Holding On to You (Twenty One Pilots song): Difference between revisions
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"'''Holding on to You'''" is a song by American musical duo [[Twenty One Pilots]] from their second studio album ''[[Regional at Best]]'' (2011). |
"'''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 fourth song on the track-listing of their major-label debut album, ''[[Vessel (Twenty One Pilots album)|Vessel]]'' (2013). "Holding on to You" features upbeat rhythms and bouncy [[suspended chord]]s over which Joseph delivers scattershot raps with down-to-earth sentiments and sings grandiose, euphoric choruses. The track's [[Indie music|indie]]-inspired [[Synthpop|synth-pop]] transforms from a sensitive [[Sentimental ballad|ballad]] to a [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] number with [[Rapping|rapped]] verses and [[Coda (music)|coda]]s. The song contains lyrical elements of "[[Lean wit It, Rock wit It]]" by [[Dem Franchize Boyz]]. Lyrically, “Holding On To You” is an [[Ode#Set_to_music|ode]] to self-control. It addresses claiming 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]]. |
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The song was released as the [[lead single]] from ''Vessel'' on September 11, 2012. It impacted [[Mainstream rock|rock]] and [[alternative radio]] in 2012 and later [[Contemporary hit radio|mainstream radio]] in the following year. Upon its release, "Holding on to You" received universal acclaim from contemporary [[music critic]]s. An accompanying music video for the single was directed by Jordan Bahat and released on November 15, 2012. The video |
The song was released as the [[lead single]] from ''Vessel'' on September 11, 2012. It impacted [[Mainstream rock|rock]] and [[alternative radio]] in 2012 and later [[Contemporary hit radio|mainstream radio]] in the following year. Upon its release, "Holding on to You" received universal acclaim from contemporary [[music critic]]s. An accompanying music video for the single was directed by Jordan Bahat and released on November 15, 2012. The video exhibits a mixing of an abstract blend of a live shoot and radical stage performances. It features smoke, [[ballerina]]s and other [[contemporary dancer]]s who wear skeleton facepaint and makeup while bobbing and weaving their bodies around Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun as they perform the song. The music video for “Holding On To You” was praised for its choreography, and Twenty One Pilots was subseutqly nominated for the [[MTV Video Music Award for Push Best New Artist|Artist to Watch]] award at the [[2013 MTV Video Music Awards]]. |
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== Background == |
== Background == |
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The |
The origin of "Holding on to You" was revealed by lead vocalist [[Tyler Joseph]] during a special [[SiriusXM]] event on January 17, 2019.<ref name="Weatherby"/> With only a piano, Joseph played an intimate, career-spanning set list of stripped-down songs before one hundred fans of [[Twenty One Pilots]]. The performances were part of SiriusXM's Town Hall special with the duo on [[Alt Nation]], accompanied by story-telling and followed by a Q&A session featuring both Joseph and bandmate [[Josh Dun|Joshua Dun]], which was hosted by SiriusXM's [[Jeff Regan]].<ref name="Weatherby"/> Before performing the song, Joseph shared how had been looking in his journal to prepare for the special and remember where his [[Mental space|mindspace]] was. A journal entry from 2010 detailed how he was uncertain of the band's direction at the time and contemplating abandoning his musical dream. However, Joseph started on a new song that had the working title "Entertain My Faith," and got very excited about it, so he decided to keep working. Originally named "Entertain My Faith", the song subsequently became "Holding on to You." Joseph said it was really cool to watch where he was when he wrote the song and see what it has become for both him as well as other people.<ref name="Weatherby">{{cite web |author=Weatherby, Taylor|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8495726/twenty-one-pilots-performance-siriusxm-event-videos|title=Twenty One Pilots Debut 'Cut My Lip' at Intimate SiriusXM Event: Video Premiere|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=Lynne Segall|date=2019-01-31|accessdate=}}</ref> |
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"Holding on to You" originally appeared on ''[[Regional at Best]]'' before becoming the first [[Single (music)|single]] from ''[[Vessel (Twenty One Pilots album)|Vessel]]''.<ref name="Nickoloff"/> |
"Holding on to You" originally appeared on ''[[Regional at Best]]'' before becoming the first [[Single (music)|single]] from the band's major-label debut album ''[[Vessel (Twenty One Pilots album)|Vessel]]''.<ref name="Nickoloff"/><ref name=AMBio/> After expanding their audience with a series of [[music video]]s directed by their friend [[Mark Eshleman]], Twenty One Pilots grew and captured the attention of the [[Record_label#Major_labels|major record labels]].<ref name=AMBio/> In 2012, once they signed to the [[Atlantic]] subsidiary label [[Fueled by Ramen]], the band released their ''[[Three Songs EP]]'' and begin working with record producer [[Greg Wells]] on their debut [[studio album]], ''Vessel''.<ref name=AMBio/> A mixture of songs from their previous [[Extended play|EP]]s in addition to new tracks, the album was released in January 2013 and featured "Holding On to You" as one of its singles.<ref name=AMBio>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/twenty-one-pilots-mn0002398414/biography|title=Twenty One Pilots {{!}} Biography|author=Thomas, Fred |work=allmusic.com|accessdate=July 4, 2015}}</ref> "Holding On to You" was one of four songs retrieved from the band’s sophomore release, ''Regional At Best'' (2011). The track's record production received polishing by Wells for inclusion on ''Vessel''.<ref name="LeRoy"/> |
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==Recording== |
==Recording== |
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"Holding On To You" was produced by [[Greg Wells]] and recorded at Rocket Carousel Studio in Los Angeles, California.<ref name="Rahman"/><ref name=VesselBooklet>{{cite AV media notes|title=Vessel |others=[[Twenty One Pilots]] |year=2013 |type=Booklet |publisher=[[Fueled by Ramen]]|id=075678683770}}</ref> It is one of four songs reclaimed from the band's sophomore release, ''[[Regional At Best]]'' (2011). The track's record production received polishing by Wells for inclusion on ''[[Vessel (Twenty One Pilots album)|Vessel]]'' (2013).<ref name="LeRoy"/> Twenty One Pilots saw a progression from rough [[Demo (music)|demo]] versions on self-released recordings of ''Regional at Best'' to glossy, radio-friendly production on ''Vessel'', handled by Wells.<ref name="Thomas"/> In an interview with ''[[HuffPost]]'', the duo described what their progression from creating an [[Extended play|EP]] into doing a full-length album was like.<ref name="Ragogna"/> According to Tyler Joseph, "''Regional At Best'' really is just a glorified [[Mixtape|mix-tape]] that we used as a background to solidifying fans, and it's been kind of our follow through. When you start a band, you need to have some sort of music for people to go home with. I sat down in my studio, and man, I cranked out songs."<ref name="Ragogna"/> Regarding the track's [[Audio engineer|engineering]], when they entered the recording studio, there remained much of the same [[Programming (music)|programming]] and vocals. The vocals for “Holding Onto You” were the same ones that Joseph recorded in his basement before Twenty One Pilots ever got signed. They were able to take and insert those [[Music file|files]] where they needed to be in the [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mix]].<ref name="Ragogna">{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ragogna/emvesselem-chatting-with_b_2469647.html|title=Vessel : Chatting With Twenty One Pilots' Tyler Joseph, Plus Reintroducing The Johnny Stallings Arts Program and Six Market Blvd|last=Ragogna|first=Mike|date=January 14, 2013|website=Huffington Post|language=en-US|access-date=February 9, 2019}}</ref> |
