Exclusive interview with Neon Trees singer

So it didn’t start with a whisper: Neon Trees actually started out at an In-N-Out Burger. The News-Letter caught up with lead singer Tyler Glenn to discuss what it’s like having your song on Glee, the story behind the band’s unique music videos and, of course, his not-so-secret love of Sex and the City.

The News-Letter (N-L): Neon Trees is such a cool name for a band! How did you come up with it?

Tyler Glenn: My friends and I hung out at In-N-Out Burger a lot when I was living in California. They had these neon light-up Christmas trees at the restaurant, and we thought, “Neon Trees. That would be a super cool band name.” And it ended up sticking.

N-L: You started out Neon Trees with your neighbor in Utah. What was the music scene like there?

TG: We didn’t feel like we came from a particular sound or scene. We wanted to be the band we wanted to be. We were one of the only guitar rock bands there — there’s friendly competition, and it’s got a cool vibe. At the same time, it was important to have a scene like that and then break out and explore rather than stay the same living there forever.

N-L: If you weren’t in a band, what would you want to do?

TG: I’d try culinary school and cooking.

N-L: You started off by opening for The Killers. What was it like being on tour with them? Does it differ at all from your own tours?

TG: It was cool because we did shows with them four years ago. We’ve grown since then and supported a ton of other bands. It’s exciting being on your tour because you get to build your own fanbase and get people singing your songs. People are lining up for you.

N-L: What was it like having “Animal” performed on Glee? Do you watch the show at all?

TG: I watched it when it first came out and thought it was funny, but I lost track of it because of the band. It was really cool that they chose to cover us. We want everyone to be able to hear our songs, we’re not worried about who’s singing or covering it.

N-L: Did you get to meet Darren Criss?

TG: Darren’s a big reason why we’re on the show  — he was already a fan. He came to our show in New York!

N-L: If you could do a song with any band or singer, who would it be?

TG: Cyndi Lauper or Blondie. I really like the 80s.

N-L: What’s it like having your new song featured in a Buick commercial? Do you get a discount on the car?

TG: No, we haven’t tried to buy a Buick. Maybe if we pulled that card we could! It’s cool because being in a nationwide commercial that’s playing all the time, you start to get recognized as the guy in the commercial. You’ll be at a random drug store in the middle of nowhere and an old person who probably wouldn’t know who you are otherwise does. You also get paid a good amount of money to be in commercials, too.

N-L: Does the band have a routine that you do before you go onstage?

TG: We always pray. As cliché as that may sound, we don’t really believe in a set thing, but it gives us a focus on the show and why we’re doing it. We don’t really party and we don’t really prescribe to the rock ‘n roll lifestyle, so we really leave it all on the stage and try to put on the best show that we can.

N-L: What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about going on tour?

TG: Touring is a fun, unique lifestyle. The band became a family and we have opportunities to get to know the nation and the world, in fact. My least favorite thing is being away from the people in my life that has always been there for me. You build a new normalcy, which isn’t the worst thing in the world. I’m definitely whining a little bit.

N-L: Have you ever had a crazy fan encounter?

TG: It’s weird that people start screaming or crying when they see me, because I’m just a normal person. It’s constantly weird to me. You shouldn’t get used to the way people treat you. But it’s flattering.

N-L: What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you while you’ were performing?

TG: I was onstage at Bonaroo, and it was really, really hot. My pants were sliding down, and so I just sort of let them go and took my pants off and finished the set in my underwear. Looking back on it, it was very embarrassing. There are lots of pictures from that festival. But I’m the kind of guy that doesn’t get too embarrassed about anything. I think that would be more embarrassing for the Regular Joe, but for me, it was just everyday life.

N-L: What do you draw inspiration for your music videos from?

TG: All of our videos are inspired by films. “Everybody Talks” is inspired by a love of John Waters and horror movies. We try to have fun with the videos we create. We want to bring an element of fun and excitement back to music.  We just finished filming our next video, which is a sequel to “Everybody Talks.” It shows what happens to me and the main girl, Trixie, after I get in the van with her. It was cool because we filmed it where they filmed the original Nightmare on Elm Street. It’s actually a haunted building. I believe in ghosts and paranormal stuff, so it was really creepy.

N-L: What advice do you have for college students our age who are trying to make it in music?

TG: Be passionate. Tell fans and people to come to shows every night. No matter what you’re doing, feel it in your bones. Do something you’re really excited about. I’m doing something I absolutely love and it gets me through the day. You’ll eat the same food, see the same people, and only play music for a few hours at night, but that’s what saves your life. Do what you love no matter what it is.

N-L: We’ve gotta know: we read that you’ve seen all of the episodes of Sex and the City nine times. Can you confirm or deny this?

TG: Yeah. In high school, my ex-girlfriend and I would watch it a ton. I liked the storyline. But then it became really uncool for a guy to watch the show.

N-L: So are you a Samantha, Carrie, Charlotte, or Miranda?

TG: I’m probably a Carrie. I’m a dreamer. I just want true love. I don’t know if I could actually relate to any of them, because I’m not a girl, but she’s the closest.

The HOP is bringing Neon Trees to Johns Hopkins Friday, November 9.