Fans curious about Twenty One Pilots often ask what songs does Josh Dun sing in, since he is the energetic drummer who also contributes backing vocals and occasional leads. While Tyler Joseph handles most melody and songwriting, Josh has specific features across albums and live sets that highlight his voice and presence.
This guide organizes Josh Dun singing parts by studio origin, live transformations, and collaboration context. You can scan the summary table below for quick references before exploring each section in detail.
Studio Tracks With Josh Dun Lead or Shared Lead Vocals
Josh as Lead Vocalist in Studio Recordings
Across five studio albums, Josh has taken primary vocals on select tracks where his tone and phrasing shape the song identity. These are not just ad-libs but fully realized performances positioned as A-side or deep-cut material.
Shared and Harmony Vocal Responsibilities
On many singles and deep cuts, Josh shares harmony layers with Tyler, trading lines and filling the chorus with thicker backing vocals. This balance keeps the dynamic between melodic center and rhythmic drive intact.
| Album | Song | Primary Vocal Role | Notes on Josh Dun Singing Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blurryface (2015) | Message Man | Lead Vocals | One of only two songs where Josh sings lead on a studio album; showcases rhythmic rap and sung delivery. |
| Blurryface (2015) | Heavydirtysoul | Shared / Call-Response | Tyler leads, but Josh delivers prominent call-response lines and backing intensity throughout. |
| Trench (2018) | Levitate | Lead Vocals | Josh takes the main vocal, with softer hooks and spoken-word bridges that define the track’s mood. |
| Scaled and Icy (2021) | Saturday | Shared Lead | Duet-style arrangement where Tyler and Josh trade lines and harmonize on the chorus. |
| Scaled and Icy (2021) | Choker | Backing Vocals + Ad-libs | Strong backing presence, stacking harmonies that lift the pre-chorus and final chorus. |
| Scaled and Icy (2021) | The Outside | Lead Vocals | Josh leads this fan-favorite narrative track, giving a distinct character and clear enunciation. The Outside> track signature. |
| Scaled and Icy (2021) | No Chances | Shared Lead | Back-and-forth phrasing between Tyler and Josh creates a conversational, intimate vibe. |
| Clancy (2024) | Next Semester | Backing Vocals + Ad-libs | Energetic delivery in verses, supporting Tyler’s lead with punchy interjections. |
Live Performances Where Josh Dun Takes Vocal Spotlight
Cover Songs and Impromptu Ad-libs
In concert, Josh frequently expands his vocal role by covering pop, rock, and hip-hop songs. These surprise renditions reveal his range and sense of humor, turning shows into interactive experiences.
Signature Live Moments from the Drum throne
While primarily behind the kit, Josh uses transitions and shout-outs to inject personality. Certain hooks become his moment, especially when the crowd sings along to refrains he helps shape vocally.
Collaborations and Features Outside Twenty One Pilots
Guest Appearances and Co-writes
Beyond the duo, Josh appears on tracks with other artists, either singing parts or co-writing. These projects highlight versatility and show how his voice complements different genres.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Focus on Message Man and The Outside to hear Josh Dun singing lead in studio settings.
- Check live videos for Saturday and No Chances to experience shared vocal dynamics with Tyler Joseph.
- Explore concert covers to see Josh’s humor and range outside the Twenty One Pilots catalog.
- Notice harmony layering on tracks like Choker and Levitate to appreciate his backing vocal impact.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which Twenty One Pilot song features Josh Dun singing lead in the studio?
Message Man and The Outside are prime studio tracks where Josh Dun sings lead, giving a distinct timbre and narrative delivery that differs from Tyler Joseph’s style.
Does Josh Dun sing on Saturday from Scaled and Icy?
Yes, Saturday is a shared lead piece where Tyler and Josh trade lines and harmonize, making it a playful duet that spotlights both voices.
Can you hear Josh Dun clearly on Heavydirtysoul live versions?
Absolutely; in many live shows, he takes prominent call-response lines and ad-libs that sit on top of the track, adding energy and texture beyond the recorded version.
What are some non-Twenty One Pilots songs Josh Dun has performed publicly?
He has covered hits from Green Day, Fall Out Boy, and hip-hop artists during livestreams and festival sets, showing his range and love for genre-blending performance.