo Twenty One Pilots. Originally appearing on their second studio album Regional at Best (2011), it was re-recorded and released on March 18, 2014, as the sixth and final single from their third album, Vessel (2013). The song is notable for containing no chorus and no hook.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tear in My Heart</span> Twenty One Pilots song

"Tear in My Heart" is a song written and recorded by American musical duo Twenty One Pilots, for their fourth studio album Blurryface (2015). The song was released as a single on April 6, 2015 and was released to radio on April 14 of the same year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stressed Out</span> 2015 single by Twenty One Pilots

"Stressed Out" is a song written and recorded by American musical duo Twenty One Pilots. Produced by Mike Elizondo and recorded at studios in Los Angeles and London, it was released as a promotional single from their fourth studio album, Blurryface (2015), on April 28, 2015, through Fueled by Ramen. The song later impacted US contemporary hit radio as the album's fourth official single on November 10. Elizondo initially took issue with the nature of the song's lyrical content, but relaxed after lead vocalist and songwriter Tyler Joseph explained the larger album concept.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lane Boy</span> Twenty One Pilots song

"Lane Boy" is a song written and recorded by American musical duo Twenty One Pilots, for their fourth studio album, Blurryface. "Lane Boy" was released on YouTube worldwide on May 4, 2015, being released as a single on Google Play Store on the same day. The music video was released on July 20, 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heavydirtysoul</span> Twenty One Pilots song

"Heavydirtysoul" is a song by American musical duo Twenty One Pilots from their fourth studio album Blurryface (2015). It was written by vocalist Tyler Joseph, who derived some of its lyrics from a poem called "Street Poetry" which he had written and published three years earlier. The track was produced by American record producer Ricky Reed and recorded at Serenity West Recording in Hollywood, California. As the opening track of Blurryface, "Heavydirtysoul" acts as the album's introduction, both musically and thematically. The song contains a self-referential statement where Joseph touches on the concept by candidly addressing its music with self-aware lyrics that give away his insecurities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fake You Out</span> 2013 single by Twenty One Pilots

"Fake You Out" is a song written and recorded by American musical duo Twenty One Pilots from their third studio album, Vessel (2013). The song was written by Tyler Joseph, who co-produced it alongside Greg Wells. "Fake You Out" is a quirky techno-pop track composed of momentary injections of synth-pop and rapping, alongside record scratching and screams. Lyrically, it discusses the difficulty of telling people the truth about ourselves, while also referencing suicidal temptations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Hype (Twenty One Pilots song)</span> Twenty One Pilots song

"The Hype" is a song written and recorded by American musical duo Twenty One Pilots from their fifth studio album Trench (2018). The song was released as the sixth and final single from Trench on July 16, 2019, by Fueled by Ramen and Elektra Music Group. The track was written by lead singer Tyler Joseph, with production being handled by himself and Paul Meany. The song's lyrics discuss perseverance and loyalty. "The Hype" reached a peak of number 3 on the US Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart.

"The Judge" is a song by American musical duo Twenty One Pilots. It was released on their fourth studio album Blurryface in May 2015. It was written by Tyler Joseph and produced by Mike Crossey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Choker (song)</span> Twenty One Pilots song

"Choker" is a song written and recorded by American musical duo Twenty One Pilots. It was released through Fueled by Ramen on April 30, 2021, as the second single from their sixth studio album, Scaled and Icy (2021). A music video accompanied the single's release.

<i>Regional at Best</i> 2011 studio album by Twenty One Pilots

Regional at Best is the second studio album by the American band Twenty One Pilots, and its first as the core duo of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun. Self-released on July 8, 2011, it was the band's final independent record before being signed to Fueled by Ramen in 2012, and has since been removed from circulation.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "The 10 best twenty one pilots songs". Alt Press.
  2. ↑ Kennedy, Maddy (October 7, 2014). "Twenty one pilots returns to Milwaukee in rockstar style". Marquette Wire.
  3. 1 2 "Track-By-Track: Twenty One Pilots - Vessel". Rock Sound . Archived from the original on April 2, 2019. Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  4. ↑ "Episode 05 - Chris Salih (36:35)". Soundcloud. The Twenty One Pilots Podcast.
  5. ↑ "Twenty One Pilots - Ode To Sleep (New Song) Live @ The Newport Music Hall 10-1-10". YouTube. JacobRobAJ.
  6. ↑ "Twenty One Pilots". RIAA.
  7. ↑ "Twenty One Pilots - Ode To Sleep/Only Skeleton Bones Remain". YouTube.
  8. ↑ Haskoor, Michael (January 2, 2015). "Watch Twenty One Pilots' Music Video for 'Ode to Sleep', Three Years in the Making". diffuser.fm. Loudwire Network. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  9. ↑ Weiner, Natalie (April 7, 2016). "How Twenty One Pilots' Tyler Joseph Captured Their Career on Film for 'Ode to Sleep'". Billboard.
  10. ↑ "American single certifications – Twenty One Pilots – Ode To Sleep". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved May 22, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.