Five Minutes with Chance Peña: The Texan singer laying his emotions on the line
Chance Peña’s music feels like the perfect soundtrack for a road trip through winding roads alongside crystal-clear rivers, towering trees, and a backdrop of majestic mountains. Even if you can’t visit those landscapes right now, just pop in your headphones, close your eyes, and you’ll be transported there instantly. The American singer-songwriter began his musical journey playing small shows around his East Texas town before eventually making his way to the national stage as a contestant on The Voice. His music is characterised by an unwavering commitment to authenticity and emotional openness, drawing heavy inspiration from the natural beauty of the world.
In his latest release, ’Feel It All,’ Peña taps into his Texan heritage, blending the spirit of folk tradition with a contemporary edge, supported by plucky and sentimental acoustics. The track arrives ahead of Peña’s second European tour of the year this November, which will see him visit the UK, Denmark, Germany, and more. As he continues to bring his Texan musical charm to the world stage, Peña has cemented himself as one of this generation’s most poignant storytellers. With his current upward trajectory, his success will only continue to grow with each release.
HUNGER catches up with Peña to discuss his latest single, his love for nature and upcoming European tour.
You’ve just released your latest single, ‘Feel It All’. Could you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the track?
The song is essentially a conversation with someone you can’t reach. You try your best to communicate your emotions, but it always falls on deaf ears. So, you have to make a choice: do you take it in stride because it’s easier than confronting the reality of the situation, or do you make the hard decision to let go and allow yourself to grow?
How do you think your creative process has developed since your early days as a musician?
When I first started, I would write and produce simultaneously. I’d have a guitar progression in mind, then record it and start writing lyrics, slowly producing around it as I added new elements. Now, I’ll sit alone or with friends, playing guitar or piano, and just write that way. By the time I decide to record, the song has had time to grow and breathe, and I know exactly how I want it to sound. Especially as my songwriting has leaned more towards the organic side, this method suits these kinds of songs really well.
You were born and raised in Texas. In what ways would you say growing up there inspires the music you make today?
It inspires me as a person. The people, the kindness, the work ethic I grew up around—all of it is infused in me. Texas is a beautiful place, and I feel lucky to call it home. I grew up with a lot of country and folk music; my great-grandparents were in a bluegrass band back in the day. It’s all in my blood, and I thank God He put me where He did.
I read that you’re still based there currently. Can you ever see yourself permanently leaving the city?
I do consider it. Texas is home, but when it’s time to start a family and settle down, I’d love to move somewhere a bit colder with mountains in the distance.
Your music is incredibly introspective and vulnerable. Was it always easy for you to display your emotions in your music, or did it take a while to become this open?
For some reason, it’s always come naturally to me. Even when I was younger, I’ve always been very open. Music is my outlet. My songs are a way to share my struggles and experiences in a way that people can interpret into their own life stories. If you have a conversation with me, I’m pretty quick to get deep. I tend not to swim in the shallow end of the pool.
Nature seems like a big part of your life. You’re always exploring amazing places on your Instagram. How important is that relationship with nature for you?
Nature helps me keep my perspective right. There’s a whole beautiful earth out here, and seeing new places reminds me that the things I get caught up in and give so much weight to aren’t as big as they feel. It’s a step away and a reset every time I can get out somewhere where day-to-day life can’t find me.
You’re gearing up for a European tour later this year. How would you describe a Chance Peña show? What should fans expect?
Hmm, a Chance Peña show… I like to play unreleased music a lot, but I try to resist the urge to play ten songs no one’s ever heard because I know people want to hear the songs they know. I’m always most excited about the new songs, and for those who have caught a show in the last couple of tours, most of those songs are on the album coming out in a couple of months. Even the ones that are out, we reimagine them a bit, so every show has something cool and different. Aside from the songs, I just like to talk and be myself. I don’t go on stage with talking points or a plan; we just know what we’re going to play, and the rest is up to chance. I’ve been touring with some great folks in my band who bring all the songs to life and make them so fun to play.
What are some of the things you love about visiting Europe? Anything you prefer to the US?
Europe is full of new experiences for me, and that’s my favourite part. The beautiful architecture and how walking is encouraged over driving in most places. The food is definitely of better quality in terms of freshness, and it feels like you’re giving your body what it needs. The people, too—everyone I’ve met has been kind and happy to see us Americans making our way through their side of the world. The guys and I are respectful when we travel, and I think you get what you give.
Performance-wise, is there anyone you really look up to and draw from for your own shows?
As a performer, I look up to Zach Bryan a ton. His shows seem to feel the same as if you were in someone’s living room singing songs, except there are thousands of people there. I try to be like that—just myself and singing my songs without taking it too seriously. I show up prepared and have fun with the fans, singing songs we all know and love.
What would you say has been the most surreal moment of your career so far?
Up to this point, all of it. A couple of years ago, I’d never have guessed I’d be 24, having done headline tours, with a couple of gold records, and a few songs with 200 million streams. It just blows me away. The moment it really hit me was during our show in London. I was just like, “I’m this far away from home, and there are almost a thousand people who came to hear me play my songs.” That was a moment where I felt so blessed to be able to do this.
Apart from the tour, do you have anything exciting coming up for the rest of the year?
Apart from the tour, I’m planning to spend time with my family and loved ones, make new music, and just enjoy life. The little moments are a big deal.
