Photo: Courtesy of Mathew Hartman
Oftentimes critics say that “rock is dead,” but when they say that, they aren’t taking into account that there are still bands writing hits and maintaining healthy album sales. Neon Trees – who formed in Provo, Utah about ten years ago – has released three albums with internationally-charting singles since 2010. Although there are memorable hits like “Animal,” “Everybody Talks,” “Lessons In Love” and “Sleeping With A Friend” in the repertoire, the group keeps pressing forward with activity.
Neon Trees comes through town with an Irving Plaza show on Wednesday, July 22nd. Instead of touring with a new album to support, the band is pushing a non-album single called “Songs I Can’t Listen To,” as written with long-time collaborator (and Sugarcult frontman) Tim Pagnotta. As explained to me by drummer Elaine Bradley, the purpose of this tour is to “see the fans,” which explains their playing smaller venues than usual.
Even though she is currently expecting her third child, Elaine will still be on the road and behind the kit, per our Q&A.
What’s to be expected from Neon Trees’ July 22nd show at Irving Plaza?
Elaine Bradley: This tour is very fan-centric. Because of the smaller stages and venues, the shows have had a different kind of energy than our last tour. It’s definitely intimate and maybe more raw.
Back in May, Neon Trees released a non-album single. Is that something we may see more of from Neon Trees? Singles rather than albums?
E: I’m not sure what you’re going to see from us in the future. We wanted to release this single, but didn’t want to commit the time and energy to a whole album right now. So, the single made sense this time around. We’ll see…
When this current run of dates is done, what is planned for Neon Trees?
E: We’ve kind of taken this year as it has come. We wanted to put out a song we were proud of, so we did. We wanted to tour and see the fans, so we did. We haven’t thought of planned too much in the long run. It’s been kind of nice.
Having opened big shows for Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, The Killers, and The Offspring — four artists who sound nothing alike — over the years, do you like being a support act? Or is the preference to be doing more intimate headlining shows?
E: There are good things about both. We love supporting a good headliner, and winning over new fans. But there is something very electric about playing for a room full of people who are there specifically for you.
The website for your band is www.fameisdead.com. Undoubtedly, you’re in a famous band. Is there a term more preferable to you than “fame” when considering the notoriety Neon Trees has achieved?
E: Notoriety is a good word! The whole “fame is dead” thing started before “Animal” ever took off. The idea was that people were getting “famous” for nothing, and getting famous wasn’t our end goal. We wanted to hustle and make music and do what we love. The end game was success — having people hear it and hopefully like it. Fame seems to be a necessary part of success, but that’s not up to us. Other people may think you’re famous, but staying true and hustling and playing music is what we really care about.
Being one of the most known musical acts from Provo, if not the only band from Provo that most people would know, are there any other bands from the area that you can recommend to our readers?
E: We are taking Fictionist out as our first opener for the second leg of this tour. They are a Provo band…enjoy.
Beyond the music, what do you wish more people knew about you?
E: I think people who don’t take time to “google” me or research me individually wouldn’t know that I really care about my family. I’m pregnant with our third child; I had a boy in 2012 and we adopted a girl born in 2013. This baby girl is due in early September. Music is fun and I love getting to make a living doing it, but my family and my faith matter most and will last lots longer than my career. It helps me keep perspective in a very fickle industry.
Finally, Elaine, any last words for the kids?
E: Be moral. It DOES matter how you act, how you treat people, how you treat yourself. Be honest with yourself and others. Think about what you’re doing. Try. It’s cool to try and work hard, I swear!
Check out their latest music video for their song, “Songs I Can’t Listen To”
-by Darren Paltrowitz
