Jetsetting With Neon Trees’ Tyler Glenn
Tyler Glenn, Neon Trees’ lead vocalist and keyboardist, had a rather unique upbringing for the frontman of a popular alternative rock band. The singer grew up in a small town in Southern California and attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—not what one might think of as ingredients for an alt rock success story, but Tyler’s passion for music never wavered. And it’s a good thing, too, since Tyler and his bandmates Chris Allen, Branden Campbell, and Elaine Bradley, have found success with their first two albums.
Tyler, who currently resides in Utah, shares his thoughts about personal versus business travel and details about Neon Trees’ upcoming album release.
Q: What type of traveler are you? (i.e., adventurer, cultural explorer, free spirit, rejuvenator, spa aficionado, etc.)
A: Being a touring musician I guess I’m technically a business traveler. But I love to travel in my spare time now more than ever. I would say I’m a free spirit type because I usually take trips alone and don’t mind getting lost in the culture.
Q: What types of activities do you like to do on your travels? Do you look for a place where it’s quiet and you can relax or someplace that has great activities or nightlife?
A: I love both. I don’t drive so sometimes a nice city where there are tons of places around me to walk to is awesome. But I also like the off-the-beaten-path stuff where I don’t have the “world around me.”
Q: When thinking about where you will travel to next, what inspires you to make a decision? And what, if any, research do you do about that destination?
A: My favorite thing to do is research in the moment. Sometimes Yelp and a maps app on my phone are all I need. Usually I’m traveling to get away from it all for a moment, so typically I want some great food, some sort of heat and sunshine, and some place to spend money. It’s odd, but I never loved Vegas until recently. It’s fun for less obvious reasons.
Q: What is the most memorable trip you’ve taken and why?
A: I would say in recent memory it’s a trip to Cabo San Lucas with my friend and producer, Tim [Pagnotta]. We didn’t know we were going to write music. We were looking for more of an excuse to get away from the trappings of Los Angeles. Aside from the usual shenanigans we ended up writing a bunch of songs in Mexico on this private beach, and those songs ended up making our new album. It was fun and rewarding.
Q: What is the best food you’ve ever found on a trip?
A: I love the food in New York City. Sammy’s Noodle Shop & Grill, Cafe Mogador, Oasis in Williamsburg … I go every time I’m there.
Q: What, if anything, do you always take with you when you travel?
A: A pair of noise-canceling headphones and scissors (I don’t like sleeves on my T-shirts, so if I get any new ones I usually cut them off).
Q: What’s your best piece of travel advice?
A: Whether it’s for business or pleasure, treat every opportunity to travel as a rewarding one. I forget how many people have never been to certain places, and I hold it as a real gift to see all the places I have.
Q: Is there a destination to which you can’t imagine not returning?
A: I will always love Australia. Seriously it’s perfect.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: I enjoy quick solo trips to Vegas to eat food and see a show, and I love Northern California. It’s easy to get to from Utah and is so classic Californian.
Q: Where would you like to travel to next?
A: We’re starting our tour in Europe, and I really loved Berlin last time so I am very excited to return!
Q: Tell us about your upcoming project(s)?
A: Our new album, “Pop Psychology,” is out April 22, and the North American Pop Psychology tour starts in May!
Tyler Glenn’s Bio:
Tyler Glenn is the lead singer and keyboardist of the alternative rock band, Neon Trees. Raised in Temecula, California, Tyler is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a Mormon mission in Nebraska after he graduated high school.
Tyler developed a passion for music at an early age and, together with guitarist Chris Allen, formally founded Neon Trees after a move to Provo, Utah. The duo added bassist Branden Campbell and drummer/back-up vocalist Elaine Bradley, and in 2008 the newly formed quartet was invited to open for the Killers during their North American tour. Neon Trees released their first full-length album, “Habits,” in 2010 and released“Picture Show” in 2012.
Follow Tyler on Twitter and Facebook.