"Holding On To You" was produced by [[Greg Wells]] and recorded at Rocket Carousel Studio in Los Angeles, California.<ref name="Rahman"/><ref name=VesselBooklet>{{cite AV media notes|title=Vessel |others=[[Twenty One Pilots]] |year=2013 |type=Booklet |publisher=[[Fueled by Ramen]]|id=075678683770}}</ref> It is one of four songs reclaimed from the band's sophomore release, ''[[Regional At Best]]'' (2011). The track's record production received polishing by Wells for inclusion on ''[[Vessel (Twenty One Pilots album)|Vessel]]'' (2013).<ref name="LeRoy"/> Twenty One Pilots saw a progression from rough [[Demo (music)|demo]] versions on self-released recordings of ''Regional at Best'' to glossy, radio-friendly production on ''Vessel'', handled by Wells.<ref name="Thomas"/> In an interview with ''[[HuffPost]]'', the duo described what their progression from creating an [[Extended play|EP]] into doing a full-length album was like.<ref name="Ragogna"/> According to Tyler Joseph, "''Regional At Best'' really is just a glorified [[Mixtape|mix-tape]] that we used as a background to solidifying fans, and it's been kind of our follow through. When you start a band, you need to have some sort of music for people to go home with. I sat down in my studio, and man, I cranked out songs."<ref name="Ragogna"/> Regarding the track's [[Audio engineer|engineering]], when they entered the recording studio, there remained much of the same [[Programming (music)|programming]] and vocals. The vocals for “Holding Onto You” were the same ones that Joseph recorded in his basement before Twenty One Pilots ever got signed. They were able to take and insert those [[Music file|files]] where they needed to be in the [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mix]].<ref name="Ragogna">{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ragogna/emvesselem-chatting-with_b_2469647.html|title=Vessel : Chatting With Twenty One Pilots' Tyler Joseph, Plus Reintroducing The Johnny Stallings Arts Program and Six Market Blvd|last=Ragogna|first=Mike|date=January 14, 2013|website=Huffington Post|language=en-US|access-date=February 9, 2019}}</ref> |
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During an interview with ''[[Rock Sound]]'', Tyler Joseph provided insight into each song on the band's forthcoming album ''Vessel''. He elaborated, "I’ve always just seen it as one big body of work but to have 'Holding On To You' kind of be the focus track makes sense to me. It does stand in the middle of what to expect from us – having to do with a lot of different genres, the [[melody]] in this song is digestible and it's one of my favourite [[chord progression]]s I’ve ever done. I like that the chorus only happens twice in the song which is a big no no! You are supposed to do it four or five times especially if you want to see a lot of success and have your songs on [[Super Bowl commercials]]."<ref name="Track"/> |
The recording is a realizing of the band's [[Pop sensibility|pop sensibilities]], bending parts of [[mainstream pop]] towards more introspective ends.<ref name="Pettigrew"/><ref name="Law"/> During an interview with ''[[Rock Sound]]'', Tyler Joseph provided insight into each song on the band's forthcoming album ''Vessel''. He elaborated, "I’ve always just seen it as one big body of work but to have 'Holding On To You' kind of be the focus track makes sense to me. It does stand in the middle of what to expect from us – having to do with a lot of different genres, the [[melody]] in this song is digestible and it's one of my favourite [[chord progression]]s I’ve ever done. I like that the chorus only happens twice in the song which is a big no no! You are supposed to do it four or five times especially if you want to see a lot of success and have your songs on [[Super Bowl commercials]]."<ref name="Track"/> |
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==Composition== |
==Composition== |
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"Holding on to You" is a [[Hip pop|hip-pop]] song that runs for a duration of four minutes and twenty-three seconds.<ref name="musicnotes.com"/><ref name="LeRoy"/> According to the [[sheet music]] published at Musicnotes.com by [[EMI Music Publishing]], it is written in the [[time signature]] of [[Time signature#Frequently used time signatures|common time]], with a moderate [[tempo]] of 90 [[Tempo#Beats per minute|beats per minute]].<ref name="musicnotes.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0119665&intcmp=Recommended|title=Twenty One Pilots "Holding On to You" Sheet Music in B Major – Download & Print|date=|website=Musicnotes.com|access-date=February 8, 2019}}</ref> "Holding on to You" is composed in the [[Key (music)|key]] of [[B Major]], while Tyler Joseph's [[vocal range]] while Tyler Joseph's [[vocal range]] spans three [[Musical note|notes]] from a low [[F (musical note)|F{{music|sharp}}<sub>4</sub>]] to a high of [[B (musical note)|B<sub>5</sub>]].<ref name="musicnotes.com"/> The song has a basic |
"Holding on to You" is a [[Hip pop|hip-pop]] song that runs for a duration of four minutes and twenty-three seconds.<ref name="musicnotes.com"/><ref name="LeRoy"/> According to the [[sheet music]] published at Musicnotes.com by [[EMI Music Publishing]], it is written in the [[time signature]] of [[Time signature#Frequently used time signatures|common time]], with a moderate [[tempo]] of 90 [[Tempo#Beats per minute|beats per minute]].<ref name="musicnotes.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0119665&intcmp=Recommended|title=Twenty One Pilots "Holding On to You" Sheet Music in B Major – Download & Print|date=|website=Musicnotes.com|access-date=February 8, 2019}}</ref> "Holding on to You" is composed in the [[Key (music)|key]] of [[B Major]], while Tyler Joseph's [[vocal range]] while Tyler Joseph's [[vocal range]] spans three [[Musical note|notes]] from a low [[F (musical note)|F{{music|sharp}}<sub>4</sub>]] to a high of [[B (musical note)|B<sub>5</sub>]].<ref name="musicnotes.com"/> The song has a basic sequenceof B<sub>sus2</sub>/G{{music|sharp}}–B<sub>sus2</sub>/F{{music|sharp}}–B/E–B<sub>sus2</sub> in the verses and [[Outro (music)|outro]], changes to E–G{{music|sharp}}m–B–F{{music|sharp}}–C{{music|sharp}}m at the chorus, maintains G{{music|sharp}}m–F{{music|sharp}}/A{{music|sharp}}–B–E during the interlude and follows G{{music|sharp}}m–F{{music|sharp}}–E–B at the bridge as its [[chord progression]].<ref name="musicnotes.com"/> The track contains lyrical elements of "[[Lean wit It, Rock wit It]]" by [[Dem Franchize Boyz]].<ref name=VesselBooklet>{{cite AV media notes|title=Vessel |others=[[Twenty One Pilots]] |year=2013 |type=Booklet |publisher=[[Fueled by Ramen]]|id=075678683770}}</ref> |
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|title="Holding On To You" |
|title="Holding On To You" |
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|description=Lyrically, “Holding On To You” is an [[Ode# |
|description=Lyrically, “Holding On To You” is an [[Ode#Set_to_music|ode]] to self-control. It addresses holding onto your values, claiming one's own life and taking back control of a mind lost to [[mental health]]. The track's [[Indie music|indie]]-inspired [[Synthpop|synth-pop]] transforms from a sensitive [[Sentimental ballad|ballad]] to a [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] number with [[Rapping|rapped]] verses and [[Coda (music)|coda]]s. Tyler Joseph delivers scattershot raps harboring down-to-earth sentiments and sings grandiose, euphoric choruses over upbeat rhythms. |
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|format=[[Ogg]]}} |
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The musical composition |
The infectious musical composition has a silky [[Groove (music)|groove]] built on the immense beats and brunt [[Electropop|electro-pop]] which run through [[Musical hook|hooks]], in addition to bouncy [[suspended chord]]s.<ref name="Thomas"/><ref name="Cridlin"/> Its musical elements are punctuated by Joseph's sentiments, which come in the form of rap [[Coda (music)|codas]].<ref name="Thomas"/> "Holding on to You" features upbeat rhythms over which Joseph recites scattershot raps and euphoric choruses with a catchy delivery.<ref name="Law"/><ref name="Kerrang"/> His vocal stylings compounds rap with [[Rock music|rock]]-oriented singing during the grandiose, spirit-lifting choruses.<ref name="Rahman"/><ref name="McCollum">{{cite web|author=McCollum, Brian|title=Twenty One Pilots Get Ambitious at Compelling Detroit Show|url=https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/brian-mccollum/2018/10/25/twenty-one-pilots-little-caesars-arena/1756128002/|work=[[Detroit Free Press]] |publisher= |date=October 25, 2018|accessdate=October 29, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Yi"/> Josh Dun’s drumming provides a rhythm, playing in a relentless [[Punk rock|punk]]-inspired fashion.<ref name="Olivier">{{Cite web|author=Olivier, Bobby |url=https://www.nj.com/life-and-culture/erry-2018/10/b176840ca5461/twenty-one-pilots-blazing-new.html|title=Twenty One Pilots' Blazing New 'Bandito' Tour is a Stylish Triumph: Review|work=[[NJ.com|NJ]]|date=2018-10-31|accessdate=}}</ref> The track's instrumentation also mixes squelchy [[synth]]s, zippy keyboards and melodic guitars.<ref name="Leijon">{{Cite web|author=Leijon, Erik| url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/concert-review-twenty-one-pilots-reflect-musically-mishmashed-times/|title=Concert Review: Twenty One Pilots Reflect Musically Mishmashed Times|work=[[Montreal Gazette]]|date=2019-05-23}}</ref><ref name="Rahman"/> The song's [[Indie music|indie]]-inspired [[Synthpop|synth-pop]] transforms from a sensitive [[Sentimental ballad|ballad]] to a [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] number with [[Rapping|rapped]] verses.<ref name="Rys"/><ref name="Levy"/> |
