Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Chance Peña

At the age of fifteen, Chance Peña auditioned for season nine of The Voice, stunning audiences and the judges with his rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire.” Pharrell Williams complimented the talented singer-songwriter on his individuality stating, “It’s voices like yours that are completely different and don’t sound like anyone else.” Chance would eventually select Maroon 5 frontman, Adam Levine, as his coach and make it all the way to the live playoffs. It was an eye-opening experience that sparked Chance’s determination to pursue a career in the industry. We recently caught up with Chance to chat about his career.

PC: When did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Chance: I started playing around my hometown when I was thirteen or fourteen. I remember the first time that I played in front of people that weren’t a part of my family; a mentor of mine brought me on stage to play a couple of songs. The reception from people that I didn’t know was incredible. I was like, “Okay, this could be something.”

But, I think the real moment was after I auditioned for The Voice a few years ago. It opened my eyes to what this industry had to offer and all the cool people that are in it.

PC: What did you learn from The Voice experience that you’ve been able to apply to your career?
Chance: I learned a lot about the intricacies of the music industry: how things work and how people think. It taught me how to network and pick people’s brains. Coming from a small town in Texas, I didn’t meet a lot of musicians that were doing stuff on a larger scale. It’s been really cool.

PC: You write, produce, and engineer your own music. Have you always known you wanted to be involved in all aspects of the creative process? Is there one that’s more challenging than the other?

Chance: It wasn’t always my intention to produce and mix my own music; it partly happened out of necessity. When I was younger, I didn’t have a lot of money to book nice studios so I learned how to do it myself. Thankfully, people came into my life that had the knowledge I needed and shared it with me. They’ve helped me a ton.

PC: You’ve been working with Secret Road music publishing and have a few songs that have been featured on hit shows like Nashville, Music City, and Battlefish. How do you remain grounded despite all the success?
Chance: It’s humbling to know that people appreciate a part of me because that’s what these songs are. It sounds cliché, but when I write, it’s about what I’m feeling or a story that I want to tell, and the fact that people can relate to that is an incredible feeling. When you write songs and put music out there, you have to be vulnerable so it’s really heartwarming when people accept your vulnerability.

PC: What would you say is the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Chance: There have been so many lessons. I’d say the biggest one is patience. As an artist, you want to have that breakthrough—you want to get to the top. That’s the end goal. But, it takes a lot of hard work and time; there’s no such thing as overnight success. You don’t always see all hard work that happens behind the scenes and the years it takes to get there.

PC: As we look ahead to 2019, what does that year hold for you? Are there some major goals and milestones that you hope to accomplish next year?
Chance: I’m working on an EP right now which is what I’ve been in the studio for. I’m looking to put that out in early 2019 and then do a little tour in support of it. I’m really excited to get new music out there and to be able to share it with people.

PC: What can fans expect with the EP?
Chance: It’s a similar vibe to what they know and love. It’s been a little over a year since I’ve put out my own music. I did a little collaboration album not too long ago, but a lot can happen in a year. It’s a new chapter in my life and I’m excited to share my thoughts, stories, and experiences through my songs.

PC: When you look back at 2018, is there a particular moment that stands out to you?
Chance: There is! I played a festival in upstate New York about a month ago called The Catskills Food and Wine Festival. They had The Revivalists, Lord Huron, and Moon Taxi. After I finished my set, I went backstage and all of Lord Huron was back there, and they told me, “Great set, man.” It may not sound like a lot, but hearing that from musicians I respect meant the world. It was the highlight of my year.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Chance: The Office. I don’t know if it’s a guilty pleasure, but I’ve watched it like six times.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Chance: Land of the Lost with Will Ferrell. Everyone hates that movie, but I love it.

PC: Favorite book?
Chance: I’m reading The Alchemist right now. I’m enjoying that quite a bit.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Chance: I’ve only seen The Lion King, so that’s my favorite. [laughs]

PC: First album you bought?
Chance: The first album that I bought with my own money was The Lumineers’ self-titled album.

PC: First concert you attended?
Chance: The Lumineers

PC: Venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Chance: Madison Square Garden

PC: An artist or band that you would love to collaborate with?
Chance: Post Malone

PC: A band/artist or song that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Chance: “Skip” by SuperParka

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Chance: Man on the Moon by Kid Cudi. He explored a lot of dark corners of his own mind, which is what made it relatable.

Make sure to follow Chance on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.