Full Breakdown
Josh Dun's Evolving Voice and the Future of Twenty One Pilots
9/18/2025, 1:28:13 PM
Twenty One Pilots' Upcoming Hiatus and New Album
Twenty One Pilots (TØP) has recently released its eighth studio album, *Breach*, and announced a North American tour. Following this tour, the band will take an indefinite hiatus, a decision that has sparked discussions among fans about the future of the duo. Drummer Josh Dun, who has historically been less vocal in interviews, is now embracing opportunities to express himself more openly.
Josh Dun's Journey to Vocal Expression
In a recent interview, Dun reflected on his past struggles with public speaking and self-expression. He recounted his early experiences, noting, “I’ve always been afraid of expressing myself through my voice.” Despite his success as a performer, he admitted to feeling uncomfortable when speaking in front of groups, a sentiment he attributes to a deep-rooted fear. Dun explained that while he can engage in conversations with friends or strangers, the pressure of being in front of an audience often overwhelms him.
Dun's journey toward vocal expression has been gradual. He shared that drumming felt like a safer form of communication for him, stating, “The drums are an easier voice.” His confidence grew as he honed his drumming skills, leading him to perform publicly. However, he initially distanced himself from singing, believing that drummers typically do not sing.
Embracing Vocal Challenges
In recent years, Dun has begun to challenge himself vocally. He participated in TØP's *MTV Unplugged* performance in 2022, where he sang for the first time alongside bandmate Tyler Joseph. This collaboration marked a significant step in Dun's personal growth, as he expressed a willingness to trust Joseph's feedback on his singing abilities. Dun noted, “If it’s bad, you gotta tell me if it’s bad,” highlighting the importance of honest communication in their partnership.
The song "Drum Show," from the new album, features Dun on vocals and explores themes of personal change and responsibility. Dun explained that the lyrics reflect his life experiences, as they were written from Joseph's perspective, portraying Dun as an avatar of his own journey. He acknowledged, “Twenty One Pilots is very much two guys communicating thoughts and feelings in different ways.”
Future Plans and Personal Growth
As TØP prepares for its hiatus, Dun emphasized that the band is not disappearing but rather taking time to recharge. He expressed the need for balance after 13 years of continuous work, stating, “We want to spend time making our houses, homes and spending time with family.” This sentiment resonates with fans who have followed the band's story over the years.
In a personal update, Dun's wife, Debby Ryan, announced on Instagram that they are expecting their first child, adding another layer of significance to this transitional period for Dun and the band.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve always been afraid of expressing myself through my voice.” — Josh Dun, Drummer, Twenty One Pilots
- “If it’s bad, you gotta tell me if it’s bad.” — Josh Dun, on collaborating with Tyler Joseph
- “We want to spend time making our houses, homes and spending time with family.” — Josh Dun, on the band's future plans
Conclusion
Josh Dun's evolving relationship with his voice and public expression reflects a broader narrative of personal growth within the context of Twenty One Pilots' journey. As the band prepares for a hiatus, Dun's newfound vocal confidence and commitment to self-exploration signal an exciting chapter ahead for both him and the duo.