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Lyrically, “Holding On To You” is an [[Ode#Set to music|ode]] to self-control.<ref name="Poffenberger">{{cite web|author=Poffenberger, Robby|title=Twenty One Pilots|url=https://www.cityweekly.net/utah/twenty-one-pilots/Content?oid=2995000|work=[[Salt Lake City Weekly]] |publisher=John Saltas|date=September 23, 2015|accessdate=}}</ref> The song addresses claiming one's own life and holding onto your values.<ref name="Darus">{{Cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/list/twenty-one-pilots-zodiac-signs/|title=Find out which Twenty One Pilots song matches your zodiac sign|last=Darus|first=Alex|date=July 27, 2018|website=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]|language=en-US|access-date=February 8, 2019}}</ref> It delivers a plethora of contemplative lines as well as a sentiment about taking back control of one's own mind, lost to [[mental health]].<ref name="Kerrang"/> "Holding On To You" presents a different take from Joseph on battling [[Depression (mood)|depression]], one with a more overtly spiritual subtext.<ref name="LeRoy"/> His lyrics emphatically encourage listeners to fight [[self-doubt]], with Joseph instructing, "Take the pain / Ignite it / Tie a noose around your mind / Loose enough to breathe fine and tie it."<ref name="Carter">{{cite web|author=Carter, Emily|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/how-twenty-one-pilots-changed-my-life/|title=How twenty one pilots Changed My Life…|work=[[Kerrang!]]|date=November 23, 2016|accessdate=April 25, 2020}}</ref> His down-to-earth lyrical sentiments punctuate the song's musical elements, arriving in the form of energetic rap codas.<ref name="Thomas"/> Joseph passionately criticizes meaningless music on "Holding Onto You," rapping the lines, "When we gonna stop with it / Lyrics that mean nothing / We were gifted with thought / Is it time to move our feet to an introspective beat."<ref name="Yi"/> They illustrate his use of clever [[wordplay]] on [[Beat (music)|music beats]] and [[Cardiac cycle|heartbeat]]s in order to encourage listeners to look inward and impart a lesson of listening to one's own heart: 'It ain't the speakers that bump hearts, it's our hearts that make the beat.'"<ref name="Kerrang"/> |
Lyrically, “Holding On To You” is an [[Ode#Set to music|ode]] to self-control.<ref name="Poffenberger">{{cite web|author=Poffenberger, Robby|title=Twenty One Pilots|url=https://www.cityweekly.net/utah/twenty-one-pilots/Content?oid=2995000|work=[[Salt Lake City Weekly]] |publisher=John Saltas|date=September 23, 2015|accessdate=}}</ref> The song addresses claiming one's own life and holding onto your values.<ref name="Darus">{{Cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/list/twenty-one-pilots-zodiac-signs/|title=Find out which Twenty One Pilots song matches your zodiac sign|last=Darus|first=Alex|date=July 27, 2018|website=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]|language=en-US|access-date=February 8, 2019}}</ref> It delivers a plethora of contemplative lines as well as a sentiment about taking back control of one's own mind, lost to [[mental health]].<ref name="Kerrang"/> "Holding On To You" presents a different take from Joseph on battling [[Depression (mood)|depression]], one with a more overtly spiritual subtext.<ref name="LeRoy"/> His lyrics emphatically encourage listeners to fight [[self-doubt]], with Joseph instructing, "Take the pain / Ignite it / Tie a noose around your mind / Loose enough to breathe fine and tie it."<ref name="Carter">{{cite web|author=Carter, Emily|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/how-twenty-one-pilots-changed-my-life/|title=How twenty one pilots Changed My Life…|work=[[Kerrang!]]|date=November 23, 2016|accessdate=April 25, 2020}}</ref> His down-to-earth lyrical sentiments punctuate the song's musical elements, arriving in the form of energetic rap codas.<ref name="Thomas"/> Joseph passionately criticizes meaningless music on "Holding Onto You," rapping the lines, "When we gonna stop with it / Lyrics that mean nothing / We were gifted with thought / Is it time to move our feet to an introspective beat."<ref name="Yi"/> They illustrate his use of clever [[wordplay]] on [[Beat (music)|music beats]] and [[Cardiac cycle|heartbeat]]s in order to encourage listeners to look inward and impart a lesson of listening to one's own heart: 'It ain't the speakers that bump hearts, it's our hearts that make the beat.'"<ref name="Kerrang"/> |
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In an interview with ''[[Rock Sound]]'', Tyler Joseph gave his thoughts on the single release. He imparted, "We live in a world where there are singles and to think that way is very foreign to me ... I’ve never thought 'Here's my single and here's all the other songs.' I’ve always just seen [''Vessel''] as one big body of work but to have 'Holding On To You' kind of be the focus track makes sense to me."<ref name="Track">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rocksound.tv/blog/read/track-by-track-twenty-one-pilots-vessel|title=Track-By-Track: Twenty One Pilots - Vessel|date=September 4, 2018|website=[[Rock Sound]]|language=en|access-date=December 28, 2018}}</ref> |
In an interview with ''[[Rock Sound]]'', Tyler Joseph gave his thoughts on the single release. He imparted, "We live in a world where there are singles and to think that way is very foreign to me ... I’ve never thought 'Here's my single and here's all the other songs.' I’ve always just seen [''Vessel''] as one big body of work but to have 'Holding On To You' kind of be the focus track makes sense to me."<ref name="Track">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rocksound.tv/blog/read/track-by-track-twenty-one-pilots-vessel|title=Track-By-Track: Twenty One Pilots - Vessel|date=September 4, 2018|website=[[Rock Sound]]|language=en|access-date=December 28, 2018}}</ref> |
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"Holding On to You" was released as the the sixth song on the track-listing the second disc of their [[live album]] ''Blurryface Live''.<ref name="Payne"/> The album was released exclusively on vinyl record format as opposed to [[Music download|digital]] or [[compact disc]] on November 25, 2016. On [[Thanksgiving]] weekend, Twenty One Pilots decided to finish off the year with a vinyl-only live album recorded a month prior during their [[Emotional Roadshow World Tour]].<ref name="Payne"/> ''Blurryface Live'' is derived from their October 18, 2016 concert at [[Fox Oakland Theatre]] in [[Oakland, California]].<ref name="Payne">{{cite news|author=Payne, Chris|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7564562/twenty-one-pilots-blurryface-live-album-2016-vinyl|title=Twenty One Pilots Announce Triple-Disc Live Album Just in Time For the Holidays|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|date=November 1, 2016|accessdate=November 1, 2016}}</ref> |
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==Critical reception== |
==Critical reception== |
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Upon its release, the duo garnered praise from contemporary [[music critic]]s for |
