Turnstile: Towson’s Hardcore Pioneers Ignite a Global Punk Renaissance

Turnstile, the electrifying hardcore punk band hailing from Towson, Maryland, has become a phenomenon far beyond their Baltimore roots. In just over a decade, they’ve evolved from playing gritty local venues to headlining international festivals, racking up Grammy nominations, and sparking a full-blown revival of hardcore and punk music in the mainstream.Their story is not just one of musical innovation, but also of hometown pride, relentless ambition, and a refusal to be boxed in by genre or geography.

Towson Origins: Local Legends to Global Icons

Turnstile’s journey began at Towson University, where vocalist Brendan Yates and drummer Daniel Fang first connected over a shared love of hardcore and a mutual distaste for the typical college party scene.  Instead, they immersed themselves in Maryland’s vibrant underground, forging a band that would soon become a cornerstone of the East Coast hardcore circuit. Their Towson roots remain central to their identity, with Yates noting, “There’s nothing we haven’t been able to figure out living in Baltimore,” underscoring the band’s commitment to their origins even as their fame skyrockets.

Recent Homecoming Benefit Concert draws 10,000

On May 10, 2025, Turnstile returned to Baltimore for a landmark free concert at Wyman Park Dell, drawing over 10,000 fans and benefiting Health Care for the Homeless. The band covered all production costs, working with local crews to make the event possible. Attendees donated more than $35,000 via QR codes, with additional funds raised through a signed poster raffle. The show celebrated Turnstile’s journey and impact on their hometown, featuring live debuts of new songs and an electrifying atmosphere filled with moshing and crowd-surfing—a true homecoming for both band and community.

A Meteoric Rise: From “Glow On” to “Never Enough”

Turnstile’s 2021 album, Glow On, was a watershed moment. The record’s fusion of punk ferocity with dream-pop, funk, and electronic elements earned critical acclaim, three Grammy nominations, and a spot in major advertising campaigns15. It propelled them onto arena tours with Blink-182 and My Chemical Romance and into the mainstream consciousness, a rare feat for a hardcore band.

Now, Turnstile has returned with Never Enough, their most ambitious project yet. Released on June 6, 2025, via Roadrunner Records, the album pushes their sound even further, blending alt-rock, shoegaze, and new wave influences while maintaining the raw energy that defines them.. The addition of guitarist Meg Mills, following the departure of founding member Brady Ebert, marks a new era for the band, infusing their music with fresh dynamics and creative possibilities.

Album and a Multimedia Explosion

Not content with just releasing an album, Turnstile has also unveiled a companion film, TURNSTILE NEVER ENOUGH, premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival and screening in theaters nationwide. The band’s music videos—co-directed by Yates and guitarist Pat McCrory—are as boundary-pushing as their sound. The double video for “Seein’ Stars” and “Birds” showcases their versatility: from the funky, dance-driven visuals of “Seein’ Stars” (featuring Hayley Williams and Devonté Hynes) to the hardcore, mosh-ready energy of “Birds,” all captured in a seamless visual narrative.

Mainstream Success and Hardcore’s Comeback

Turnstile’s ascent is emblematic of a broader hardcore and punk resurgence. Their ability to draw diverse crowds, land late-night TV spots (including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon), and collaborate with artists across genres has helped bring hardcore into the mainstream without diluting its spirit. Their festival appearances—from Coachella to Glastonbury and Primavera Sound—underscore their global reach and influence.

What sets Turnstile apart is their fearless approach to genre, their emotional intensity, and their commitment to community. They remain deeply connected to their fans, often hosting unique record-release shows and pop-up events that foster a sense of belonging and excitement. As alternative music continues to break into the mainstream, Turnstile stands at the forefront, inspiring a new generation of artists and fans.

A New Chapter for Towson’s Finest

With Never Enough, Turnstile is not just riding a wave—they’re making it. Their story is a testament to the power of authenticity, innovation, and local pride. From Towson basements to the world’s biggest stages, they’ve proven that you don’t need to leave home to change the world. As the summer of 2025 unfolds, it’s clear: this is Turnstile’s moment, and they’re bringing hardcore—and Towson—along for the ride

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