FamousDC hung out with the Neon Trees in DC this weekend, as they played a private show at the Washington Hilton, just North of Dupont Circle. Before the show, FamousDC sat down with the band for an exclusive interview.
The epitome of casually cool, the modern rock and roll group is made up of four members. Tyler Glenn (vocals, keyboards) and Chris Allen (guitar, vocals) started the band as neighbors in Murrieta, California. They eventually added Branden Campbell (bass guitar, vocals) and Elaine Bradley (drums, percussion, vocals) to form the group that has since become famous for their high-energy hits.
As a diverse crowd of Washingtonians began to fill the venue, attendees were of a visibly “cooler” cohort than your typically buttoned up DC gathering. The mood was positive and buzzing with energy as guests awaited the show. We snuck out for a bit to chat with the band and get to know a little more about the Neon Trees.
What should the audience expect from tonight’s performance? Will we hear the hits? Any new material?
Tyler: It’s definitely going to be a fun show. Nothing brand new but we’ll play a song we released before our last tour and we’ll play a popular cover that we used to do a lot.
Elaine: But we’ll definitely play the hits.
Branden: Aren’t they all hits?
Aside from the show tonight, what else are you excited to do or see while you’re here in Washington?
Branden: Well we tried to hit up the National Portrait Gallery but didn’t make it. We napped instead.
Elaine: I decided to get out and take a walk to Trader Joe’s but when I got there, the line was almost 2 blocks long and there was no way I was waiting in that.
Tyler: I really like all the Chop’d places around here. I want them to start popping up all over the country like Chipotle did.
Chris: My wife and I are going to some ice cream place tomorrow, called Thomas Sweet that is supposed to be really good.
You’re in DC, so we’ve gotta ask: any interest in ever running for office?
Tyler: No, definitely not.
Elaine: I wouldn’t want Obama’s job.
Branden: Zero interest.
Chris: Not interested in the least.
Obama calls and wants to kick it with y’all for the day. What’s on the agenda?
Tyler: Now that would be something. Not sure actually.
Branden: Air Force One
What’s next for the band? Anything new or exciting in the works?
Rapid Fire Word Association
The interview couldn’t have been more casual and laid back, as the group has an incredibly personable air about them. They happily posed for a photo with us, touting our FamousDC stickers, of which Tyler commented, “Wow, these are great quality. Very impressive.” Thanks Tyler, we think so too.
We rejoined the crowd, which had since filled the room to capacity and enjoyed the open bar while awaiting the show. Elliot Root opened the evening and got the crowd moving with their etherial vocals layered over funky guitar and catchy percussion. When the Neon Tress finally came out, everyone was already dancing and didn’t rest for the remainder of the show. They played all of their classics including Animal, Everybody Talks, and Sleeping With a Friend. Tyler made a heartfelt speech about starting off the new year right and doing anything possible to make yourself happy, leaving the crowd in the highest of spirits when we exited the stage.
We’d like to thank the Neon Trees for taking the time to sit down with us and playing an epic show, the Washington Hilton for hosting a great event, and Hilton’s 2015 @PLAY concert series for the invite.