Upon its release, the duo garnered praise from contemporary [[music critic]]s for "Holding on to You."<ref name="Rahman">{{cite web|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2012/12/18/twenty-one-pilots-vessel-stream|title=Stream the new Twenty One Pilots album 'Vessel' here -- EXCLUSIVE|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|author=Rahman, Ray |date=December 18, 2012|accessdate=July 4, 2015}}</ref> Graham Clark from ''[[The Yorkshire Times]]'' likened the song to being a mixture of the increasingly successful American duo [[Capital Cities (band)|Capital Cities]] and [[Of Monsters and Men]].<ref name="Clark">{{cite web|url=http://yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/Album-Review-Twenty-One-Pilots--Vessel|title=Yorkshire News: Album Review: Twenty One Pilots - Vessel|author=Clark, Graham|work=[[The Yorkshire Times]]|publisher=yorkshiretimes.co.uk|date=September 5, 2013|accessdate=July 4, 2015}}</ref> Writing for [[idobi Radio|idobi]], after panning the awkward [[Rapping#Flow|flow]] of "[[Ode to Sleep]]" and claiming it left one doubting his [[rapping]] ability, Catherhine Yi conceded that Joseph’s quickly redeems himself on "Holding Onto You."<ref name="Yi"/> She remarked, "... you can truly feel his passion as he criticizes meaningless music ... The song also continues the trend of catchy, grandiose choruses that will lift your spirits every time you hear them."<ref name="Yi">{{cite web|url=http://idobi.com/review/album-review-twenty-one-pilots-vessel/|title=twenty - one - pilots – Vessel: Album Review|work=idobi.com|author=Yi, Catherine |date=January 8, 2013|accessdate=July 4, 2015}}</ref> Piet Levy from ''[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]'' described it as "erratic but always catchy music. 'Holding On to You' was transformed from a sensitive, [[Death Cab for Cutie]]-style ballad to a hip-hop banger."<ref name="Levy">{{cite web|author=Levy, Piet|title=Twenty One Pilots get tattoos during the Rave's Eagles Ballroom Show|url=http://archive.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/twenty-one-pilots-get-tattoos-during-the-raves-eagles-ballroom-show-b99602140z1-339115211.html/|work=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]] |publisher=[[Journal Media Group]] |date=2015-08-31 |accessdate=}}</ref> Jay Cridlin for ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'' characterized the song as "drama-club backpack-rapper."<ref name="Cridlin">{{cite web |author=Cridlin, Jay|url=https://www.tampabay.com/review-twenty-one-pilots-pull-out-countless-tricks-for-delirious-fans-at/2314898/|title=Review: Twenty One Pilots drop apocalyptic set on diehard fans at Tampa's Amalie Arena|work=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|publisher=[[Times Publishing Company]] |date=2018-11-03|accessdate=2020-09-04}}</ref> Georgina Langford-Biss of [[MTV UK]] claimed, "twenty one pilots slyly snuck into the mainstream with the weirdly awesome 'Holding On To You.'" <ref name="Langford-Biss">{{cite web|author=Langford-Biss, Georgina|title=Here's 21 Reasons Why We Love twenty one pilots|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/twenty-one-pilots/news/21-reasons-why-we-love-twenty-one-pilots|work=[[MTV UK]] |publisher= |date=May 3, 2016|accessdate=}}</ref> Complimenting its "silky groove," [[AllMusic]]{{'}}s Fred Thomas cites "Holding on to You" as one of three "relentlessly catchy [[Single (music)|singl]]e-ready standouts" featured on the duo's major label debut album, ''[[Vessel (Twenty One Pilots album)|Vessel]]'' (2013).<ref name="Thomas"/> He said, "These three songs encapsulate the band's unique calling card, offering up the best examples of what makes their approach different from any number of bands working in similar territory, with enormous beats and full-force [[Electropop|electro-pop]] running through hooks modeled for [[Top 40 radio]], each element punctuated by Joseph's down-to-earth sentiments coming through in the form of caffeinated rap codas."<ref name="Thomas">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/vessel-mw0002456790 |title=Vessel - Twenty One Pilots: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards: AllMusic |author=Thomas, Fred |accessdate=June 19, 2015}}</ref> |
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Anne Nickoloff and Troy Smith for ''[[The Plain Dealer]]'' |
Anne Nickoloff and Troy Smith for ''[[The Plain Dealer]]'' ranked it as the duo's first best song, saying, 'Holding on to You' has a special place in Twenty One Pilots fans' hearts and it's easy to see why. ... For many, it was their first impression of the [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]] act. And what an impression it was. "Holding on to You" is an emotional force of nature that Tyler Joseph clung to during one of the toughest times in his career."<ref name="Nickoloff">{{cite web|author1=Nickoloff, Anne |author2=Smith, Troy |title=All 65 Twenty One Pilots songs ranked from worst to best |date=July 5, 2019 |access-date=April 22, 2020 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]|publisher=[[Advance Publications|Advance Local Media LLC]]|url=https://www.cleveland.com/life-and-culture/g66l-2019/07/12598c2f641421/all-65-twenty-one-pilots-songs-ranked-from-worst-to-best.html}}</ref> ''[[Kerrang!]]''{{'}}s Sam Law alse considered "Holding on to You" to be the fifth best song by Twenty One Pilots. He stated, "Another ''[[Regional At Best]]'' relic buffed up to high shine on ''Vessel'', "Holding On To You" sees every ounce of the boys’ early influence and unfettered creativity poured into four-and-a-half minutes of feeling. Bending the machinery of [[mainstream pop]] (upbeat rhythms, scattergun rap, euphoric choruses) to their own, far more introspective ends, this was a warning shot from [[modern rock]] revolutionaries ready to crumble traditional genre boundaries and capture the mood of a new generation."<ref name="Law">{{cite web|author=Law, Sam|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/the-20-greatest-twenty-one-pilots-songs-ranked/|title=The 20 Greatest twenty one pilots Songs — Ranked|work=[[Kerrang!]]|date=April 24, 2020|accessdate=April 25, 2020}}</ref> ''Kerrang!'' also praised its lyrical content, writing, "There’s plenty of thoughtful lines in this song about taking back control of your own mind, lost to [[mental health]], but this one stands out in both sentiment and catchy delivery."<ref name="Kerrang">{{Cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/the-10-best-twenty-one-pilots-lyrics-so-far/|title=The 10 Best twenty one pilots Lyrics So Far|date=July 23, 2018|website=Kerrang!|language=en-GB|access-date=February 8, 2019}}</ref> Dan Leroy of ''[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]'' that opined the song was wisely reclaimed from ''Regional At Best'' (2011). He continued saying, "Another successful [[hip-pop]] hybrid, "Holding On To You" offers a different Joseph take on battling depression––this time with a more overtly spiritual subtext––and became the duo's first national hit."<ref name="LeRoy">{{Cite web |url=http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/the_top_10_twenty_one_pilots_songs_of_all_time1 |title=The 10 best twenty one pilots songs |last=LeRoy |first=Dan |date=September 2, 2015 |website=Alternative Press |access-date=March 10, 2017}}</ref> Jason Pettigrew, from the same publication, ranked "Holding on to You" as their best song. He stated, "This is the answer to the eternal question: What do twenty one pilots sound like? Everything about the band's character, musical methodology, pop sensibility and [[wikt:raison d'être|raison d’etre]] are fully realized on this song. The perfect [[Gateway drug effect|gateway drug]] with all the elements of where they’ve been and where they will escape from for parts unknown."<ref name="Pettigrew">{{Cite news|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/twenty-one-pilots-songs-ranked/|title=Twenty One Pilots Songs Ranked In All Of Their Pop Majesty|date=September 26, 2019|work=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]|last=Pettigrew|first=Jason|access-date=October 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930235509/https://www.altpress.com/features/twenty-one-pilots-songs-ranked/|archive-date=September 30, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Commercial performance== |
==Commercial performance== |
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== Music video == |
== Music video == |
