Music Makes You Think | Interviews with musicians

Music Makes You Think is for people who experience music a little more deeply than the average listener. All articles are written by Julie Simmons and most were previously featured in other publications.

FEATURED STORY

When Chicago Was the Largest Drum Manufacturer in the World

When Chicago was the largest drum manufacturer in the world (1920s - 1960s)

19 hours ago12 min read

Image of Josh Dun singing into a microphone. This is probably from the Clancy tour (2023) in which he sang backing vocals on "Leave the City"

Interview with Josh Dun: How twenty one pilots’ Drummer Found His Voice

Josh talks about challenging himself to do more interviews to singing to becoming a dad.

Sep 267 min read

In this photo from the artists, Brae is standing behind Joey. Brae is wearing a NY Yankees baseball hat and Joey is wearing a pink beanie hat. This image is most likely from when they were 22 years old (or younger).

Interview with Joey Valence & Brae: How They're Succeeding Without the Music Industry

How old are Joey Valence and Brae? What we should be asking is how they're selling out shows across the globe without being managed by a record label.

Oct 20, 20223 min read

Neyla Pekarek is shown playing cello and singing into a mircophone. This image is meant to show her getting out on her own.

Interview with Neyla Pekarek, Cellist of The Lumineers, as She Steps Out on Her Own with "Rattlesnake"

In this rare interview, Neyla talks about the solo project that confirmed her departure from The Lumineers.

Sep 176 min read

ABOUT
JULIE SIMMONS

Julie Simmons is an American music journalist and creator of Music Makes You Think.

SUBSCRIBE

MUSIC THAT'S MAKING ME THINK

In 2020, I had an epiphany about the collective ego:

All noble causes, when amplified, inevitably develop an ego that threatens the sanctity of the original cause.

So, it follows that when a band like twenty one pilots becomes popular, their message coalesces into a fanbase and a collective ego is born.

I'm fascinated by fanbases. Some are extremely welcoming. Others can be isolating and assert their social status according to longevity and access. Sometimes, that access is taken, not offered.

This past August (2025), a few twenty one pilots (TØP) fans reportedly snuck into Tyler Joseph's (lead singer, songwriter) gated community. Coincidentally, TØP recently announced the release of their latest album, Breach, and that after their brief North American tour, the band will be taking a break.

As the duo prepares to go into hibernation, I contemplated about the pressures musicians face from critics, the industry and fans. I've watched videos on social media of Tyler being mobbed by people at the luggage carousel in his hometown's airport. The duo loves their fans but I imagine they want the madness to stop.

Just because the Cause develops an ego doesn't mean that the Cause isn't worth fighting for.

As a fan, I hope twenty one pilots enjoys their well-earned break. When they come back, I know their fans will be ready and hopefully, our egos will have shrunk a little too.

Contact