spotlight tyler glenn
back to grey and that’s sort of the thing—how do we weather through—there is always going to be some sort of up and down. It’s nerve-wracking, it’s anxiety ridden, but it’s also fun at the same time. I can go to bed and still say, “I’m kind of having fun.” Even though today might have been shitty. (Laughs) I thought for years that the one really big thing I
had to do was come out of the closet and my prob- lems would all be solved. That all of my anxiety would be gone. But, I realize now that it’s really just the beginning. It takes a lot of experiences like that to shift a paradigm and become who you are. It’s really nice to not know everything, because I really thought I knew what all the answers were. You realize too, that life can be fun and that there is a lot more to it. Plus, I really like coffee and wine now. (Laughs) I didn’t partake in that for a long time, so that kind of stuff is fun for me. So, what does faith or spirituality look like for you these days? It’s complicated and yet so simple. I think what
was complicated was me trying to make something work that didn’t fit me. It’s more like, I don’t know, maybe I’m not a man of faith like I used to be, but that doesn’t mean I’m not a man of hope. I hope that there is something bigger than me, it would be rad if there was an afterlife that included seeing my family and friends forever…That would be amazing. It is hard though. I just made a post on Facebook that said, “Is it stupid that I pray when I’m stressed and anxious, even though I’m not sure who or what I’m praying to?” (Laughs) I’m learning that no, it’s meditation, introspection and mindfulness. I have refocused too, on meaningful relationships and cultivating them. That is really important to me. That’s the kind of stuff that builds my spirituality these days. Do you mind talking about Neon Trees? I’m curious to know where the band is at. Not at all. It’s been a process and I’ve learned that
when we have healthy communications and talk about our feelings, which can be really uncomfort- able, we are able to find a space to do music. I think we’re on a road to recovery in that way. Making this record on my own, I never thought that Neon Trees is over, or there isn’t life in it. I just want to get to the point where I’m creative about the band again and feel that my creativity was leaning towards this expression. I think too, within the band, things are different: Branden just had a new baby with his wife, Elaine is having kids and doing musical things
38 RAGE monthly | OCTOBER 2016
on her own, as well. I totally think that we have the ability and desire to make new music in the coming years. How do you feel about potentially being someone who the young LGBT community will look up to? It’s complex because I know how I am as a person.
I am not the perfect role model and I’m discovering things every day. What I try to show anyone that might be queer, is that it’s a journey and one filled with excitement and wonder. You can be bold enough and shameless enough to express the things that I’m expressing through this record and in my shows. I want people to feel empowered by that. I didn’t really have that many role models coming
up. I kind of always looked to Ellen DeGeneres and loved her show and when she came out. But as far as a gay man who looks like me, who comes from a religious background and didn’t totally fit the mold of what I thought a gay man should look like, it wasn’t there. So, I’m happy to be a positive light to someone who doesn’t totally fit the mold in their life. In that way, I’m stoked to be helpful.
Tyler Glenn’s albumExcommunication drops Friday, October 14 and is available for preorder now, check out his facebook page for more information. Tyler will make an appearance that same day, along with Fitz and the Tantrums at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets and more information, go to
lagreektheatre.com.
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