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The accompanying [[music video]] for "Holding On To You" was directed by Jordan Bahat and released on November 15, 2012.<ref name="HOT">{{cite web |url=http://www.promonews.tv/2012/11/22/twenty-one-pilots-holding-on-to-you-by-jordan-bahat/ |title=Twenty One Pilots 'Holding On to You' by Jordan Bahat |publisher=Promo News |date=November 22, 2012 |accessdate=April 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216063415/http://www.promonews.tv/2012/11/22/twenty-one-pilots-holding-on-to-you-by-jordan-bahat/ |archive-date=February 16, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/twenty_one_pilots_release_holding_on_to_you_video1 |title=twenty one pilots release "Holding On to You" video |magazine=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]] |date=November 15, 2012 |accessdate=April 29, 2013}}</ref> It served as the first official music video release by Twenty One Pilots, following their 2012 debut [[video clip]] for the song "Goner," which featured lead singer [[Tyler Joseph]] standing in snowy streets with his [[accordion]].<ref name="AltPress"/><ref name="Schiller">{{cite web |last=Schiller|first=Rebecca |title=Every Twenty One Pilots Music Video From 2012 to Today: Watch Their Evolution|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8468012/twenty-one-pilots-music-video-evolution-2012-to-today|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=Lynne Segall|date=August 1, 2018|accessdate=November 30, 2018}}</ref> For his promotional video, Bahat mixes an abstract blending of a live shoot with radical stage performances.<ref name="HOT"/> Bahat elaborated, "The intent for the video was to translate the |
The accompanying [[music video]] for "Holding On To You" was directed by Jordan Bahat and released on November 15, 2012.<ref name="HOT">{{cite web |url=http://www.promonews.tv/2012/11/22/twenty-one-pilots-holding-on-to-you-by-jordan-bahat/ |title=Twenty One Pilots 'Holding On to You' by Jordan Bahat |publisher=Promo News |date=November 22, 2012 |accessdate=April 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216063415/http://www.promonews.tv/2012/11/22/twenty-one-pilots-holding-on-to-you-by-jordan-bahat/ |archive-date=February 16, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/twenty_one_pilots_release_holding_on_to_you_video1 |title=twenty one pilots release "Holding On to You" video |magazine=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]] |date=November 15, 2012 |accessdate=April 29, 2013}}</ref> It served as the first official music video release by Twenty One Pilots, following their 2012 debut [[video clip]] for the song "Goner," which featured lead singer [[Tyler Joseph]] standing in snowy streets with his [[accordion]].<ref name="AltPress"/><ref name="Schiller">{{cite web |last=Schiller|first=Rebecca |title=Every Twenty One Pilots Music Video From 2012 to Today: Watch Their Evolution|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8468012/twenty-one-pilots-music-video-evolution-2012-to-today|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=Lynne Segall|date=August 1, 2018|accessdate=November 30, 2018}}</ref> For his promotional video, Bahat mixes an abstract blending of a live shoot with radical stage performances.<ref name="HOT"/> Bahat elaborated, "The intent for the video was to translate the band’s live energy onto the screen. As a [[Pop duo|two-piece band]], Twenty One Pilots invests a lot into the [[Theatre|theatrics]] of their live shows to give their fans a big experience."<ref name="HOT"/> He continued saying, "The song speaks about the demons we wrestle with in our daily lives. Taking some license from the band’s knack for theater, I made the demons literal, added some smoke and [[ballerina]]s and let the band to the rest."<ref name="HOT">{{cite web |url=http://www.promonews.tv/2012/11/22/twenty-one-pilots-holding-on-to-you-by-jordan-bahat/ |title=Twenty One Pilots 'Holding On to You' by Jordan Bahat |publisher=Promo News |date=November 22, 2012 |accessdate=April 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216063415/http://www.promonews.tv/2012/11/22/twenty-one-pilots-holding-on-to-you-by-jordan-bahat/ |archive-date=February 16, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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The video features [[contemporary dance]]rs wearing skeleton facepaint bob and weave their bodies around Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun as they perform the song. At its climax, the dancers pull a rope tied around Joseph's neck as he |
The video features [[contemporary dance]]rs wearing intricate skeleton facepaint and makeup bob and weave their bodies around Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun as they perform the song.<ref name="AltPress"/><ref name="Campbell"/> The contemporary dancers in skeleton makeup flip through the air while performing routines incorporating Joseph and Dun.<ref name="Campbell"/> At its climax, the dancers pull a rope tied around Joseph's neck as he declares, "This ain't a noose, this is a leash/And I have news for you: You must obey me."<ref name="AltPress"/><ref name="Campbell"/> Once the rope breaks, the dancers are sent into an abyss as a skull-faced ballerina dressed in all-black tights, pointed shoes and a [[tutu (clothing)|tutu]] gracefully does a performance.<ref name="AltPress"/> |
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===Reception=== |
===Reception=== |
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The music video for |
The music video for "Holding On To You" received praise for its [[choreography]].<ref name="AltPress"/> Rachel Campbell from ''[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]'' stated, "This all black-and-white number is special as it holds the title of the first official Twenty One Pilots music video, and thankfully it did not disappoint."<ref name="Campbell">{{cite web|author=Campbell, Rachel|title=Twenty One Pilots Videos Ranked Worst to Best|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/twenty_one_pilots_videos_ranked_worst_to_best/|work=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]] |publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc |date=February 24, 2016 |accessdate=}}</ref> ''[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]'' ranked the video for "Holding On To You" at number two on their list of eleven alternative music videos with the best choreography, writing, "they set the standards pretty high for any future videos they would release."<ref name="AltPress">{{Cite news|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/11_alternative_music_videos_with_the_best_choreography_ranked/2/|title=11 Alternative Music Videos with the Best Choreography, Ranked |author=AltPress|date=January 27, 2017|work=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]|access-date=November 16, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> Twenty One Pilots received a nomination for the [[MTV Video Music Award for Push Best New Artist|Artist to Watch]] award with "Holding On To You" at the [[2013 MTV Video Music Awards|30th annual MTV Video Music Awards]], losing to pop singer [[Austin Mahone]].<ref name="Gallo">{{cite web |author=Phil, Gallo|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/2004122/justin-timberlake-macklemore-ryan-lewis-lead-mtv-vma-nominations|title=Justin Timberlake, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Lead MTV VMA Nominations|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|date=2013-07-17|accessdate=}}</ref><ref name="Peters">{{cite web|last1=Peters|first1=Mitchell|title=MTV VMAs Artists to Watch: Sam Smith, 5 Seconds of Summer, Charli XCX, Schoolboy Q and Fifth Harmony Battle for the Moonman|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/vma/6229102/mtv-vmas-artists-to-watch-sam-smith-5-seconds-of-summer-charli-xcx|website=Billboard|date=August 22, 2014|accessdate=June 14, 2017}}</ref> |
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== Live performance == |
== Live performance == |
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Revision as of 22:39, 28 November 2020
| "Holding on to You" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Twenty One Pilots | |
| from the album Regional at Best | |
| Released | July 8, 2011 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 4:25 |
| Label | Self-released |
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) | Twenty One Pilots |
| "Holding on to You" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Twenty One Pilots | ||||
| from the album Vessel | ||||
| Released | September 11, 2012 | |||
| Recorded | 2011 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 4:23 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) |
| |||
| Producer(s) | Greg Wells | |||
| Twenty One Pilots singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Holding on to You" on YouTube | ||||
"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 fourth song on the track-listing of their major-label debut album, Vessel (2013). "Holding on to You" features upbeat rhythms and bouncy suspended chords over which 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 claiming 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.
