Blurryface

Lore & Background

Blurryface is a character created by Twenty One Pilots, after whom the band's fourth studio album is named. Tyler Joseph explains that Blurryface "represents all the things that I as an individual, but also everyone around, are insecure about." To embody this character during live shows and music videos for the album, Joseph wears black paint on his hands and neck. He has said of this practice: "Very dramatic, I know, but it helps me get into that character."

The album's art director Brandon Rike noted that the red color used on the Blurryface album artwork represents "the color of passion, violence, and anger," though the band is famous for their content being open to interpretation. The album was well received by critics, who complimented its themes and musical diversity. In 2018, Blurryface became the first album in the digital era to have every track receive at least a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.

On May 15, 2019, it reached the milestone of being on the Billboard 200 chart for four consecutive years, never leaving the chart up until that point.

Reader's Guide

Blurryface is both the title of Twenty One Pilots' fourth studio album and the name of a character created by the band. The character represents insecurity and doubt, as described by Tyler Joseph. To portray Blurryface, Joseph wears black paint on his hands and neck during live performances and music videos. The album was recorded with several producers: Ricky Reed at Serenity West Recording and Paramount Recording Studios in Hollywood and at Sonic Lounge Studios in Grove City, Ohio; Mike Elizondo at Can Am in Tarzana, California; Mike Crossey at Livingston Studios in London; and Tim Anderson at Werewolf Heart in Los Angeles.

The album was mixed by Neal Avron at The Casita in Hollywood, California, and mastered by Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound in New York City. Art direction and design was done by Brandon Rike, Mark Eshleman (of Reel Bear Media), and Virgilio Tzaj. The album won "Album Of The Year" at the 2016 Alternative Press Music Awards and "Top Rock Album" at the Billboard Music Awards.