Who's behind the notes? Discover Twenty One Pilots: Biography of the Genre-Defying Duo
"Heathens" is a song by the American musical duo Twenty One Pilots, written specifically for the soundtrack of the 2016 superhero film "Suicide Squad." Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Soundtrack Success: "Heathens" was a massive success upon its release. It reached the top position on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart, becoming the first song to do so by a musical act not yet established in the rock genre.
Chart Performance: The song also made its mark on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number two. This marked Twenty One Pilots' highest-charting single at the time.
Grammy Nomination: The success of "Heathens" earned Twenty One Pilots a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.
Music Video Aesthetics: The music video for "Heathens" is visually distinctive, featuring the duo members, Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun, in a high-security prison set in the universe of the "Suicide Squad" movie. The video's dark and gritty aesthetic complements the tone of the song and the movie.
Unique Sound: "Heathens" is known for its genre-blending sound, incorporating elements of alternative rock, electropop, and hip-hop. This eclectic mix is characteristic of Twenty One Pilots' musical style.
Top Streaming: The song was streamed millions of times within its first week of release, breaking the record for the most first-week streams for a song by a band. This indicated the strong fan base and online presence that Twenty One Pilots had built up by that time.
Lyric Meaning: The lyrics of "Heathens" touch on themes of alienation, self-identity, and societal pressures. The song's chorus includes the line "All my friends are heathens, take it slow," which is a reference to the idea of feeling like an outsider or misfit.
"Suicide Squad" Tie-In: The song was included in the official soundtrack for the "Suicide Squad" film, which featured various artists and contributed to the movie's atmosphere.
Commercial Impact: The success of "Heathens" further solidified Twenty One Pilots' reputation as a prominent and influential band in the contemporary music scene. It introduced their music to a wider audience, beyond their dedicated fanbase.
Continued Popularity: Even years after its release, "Heathens" remains one of Twenty One Pilots' most recognizable and enduring songs. It continues to receive airplay on radio stations and is frequently streamed online.
"Heathens" played a significant role in propelling Twenty One Pilots to greater mainstream recognition and contributing to their unique musical identity.