The song was released as the lead single from Vessel on September 11, 2012. It impacted rock and alternative radio in 2012 and later mainstream radio in the following year. Upon its release, "Holding on to You" received universal acclaim from contemporary music critics. An accompanying music video for the single was directed by Jordan Bahat and released on November 15, 2012. The video exhibits a mixing of an abstract blend of a live shoot and radical stage performances. It features smoke, ballerinas and other contemporary dancers who wear skeleton facepaint and makeup while bobbing and weaving their bodies around Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun as they perform the song. The music video for “Holding On To You” was praised for its choreography, and Twenty One Pilots was subseutqly nominated for the Artist to Watch award at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards.
Background
The origin of "Holding on to You" was revealed by lead vocalist Tyler Joseph during a special SiriusXM event on January 17, 2019.[1] With only a piano, Joseph played an intimate, career-spanning set list of stripped-down songs before one hundred fans of Twenty One Pilots. The performances were part of SiriusXM's Town Hall special with the duo on Alt Nation, accompanied by story-telling and followed by a Q&A session featuring both Joseph and bandmate Joshua Dun, which was hosted by SiriusXM's Jeff Regan.[1] Before performing the song, Joseph shared how had been looking in his journal to prepare for the special and remember where his mindspace was. A journal entry from 2010 detailed how he was uncertain of the band's direction at the time and contemplating abandoning his musical dream. However, Joseph started on a new song that had the working title "Entertain My Faith," and got very excited about it, so he decided to keep working. Originally named "Entertain My Faith", the song subsequently became "Holding on to You." Joseph said it was really cool to watch where he was when he wrote the song and see what it has become for both him as well as other people.[1]
"Holding on to You" originally appeared on Regional at Best before becoming the first single from the band's major-label debut album Vessel.[2][3] After expanding their audience with a series of music videos directed by their friend Mark Eshleman, Twenty One Pilots grew and captured the attention of the major record labels.[3] In 2012, once they signed to the Atlantic subsidiary label Fueled by Ramen, the band released their Three Songs EP and begin working with record producer Greg Wells on their debut studio album, Vessel.[3] A mixture of songs from their previous EPs in addition to new tracks, the album was released in January 2013 and featured "Holding On to You" as one of its singles.[3] "Holding On to You" was one of four songs retrieved from the band’s sophomore release, Regional At Best (2011). The track's record production received polishing by Wells for inclusion on Vessel.[4]
Recording
"Holding On To You" was produced by Greg Wells and recorded at Rocket Carousel Studio in Los Angeles, California.[5][6] It is one of four songs reclaimed from the band's sophomore release, Regional At Best (2011). The track's record production received polishing by Wells for inclusion on Vessel (2013).[4] Twenty One Pilots saw a progression from rough demo versions on self-released recordings of Regional at Best to glossy, radio-friendly production on Vessel, handled by Wells.[7] In an interview with HuffPost, the duo described what their progression from creating an EP into doing a full-length album was like.[8] According to Tyler Joseph, "Regional At Best really is just a glorified mix-tape that we used as a background to solidifying fans, and it's been kind of our follow through. When you start a band, you need to have some sort of music for people to go home with. I sat down in my studio, and man, I cranked out songs."[8] Regarding the track's engineering, when they entered the recording studio, there remained much of the same programming and vocals. The vocals for “Holding Onto You” were the same ones that Joseph recorded in his basement before Twenty One Pilots ever got signed. They were able to take and insert those files where they needed to be in the mix.[8]
The recording is a realizing of the band's pop sensibilities, bending parts of mainstream pop towards more introspective ends.[9][10] During an interview with Rock Sound, Tyler Joseph provided insight into each song on the band's forthcoming album Vessel. He elaborated, "I’ve always just seen it as one big body of work but to have 'Holding On To You' kind of be the focus track makes sense to me. It does stand in the middle of what to expect from us – having to do with a lot of different genres, the melody in this song is digestible and it's one of my favourite chord progressions I’ve ever done. I like that the chorus only happens twice in the song which is a big no no! You are supposed to do it four or five times especially if you want to see a lot of success and have your songs on Super Bowl commercials."[11]
Composition
"Holding on to You" is a hip-pop song that runs for a duration of four minutes and twenty-three seconds.[12][4] According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by EMI Music Publishing, it is written in the time signature of common time, with a moderate tempo of 90 beats per minute.[12] "Holding on to You" is composed in the key of B Major, while Tyler Joseph's vocal range while Tyler Joseph's vocal range spans three notes from a low F♯4 to a high of B5.[12] The song has a basic sequenceof Bsus2/G♯–Bsus2/F♯–B/E–Bsus2 in the verses and outro, changes to E–G♯m–B–F♯–C♯m at the chorus, maintains G♯m–F♯/A♯–B–E during the interlude and follows G♯m–F♯–E–B at the bridge as its chord progression.[12] The track contains lyrical elements of "Lean wit It, Rock wit It" by Dem Franchize Boyz.[6]
The infectious musical composition has a silky groove built on the immense beats and brunt electro-pop which run through hooks, in addition to bouncy suspended chords.[7][13] Its musical elements are punctuated by Joseph's sentiments, which come in the form of rap codas.[7] "Holding on to You" features upbeat rhythms over which Joseph recites scattershot raps and euphoric choruses with a catchy delivery.[10][14] His vocal stylings compounds rap with rock-oriented singing during the grandiose, spirit-lifting choruses.[5][15][16] Josh Dun’s drumming provides a rhythm, playing in a relentless punk-inspired fashion.[17] The track's instrumentation also mixes squelchy synths, zippy keyboards and melodic guitars.[18][5] The song's indie-inspired synth-pop transforms from a sensitive ballad to a hip-hop number with rapped verses.[19][20]
Lyrically, “Holding On To You” is an ode to self-control.[21] The song addresses claiming one's own life and holding onto your values.[22] It delivers a plethora of contemplative lines as well as a sentiment about taking back control of one's own mind, lost to mental health.[14] "Holding On To You" presents a different take from Joseph on battling depression, one with a more overtly spiritual subtext.[4] His lyrics emphatically encourage listeners to fight self-doubt, with Joseph instructing, "Take the pain / Ignite it / Tie a noose around your mind / Loose enough to breathe fine and tie it."[23] His down-to-earth lyrical sentiments punctuate the song's musical elements, arriving in the form of energetic rap codas.[7] Joseph passionately criticizes meaningless music on "Holding Onto You," rapping the lines, "When we gonna stop with it / Lyrics that mean nothing / We were gifted with thought / Is it time to move our feet to an introspective beat."[16] They illustrate his use of clever wordplay on music beats and heartbeats in order to encourage listeners to look inward and impart a lesson of listening to one's own heart: 'It ain't the speakers that bump hearts, it's our hearts that make the beat.'"[14]
Release and promotion
“Holding On To You” was released by Twenty One Pilots as their debut single.[24] It was released as the on the lead single of their third studio album Vessel.[16][25] The track originally appeared on "Regional at Best" before becoming the first single from "Vessel." [2] "Holding on to You" was released as the first single from Vessel in the iTunes Store worldwide on September 11, 2012 but was first released on Twenty One Pilots's PureVolume account on September 7, 2012.[26] The song impacted alternative radio on December 4, 2012,[27] and released to mainstream radio on June 11, 2013.[28]
In an interview with Rock Sound, Tyler Joseph gave his thoughts on the single release. He imparted, "We live in a world where there are singles and to think that way is very foreign to me ... I’ve never thought 'Here's my single and here's all the other songs.' I’ve always just seen [Vessel] as one big body of work but to have 'Holding On To You' kind of be the focus track makes sense to me."[11]
