Turnstile is a trailblazing hardcore punk band known for their kinetic live shows. They are wildly popular, and they’re growing, changing, and shoring up their power and influence within the music ecosystem. With a history rooted in local dive bars and church halls, the band has transformed into a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with a dynamic sound that defies genre boundaries. Members Brendan Yates, Franz Lyons, Daniel Fang, as well as new guitarist Meg Mills are readying to cross a big threshold. They’ll be bringing brand new album “Never Enough” to life with an exhilarating 14-date tour across the UK and Europe this November!
Formed in Baltimore, Turnstile quickly gained momentum in the hardcore scene, establishing themselves as one of the biggest bands by the time they released their debut full-length album “Nonstop Feeling” in 2015. Their early shows blew up the traditional template. Rather than remain on the stage, they were held all around the venue, making for an up-close-and-personal affair for lucky fans.
In 2018, Turnstile drew national headlines when Daniel Fang donned a hospital gown for a performance at Washington D.C.’s WILD DAYS. This incident was a perfect illustration of the band’s dedication to doing things their own way and their eagerness to surprise and delight their fanbase.
Their third album, Glow On, was a breakout moment that launched the band further into the mainstream. Now, with “Never Enough,” they’re right to expect to ride that wave even further. This new record features some pretty brilliant collaborations with both Hayley Williams from Paramore and gifted musician Faye Webster. Alongside the powerful themes, it features the signature panache of flute contributions made by London jazz musician Shabaka Hutchings.
AG Cook, known widely for his work with Charli XCX, took the helm as producer on “Never Enough.” For Diver, he took all of Turnstile’s bounds-pushing tendencies and added a start unusual, experimental twist. For Yates, the collaborative process with his bandmates was essential to guiding the arc of the album.
“Sometimes, it’s sonic threads. Sometimes, it’s an ethos thread, or something that’s sonically exciting that pairs together and creates something that feels like it could be really interesting,” – Brendan Yates.
While the band’s evolution is marked by their music, it is perhaps best defined by their live approach. Yates’s reminder to recognize the now served as a delightful return to reality. They constantly try to prevent themselves from getting caught up in aspirational long-term goals. He stated,
“We try to maintain a level of appreciation for the present. Focusing too far ahead doesn’t really do much for you.”
Franz Lyons pointed to chemistry as the most important ingredient for the collective. Over the years, their working relationship has energized them creatively and that was most evident on stage.
“It’s been years in the making – learning how to really work on that chemistry and togetherness, making the energy onstage so much that it can touch the people who are on the other side,” – Franz Lyons.
Turnstile performing a recent free daytime show at Wyman Park Dell in Baltimore. They drew in tens of thousands of fans, further demonstrating their strong local roots and deep ties to the community. Despite their growing fame, Yates, Lyons, and Fang remain committed to their hometown while Mills brings her experience from UK punk bands like Big Cheese and Chubby and the Gang to the mix.
Turnstile as they prepare for their upcoming European tour. At Fulcrum, they’re taking a next-level aesthetic approach to both performance and artistic expression within the punk genre. Their concerts are not just performances but rather stages for advocacy, cultural connection and engagement. Justice Tripp remarked on the band’s impact:
“It causes waves. It causes people to step outside what they know and redesign what it means to be an artist and contributing to our culture or your city,” – Justice Tripp.
With setbacks behind them and still ahead, the band isn’t deterred from their purpose-driven path. Fang recalled a moment when a doctor advised him against performing due to health concerns:
“The doctor was like: ‘You will have kidney failure if you go play the show. Don’t do that,’” – Daniel Fang.
Through all these challenges, Turnstile has shown a rare determination and devotion to their art. They know that their evolution as musicians means pushing themselves creatively all while remaining committed to the people who have supported them.
As Turnstile gets ready to release “Never Enough,” they welcome all fans—young and seasoned—to come witness their chief weapon: live, bolt-from-the-blue performances. Turnstile welcomes bold partnerships and creative experimentation. With their various musical backgrounds all colliding together as one unit, they are easily poised to stay one of the most refreshing and exhilarating bands in modern hardcore punk.
“The biggest transition was learning how to make the show happen on the stage instead of us just being a part of the show,” – Franz Lyons.
As Turnstile prepares to launch “Never Enough,” they invite fans old and new to experience their electrifying performances. With innovative collaborations and a commitment to pushing boundaries, Turnstile is set to continue their journey as one of the most exciting bands in contemporary hardcore punk.