In a remarkably candid conversation that peels back the curtain on modern musical success, Turnstile frontman Brendan Yates has revealed the complex reality behind the band's stratospheric rise to fame.
The Weight of Expectations
Four years after their breakthrough album 'Glow On' catapulted them from hardcore darlings to mainstream contenders, the Baltimore quintet finds themselves navigating uncharted territory. "There's this constant feeling that it's never enough," Yates confesses, his words echoing the title of their upcoming work. "The more you achieve, the higher the mountain seems to grow."
Beyond the Hardcore Scene
Turnstile's journey represents one of modern music's most fascinating evolution stories. From sweaty basement shows to festival headline slots, they've defied genre constraints while maintaining their artistic integrity. Yet this very success brings its own unique pressures.
"When you come from a scene built on raw passion and suddenly find yourself with Grammys and platinum records, the dynamic shifts completely," Yates reflects. "The challenge becomes staying true to that initial spark that made you start playing in the first place."
The Creative Process Unveiled
The interview offers rare insight into Turnstile's songwriting methodology, describing it as both chaotic and meticulously crafted. Rather than following a predetermined formula, the band embraces creative spontaneity, allowing songs to evolve organically through intense jam sessions.
"We've learned to trust the process, even when it feels like we're lost in the wilderness," Yates explains. "Some of our best moments come from completely abandoning the map and following whatever feels authentic in that moment."
Looking Forward While Honouring Roots
As anticipation builds for their next musical chapter, Turnstile remains committed to their hardcore foundation while continuing to push boundaries. The band acknowledges the delicate balance between innovation and authenticity that defines their unique position in today's musical landscape.
"We're not trying to recreate 'Glow On' or become something we're not," Yates states emphatically. "The goal has always been growth, not repetition. If we're not challenging ourselves and our listeners, then what's the point?"
This raw honesty from one of music's most compelling acts offers a powerful reminder that creative fulfilment often remains elusive, regardless of external success. For Turnstile, the journey continues to be about the music itself, not the accolades that follow.