"Holding On to You" was released as the the sixth song on the track-listing the second disc of their live album Blurryface Live.[29] The album was released exclusively on vinyl record format as opposed to digital or compact disc on November 25, 2016. On Thanksgiving weekend, Twenty One Pilots decided to finish off the year with a vinyl-only live album recorded a month prior during their Emotional Roadshow World Tour.[29] Blurryface Live is derived from their October 18, 2016 concert at Fox Oakland Theatre in Oakland, California.[29]
Critical reception
Upon its release, the duo garnered praise from contemporary music critics for "Holding on to You."[5] Graham Clark from The Yorkshire Times likened the song to being a mixture of the increasingly successful American duo Capital Cities and Of Monsters and Men.[30] Writing for idobi, after panning the awkward flow of "Ode to Sleep" and claiming it left one doubting his rapping ability, Catherhine Yi conceded that Joseph’s quickly redeems himself on "Holding Onto You."[16] She remarked, "... you can truly feel his passion as he criticizes meaningless music ... The song also continues the trend of catchy, grandiose choruses that will lift your spirits every time you hear them."[16] Piet Levy from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel described it as "erratic but always catchy music. 'Holding On to You' was transformed from a sensitive, Death Cab for Cutie-style ballad to a hip-hop banger."[20] Jay Cridlin for Tampa Bay Times characterized the song as "drama-club backpack-rapper."[13] Georgina Langford-Biss of MTV UK claimed, "twenty one pilots slyly snuck into the mainstream with the weirdly awesome 'Holding On To You.'" [31] Complimenting its "silky groove," AllMusic's Fred Thomas cites "Holding on to You" as one of three "relentlessly catchy single-ready standouts" featured on the duo's major label debut album, Vessel (2013).[7] He said, "These three songs encapsulate the band's unique calling card, offering up the best examples of what makes their approach different from any number of bands working in similar territory, with enormous beats and full-force electro-pop running through hooks modeled for Top 40 radio, each element punctuated by Joseph's down-to-earth sentiments coming through in the form of caffeinated rap codas."[7]
Anne Nickoloff and Troy Smith for The Plain Dealer ranked it as the duo's first best song, saying, 'Holding on to You' has a special place in Twenty One Pilots fans' hearts and it's easy to see why. ... For many, it was their first impression of the Columbus act. And what an impression it was. "Holding on to You" is an emotional force of nature that Tyler Joseph clung to during one of the toughest times in his career."[2] Kerrang!'s Sam Law alse considered "Holding on to You" to be the fifth best song by Twenty One Pilots. He stated, "Another Regional At Best relic buffed up to high shine on Vessel, "Holding On To You" sees every ounce of the boys’ early influence and unfettered creativity poured into four-and-a-half minutes of feeling. Bending the machinery of mainstream pop (upbeat rhythms, scattergun rap, euphoric choruses) to their own, far more introspective ends, this was a warning shot from modern rock revolutionaries ready to crumble traditional genre boundaries and capture the mood of a new generation."[10] Kerrang! also praised its lyrical content, writing, "There’s plenty of thoughtful lines in this song about taking back control of your own mind, lost to mental health, but this one stands out in both sentiment and catchy delivery."[14] Dan Leroy of Alternative Press that opined the song was wisely reclaimed from Regional At Best (2011). He continued saying, "Another successful hip-pop hybrid, "Holding On To You" offers a different Joseph take on battling depression––this time with a more overtly spiritual subtext––and became the duo's first national hit."[4] Jason Pettigrew, from the same publication, ranked "Holding on to You" as their best song. He stated, "This is the answer to the eternal question: What do twenty one pilots sound like? Everything about the band's character, musical methodology, pop sensibility and raison d’etre are fully realized on this song. The perfect gateway drug with all the elements of where they’ve been and where they will escape from for parts unknown."[9]
Commercial performance
Twenty One Pilots experienced its very first hit single with "Holding on to You".[32] The single was successful on rock and alternative-radio, becoming the duo's very first national hit in 2013.[33][4][32] Vessel produced the duo's very first Alternative Songs top 10 with the single release of "Holding On to You."[34] In the United States, "Holding On to You"reached number ten on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart.[35]
Music video
The accompanying music video for "Holding On To You" was directed by Jordan Bahat and released on November 15, 2012.[36][37] It served as the first official music video release by Twenty One Pilots, following their 2012 debut video clip for the song "Goner," which featured lead singer Tyler Joseph standing in snowy streets with his accordion.[38][39] For his promotional video, Bahat mixes an abstract blending of a live shoot with radical stage performances.[36] Bahat elaborated, "The intent for the video was to translate the band’s live energy onto the screen. As a two-piece band, Twenty One Pilots invests a lot into the theatrics of their live shows to give their fans a big experience."[36] He continued saying, "The song speaks about the demons we wrestle with in our daily lives. Taking some license from the band’s knack for theater, I made the demons literal, added some smoke and ballerinas and let the band to the rest."[36]
The video features contemporary dancers wearing intricate skeleton facepaint and makeup bob and weave their bodies around Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun as they perform the song.[38][40] The contemporary dancers in skeleton makeup flip through the air while performing routines incorporating Joseph and Dun.[40] At its climax, the dancers pull a rope tied around Joseph's neck as he declares, "This ain't a noose, this is a leash/And I have news for you: You must obey me."[38][40] Once the rope breaks, the dancers are sent into an abyss as a skull-faced ballerina dressed in all-black tights, pointed shoes and a tutu gracefully does a performance.[38]
Reception
The music video for "Holding On To You" received praise for its choreography.[38] Rachel Campbell from Alternative Press stated, "This all black-and-white number is special as it holds the title of the first official Twenty One Pilots music video, and thankfully it did not disappoint."[40] Alternative Press ranked the video for "Holding On To You" at number two on their list of eleven alternative music videos with the best choreography, writing, "they set the standards pretty high for any future videos they would release."[38] Twenty One Pilots received a nomination for the Artist to Watch award with "Holding On To You" at the 30th annual MTV Video Music Awards, losing to pop singer Austin Mahone.[41][42]
Live performance
Twenty One Pilots performed “Holding On To You” during their first appearance at the mtvU Woodie Awards in Austin, Texas on March 14, 2013. The duo began the performance with Tyler Joseph self-deprecatingly telling the audience, "I know you don't know who we are," before he and drummer Josh Dun started jumping all over the stage, with the lattr executing a backflip off a raised dais.[19] Twenty One Pilots performed "Holding on to You" during their concert headlining the home of the Habs for the very first time at the Bell Centre as part of heir Bandito Tour on May 22, 2019.[18] Dun and Joseph began their performance by standing atop the latter's piano, wearing a "bonjour Montreal" shirt a ubiquitous red toque respectively, before the former did a backflip to the floor back to his drum kit.[18]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Holding on to You" (single edit) | 3:22 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Holding on to You" | 4:23 |
| 2. | "Holding on to You" (live at the LC Pavilion) | 5:36 |
| 3. | "Can't Help Falling in Love" (originally by Elvis Presley) | 2:38 |
| 4. | "The Run and Go" | 3:49 |
Personnel
- Tyler Joseph – vocals, piano, bass guitar, guitar, synthesizers
- Josh Dun – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Charts
Weekly charts
| Chart (2013) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[43] | 77 |
| US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[44] | 33 |
| US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[45] | 10 |
| US Rock Airplay (Billboard)[46] | 32 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (2013) | Position |
|---|---|
| US Hot Rock Songs (Billboard)[47] | 96 |
| US Alternative Songs (Billboard)[48] | 33 |
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA)[49] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide[26] | September 11, 2012 | Fueled by Ramen | |
| United States[50] | June 11, 2013 | Top 40 radio |
|
References
- ^ a b c Weatherby, Taylor (January 31, 2019). "Twenty One Pilots Debut 'Cut My Lip' at Intimate SiriusXM Event: Video Premiere". Billboard. Lynne Segall.
