On a Wednesday night in September, around 6,000 fans make their way to Brown’s Island, a picturesque park in Richmond, Virginia. They’re there to catch Turnstile, a band that’s gone beyond hardcore punk to reach a broader audience.
As Turnstile takes the stage, the room fills with a soft introduction. The opening song, “Never Enough,” contrasts with their energetic tracks, expressing vulnerability before breaking into the upbeat “TLC (Turnstile Love Connection).” The crowd erupts, limbs flailing as everyone sings along. This high-energy vibe has defined Turnstile’s shows for years.
In their early days, the band played small venues, where the stage felt like an extension of the crowd. Frontman Brendan Yates would often leap into the audience, making each performance a dynamic interaction between the band and fans.
Yates’s journey began in 2009 when he left college to drum for the hardcore band Trapped Under Ice. A year later, he formed Turnstile, and the buzz surrounding them was immediate. Their debut album, Nonstop Feeling, arrived in 2015, and soon they became one of the most talked-about bands in hardcore. Unlike many of their peers, they embraced catchy melodies and vibrant aesthetics, attracting fans beyond the subculture.
One memorable gig took place in a church hall in Washington DC in 2018, where drummer Daniel Fang performed in a hospital gown after a serious injury. “I drove myself to the show,” Fang recalls. “Even in pain, performing felt beautiful and joyful.” That night was a testament to the dedication shared among the band members.
Turnstile reached a new milestone with their third album, Glow On, released in 2021. Produced by Mike Elizondo, known for his work with pop artists, the album maintained its hardcore roots while exploring sunnier, more melodic sounds. The timing aligned perfectly with the end of COVID lockdowns, propelling their popularity to new heights, including Grammy nominations and tours with major acts like Blink-182.
From intimate free shows in their hometown to massive gigs, Turnstile acknowledges the challenge of connecting with larger audiences. “The biggest change was learning to create energy on stage rather than just being part of it,” bassist Franz Lyons explains. Despite the size of the crowds now, the band strives to channel that sense of community.
Fans at a Turnstile show often feel like part of something unique. The crowd’s excitement is palpable; instead of recording with their phones, people are fully immersed in the experience. The stage backdrop often showcases the audience’s ecstatic faces rather than just the band.
However, challenges arise. At a recent Richmond show, the performance ended abruptly when a sheriff’s deputy used pepper spray on a fan. Video footage of the incident went viral, igniting discussions about authority at concerts. Yates expressed his disappointment, framing the event as a cowardly abuse of power.
When it comes to live performances, Yates notes, “You can’t control the chaos that sometimes occurs.” This unpredictability is part of what makes every Turnstile show exciting.
As they tour North America, Turnstile’s approach remains intentional. They choose venues without seats to keep the energy flowing and curate diverse lineups with bands that share a similar ethos. Expect a mix of sounds, from dance to funk, while still honoring their hardcore roots.
Their new album, Never Enough, reflects this sonic evolution, with unexpected collaborations, like flute contributions from jazz musician Shabaka Hutchings. Each show seems like a celebration of community, bridging different backgrounds and ages.
Even while garnering widespread recognition, the members stay connected to their roots in Baltimore. Yates continues to play with Trapped Under Ice, showcasing their commitment to the local scene. This connection resonates within their music.
Justice Tripp, a bandmate from their early days, reflects on Turnstile’s influence on local artists. “They inspire others to rethink what it means to be impactful,” he shares, hinting at Turnstile’s potential to change music culture.
Overall, Turnstile’s journey is an unfolding story fueled by dedication and a thirst for connection. As they prepare for their upcoming tour in the UK and Ireland, they remain focused on what they love—creating music that resonates with their fans and spark joy in communities.
Turnstile continues to redefine what a concert can be. Their blend of energy, creativity, and heartfelt connection makes them a vital part of today’s music scene.
