Neon Trees

Neon Trees Artistfacts

  • 2005-
    Tyler GlennVocals, guitar
    Chris AllenGuitar
    Branden CampbellBass
    Elaine BradleyDrums
  • According to drummer, Elaine Bradley, "Tyler's the quirky serious type who is really a goofball. Branden's the musical history encyclopedia. Chris is the manual labor. Being in this band is like an arranged marriage where divorce is not an option, and I'm OK with that."
  • Singer/guitarist, Tyler Glenn on warming up before shows: "I always warm up, something I learned from singing as a kid. I always do a lot of weird screams and yelps in the bathroom. We always get together and focus our energy before we go on. It's important that we're on the same page."
  • The members of Neon Trees are all big fans of Lady Gaga. Of the controversial star, Tyler Green said, "I think the band collectively enjoys her, but I myself am actually really inspired and moved by her as an artist. She is smarter than anyone really thinks, and she depends on her fans and bleeds for them. There isn't enough of that genuine spirit in music."
  • Although a well known band in Provo, Utah, the band didn't receive nationwide exposure until late 2008 when they were chosen as openers for several of The Killers' North American tour dates. Not long after, the band was signed by major record label Mercury Records and released their first full length album, Habits, in 2010.
  • The Neon Trees song, "Animal" was performed by the cast of the TV show, Glee. According to Tyler Glenn, "We think Glee is hilarious, gives an important focus back to the arts in school, and in an ever changing musical industry, promotes music in an interesting way. We're happy they love 'Animal.'"
  • Their debut album Habits is filled with '80s pop meshed with bombastic alt-rock choruses — like the Killers playing backup for Duran Duran. "Your Surrender" is a U2-style singalong, "1983" is a bratty dose of keyboard-driven pop punk and Hot 100 single "Animal" is an irresistibly catchy lovesick dance tune. The band's is pretty clear about its inspiration: "New Wave is basically all I listen to," says singer and guitarist Tyler Glenn.
  • The band doesn't preach their Mormon teachings in their songs, but none of them drink or party. "It's funny how backstage, if you say you're doing it for God or doing it for morals or for health, people say, 'That's stupid' or 'lame.' But if you say you've been sober for 10 years, they respect you because you've been through AA," Glenn says. "Half the people think I'm on drugs anyway, I've always had a drone-y southern California voice and worn sunglasses in an airport when I shouldn't."
  • Tyler Glenn came out as gay in March 2014, revealing the news in an interview with Rolling Stone. "I had my crushes on guys throughout high school, but it was never an overwhelming thing until my twenties," the vocalist explained. "Then I'd be dating girls and in love with my straight friend and it was the worst feeling in the world."
  • After the Mormon church declared same-sex marriage grounds for excommunication 2015, Glenn left the church. His first solo album, released in October 2016, is titled Excommunication in reference to this policy.

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