- ^ a b c Nickoloff, Anne; Smith, Troy (July 5, 2019). "All 65 Twenty One Pilots songs ranked from worst to best". The Plain Dealer. Advance Local Media LLC. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
- ^ a b c d Thomas, Fred. "Twenty One Pilots | Biography". allmusic.com. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f LeRoy, Dan (September 2, 2015). "The 10 best twenty one pilots songs". Alternative Press. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
- ^ a b c d Rahman, Ray (December 18, 2012). "Stream the new Twenty One Pilots album 'Vessel' here -- EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
- ^ a b Vessel (Booklet). Twenty One Pilots. Fueled by Ramen. 2013. 075678683770.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ a b c d e f Thomas, Fred. "Vessel - Twenty One Pilots: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards: AllMusic". Retrieved June 19, 2015.
- ^ a b c Ragogna, Mike (January 14, 2013). "Vessel : Chatting With Twenty One Pilots' Tyler Joseph, Plus Reintroducing The Johnny Stallings Arts Program and Six Market Blvd". Huffington Post. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
- ^ a b Pettigrew, Jason (September 26, 2019). "Twenty One Pilots Songs Ranked In All Of Their Pop Majesty". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on September 30, 2019. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
- ^ a b c Law, Sam (April 24, 2020). "The 20 Greatest twenty one pilots Songs — Ranked". Kerrang!. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
- ^ a b "Track-By-Track: Twenty One Pilots - Vessel". Rock Sound. September 4, 2018. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
- ^ a b c d "Twenty One Pilots "Holding On to You" Sheet Music in B Major – Download & Print". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
- ^ a b Cridlin, Jay (November 3, 2018). "Review: Twenty One Pilots drop apocalyptic set on diehard fans at Tampa's Amalie Arena". Tampa Bay Times. Times Publishing Company. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ a b c d "The 10 Best twenty one pilots Lyrics So Far". Kerrang!. July 23, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
- ^ McCollum, Brian (October 25, 2018). "Twenty One Pilots Get Ambitious at Compelling Detroit Show". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e Yi, Catherine (January 8, 2013). "twenty - one - pilots – Vessel: Album Review". idobi.com. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
- ^ Olivier, Bobby (October 31, 2018). "Twenty One Pilots' Blazing New 'Bandito' Tour is a Stylish Triumph: Review". NJ.
- ^ a b c Leijon, Erik (May 23, 2019). "Concert Review: Twenty One Pilots Reflect Musically Mishmashed Times". Montreal Gazette.
- ^ a b Rys, Dan (March 15, 2013). "Macklemore, Machine Gun Kelly Rule mtvU Woodie Awards". Rolling Stone. Jann Wenner. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
- ^ a b Levy, Piet (August 31, 2015). "Twenty One Pilots get tattoos during the Rave's Eagles Ballroom Show". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Journal Media Group.
- ^ Poffenberger, Robby (September 23, 2015). "Twenty One Pilots". Salt Lake City Weekly. John Saltas.
- ^ Darus, Alex (July 27, 2018). "Find out which Twenty One Pilots song matches your zodiac sign". Alternative Press. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
- ^ Carter, Emily (November 23, 2016). "How twenty one pilots Changed My Life…". Kerrang!. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
- ^ Cole, Stacey (June 12, 2016). "Twenty One Pilots' Tribute To Christina Grimmie, Change 'Stressed Out' Lyrics To Complain About Mainstream Success". Inquisitr.
- ^ Stockdale, Charles; Harrington, John; Andrews, Colman (April 10, 2019). "100 Best Pop Albums of All Time". Retrieved March 23, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b "Holding On to You". iTunes US. Apple Inc. Archived from the original on September 17, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2015.
- ^ "AllAccess.com Alternative eWeekly". AllAccess. November 27, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
- ^ "Airplay Archive: CHR". FMQB. Archived from the original on November 1, 2009. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
- ^ a b c Payne, Chris (November 1, 2016). "Twenty One Pilots Announce Triple-Disc Live Album Just in Time For the Holidays". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
- ^ Clark, Graham (September 5, 2013). "Yorkshire News: Album Review: Twenty One Pilots - Vessel". The Yorkshire Times. yorkshiretimes.co.uk. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
- ^ Langford-Biss, Georgina (May 3, 2016). "Here's 21 Reasons Why We Love twenty one pilots". MTV UK.
- ^ a b L. Kent, Wolgamott (November 15, 2018). "Twenty One Pilots familiar with Lincoln, but new to Pinnacle Bank Arena stage". Lincoln Journal Star. Ava Thomas.
- ^ Masley, Ed. "October concert guide: Garth Brooks, Madonna, Florence". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
- ^ Trust, Gary (May 21, 2015). "Twenty One Pilots & 'Stressed Out' Success: Q&A With Fueled by Ramen Exec". Billboard. Lynne Segall.
- ^ Rutherford, Kevin (November 11, 2015). "Twenty One Pilots Soar to First Alternative Songs No. 1". Billboard. John J Kilcullen.
- ^ a b c d "Twenty One Pilots 'Holding On to You' by Jordan Bahat". Promo News. November 22, 2012. Archived from the original on February 16, 2013. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
- ^ "twenty one pilots release "Holding On to You" video". Alternative Press. November 15, 2012. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f AltPress (January 27, 2017). "11 Alternative Music Videos with the Best Choreography, Ranked". Alternative Press. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
- ^ Schiller, Rebecca (August 1, 2018). "Every Twenty One Pilots Music Video From 2012 to Today: Watch Their Evolution". Billboard. Lynne Segall. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
- ^ a b c d Campbell, Rachel (February 24, 2016). "Twenty One Pilots Videos Ranked Worst to Best". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc.
{{cite web}}: no-break space character in|author=at position 10 (help) - ^ Phil, Gallo (July 17, 2013). "Justin Timberlake, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Lead MTV VMA Nominations". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media.
- ^ Peters, Mitchell (August 22, 2014). "MTV VMAs Artists to Watch: Sam Smith, 5 Seconds of Summer, Charli XCX, Schoolboy Q and Fifth Harmony Battle for the Moonman". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2017.
- ^ "Twenty One Pilots – Holding On to You" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
- ^ "Twenty One Pilots Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
- ^ "Twenty One Pilots Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
- ^ "Twenty One Pilots Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
- ^ "Hot Rock Songs: Year End 2013". Billboard. Retrieved December 21, 2014.
- ^ "Alternative Songs: Year End 2013". Billboard. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
- ^ "American single certifications – Twenty One Pilots – Holding On to You". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
- ^ "Future Releases". Archived from the original on April 22, 2011. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
External links
- "Holding on to You" Music video on YouTube
- "Holding on to You" (Behind the Scenes) on YouTube
- "Holding on to You" (Live @ SiriusXM) on YouTube
- Template:MetroLyrics song
| Studio albums | |
|---|---|
| Singles |
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| Promotional singles | |
| Other songs | |
| Tours | |
| Related | |
