Neon Trees

Neon Trees
Name	Neon Trees
Origin	Provo, Utah, United States
Genres	Alternative rock, pop rock, new wave, indie rock
Years active	2005–present
Labels	Mercury Records, Def Jam Recordings, Reprise Records
Associated acts	Imagine Dragons, Bad Suns, Kaskade, Foster the People

Neon Trees is an American rock band formed in Provo, Utah in 2005. The group achieved mainstream success in the early 2010s with hit singles that crossed over to alternative, pop, and dance radio formats. The band's career spans studio albums, extensive touring, television appearances, and collaborations with prominent figures from the contemporary rock and pop scenes.

History

The band's origins trace to the Utah music scenes centered on Provo and Salt Lake City where members played in local acts and performed at venues such as Velour Live Music Gallery and festivals like South by Southwest. Early lineup connections involved musicians from bands associated with Brigham Young University and acts that toured alongside Imagine Dragons and The Killers. Their breakthrough came after signing with labels tied to Mercury Records and management with contacts at Chrysalis Records and Island Records partners, leading to national exposure through appearances on television programs including Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and Ellen DeGeneres Show. The band released debut recordings during the post-2000s indie renaissance alongside peers like Foster the People, The Strokes, and Interpol, and later navigated industry shifts involving companies such as Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group.

Musical Style and Influences

Their sound blends elements of new wave revival, post-punk revival, and power pop, drawing comparisons to acts like Duran Duran, The Killers, Talking Heads, Blondie, and INXS. Songwriting shows influences from songsmiths such as Ric Ocasek and Brian Wilson, and production aesthetics echo work by producers associated with Mark Ronson, Stuart Price, and Greg Kurstin. Live arrangements and synth textures recall bands including Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, New Order, The Cars, and Echo & the Bunnymen. Rhythm sections reflect inspirations from drummers in The Police, Joy Division, and Sparks, while vocal delivery sometimes evokes stylings heard from David Bowie, Brandon Flowers, and Bryan Ferry.

Band Members

Core personnel have included frontman and lead vocalist who collaborated with musicians hailing from the Utah scene and beyond, with permanent and touring members linked to acts such as Imagine Dragons, Bad Suns, Kaiser Chiefs, Young the Giant, and The Fray. Collaborators and session musicians have worked with producers and artists from Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Radiohead, Muse, and Arcade Fire. Lineup changes over time intersected with members who later toured with Panic! at the Disco, Paramore, The Killers, Kings of Leon, and Silversun Pickups.

Discography

The band's studio output arrived amid releases by contemporaries on labels like Reprise Records, Columbia Records, and Atlantic Records, following a release schedule similar to peers such as MGMT, Vampire Weekend, and Phoenix. Albums and singles were promoted through collaborations with DJs and remixers associated with Kaskade, Steve Aoki, and Calvin Harris. Their catalog appeared on charts curated by organizations such as Billboard and received airplay on stations affiliated with iHeartMedia and Clear Channel Communications; companion releases included vinyl editions pressed by indie distributors connected to Sub Pop, Domino Recording Company, and Matador Records.

Tours and Performances

Touring history includes headline tours and supporting slots with major acts including Maroon 5, Coldplay, Muse, The Killers, Kings of Leon, Snow Patrol, Imagine Dragons, Paramore, and Foster the People. Festival appearances included Coachella, Lollapalooza, Glastonbury Festival, Bonnaroo, Reading and Leeds Festivals, and Austin City Limits Music Festival. Television and award-show performances occurred on platforms like MTV Video Music Awards, American Music Awards, Grammy Awards telecasts, and charity events coordinated with organizations such as UNICEF and (RED).

Awards and Recognition

Singles charted on lists maintained by Billboard, earning placements on Alternative Airplay and Mainstream Top 40 charts; songs also featured on year-end lists compiled by publications including Rolling Stone, NME, Pitchfork, Spin (magazine), and Billboard itself. The band received nominations or wins at ceremonies involving industry bodies like the American Music Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and regional honors presented by entities such as Utah Music Awards and local critic circles tied to outlets like The Salt Lake Tribune.

Legacy and Impact

Their crossover success during the 2010s influenced a wave of rock bands integrating synth-driven pop with guitar-based songwriting alongside peers from scenes in Los Angeles, New York City, Seattle, and Austin, Texas. The group's visibility on mainstream television and festival stages contributed to booking trends at venues like Madison Square Garden, Staples Center, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre for alternative-pop acts, and their tracks were licensed for media produced by studios including Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., Netflix, and Sony Pictures Television. Members have since collaborated with producers and artists affiliated with Adele, Bruno Mars, Sia, Lorde, and St. Vincent, extending their influence into songwriting and production networks across the contemporary popular music industry.

Category:American rock bands Category:Musical groups from Utah