Neon Trees, the band behind the hit singles “Animal” and “1983,” played two shows in New York City two weeks ago to celebrate the release of their sophomore album “Picture Show,” which came out April 17 and sold almost 19,000 copies in the first  week, according to HitsDailyDouble.com.

“We were stoked to release the record in NYC amongst so many friends and great fans,” said Branden Campbell, the band’s bassist.

“Picture Show” is a good album—catchy beats like “Everybody Talks” are balanced with slower songs such as “Still Young.” They’ve even collaborated with the notable DJ Kaskade for the track “Lessons in Love.” Fans won’t be disappointed, but they will notice that “Picture Show” is lacking some of the edge their first album “Habits” had.

The Mirror had a chance to interview Campbell about their newest album, musical inspirations and the band’s future.

 

The Mirror: What inspired the motif behind “Picture Show?”

Branden Campbell: It comes from the escape that cinema can offer to the viewer. We like to get lost in movies and [be] transported to another time and place. We know that music offers that as well for the listener.

 

TM: Musically, “Picture Show” is more diverse than “Habits,” with a few more ‘softer’ songs. Are you trying to expand your music style—a synth/pop/dance/rock sound—or change it completely?

BC: Unbeknownst to lots of people, we’ve always had a broader sound. We just didn’t release those types of songs in a major way. While we recorded “Habits” in 2009, we self-released a song called “She’s To Blame” that isn’t unlike “Close To You.” We knew what we wanted “Habits” to be and we rolled with it, knowing we would eventually expand with our future releases.

 

TM: I’ve noticed that some songs have a super catchy beat but dark lyrics, like “Sins of My Youth” and “Hooray for Hollywood.” Is that intentional?

BC: It’s certainly intentional. Tyler [Glenn, the lead singer] loves creating juxtaposition in that way.

 

TM: How was playing SxSW [South by Southwest]? What have been your favorite experiences so far?

BC: SxSW is always a good time. We get to see so many friends and bands and industry people [who] have been supporting our band from the beginning. A highlight is always the time we spend with Allison Hagendorf from FUSE. Also, this year I had a good backstage chat with Andrew W.K. regarding classical piano.

 

TM: What are Neon Trees’ plans for the future? Do you think the four of you will keep making music?

BC: Of course we hope to always make music together. The plan is to keep touring and spreading the “Picture Show” songs with the world and then make another record. There is no rule or timeline for us.

 

TM: Which bassist do you feel you’ve been influenced by the most? What music did you listen to growing up? Do you feel like it’s had any sort of impact on your style?

BC: Bassist—John Entwistle, Paul McCartney, Duff McKagan and Rocco Prestia. Growing up I was into Michael Jackson, Guns N’ Roses, Thompson Twins, Jane’s Addiction, Bad Brains, Black Flag, Led Zeppelin and The Jam. As for style, I don’t get too caught up on genre and so-called rules. I love what’s real and raw. I find that equally in Waylon Jennings or The Clash. Though I never felt I was only allowed to be inspired by bassists. I’m equally inspired by Bo Diddley, Lucinda Williams and Keith Richards. Those peeps have mojo for miles.

 

TM: What first got you into music?

BC: I just knew I was always supposed to do it, since I was six or seven years old. At first I thought I was going to play drums. I even had a drum kit picked out in a JCPenney catalog. It said “Black Magic” in bold letters on the front of the kick drum. So naturally that would be the band’s name, right?

 

TM: What was it about Neon Trees that attracted you to playing with them?

BC: It goes back to feeling raw and real energy. There was something there, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it and contribute my own energy. Sounds so cosmic.

 

TM: Which is the song you feel most connects with you on “Picture Show?”

BC: “Weekend.” We worked on that song for three and a half years before we felt it was right. We were always urged to release it on the last record and our gut told us it wasn’t ready. After Tyler revised the vocal melody on the verses this final time, we knew it belonged on “Picture Show.”

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