Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Chance Perez

Whether he’s performing in the biggest venues around the world or morphing into the Black Ranger on screen, Chance Perez has established himself as one of the industry’s most exciting and versatile young talents.

In 2017, he earned himself a spot in the supergroup In Real Life, receiving praise from music giants including Emma Bunton, Timbaland, Rita Ora, and Nick Carter. The quintet would go on to have several Top 40 hits and headline their own tour.

Following that wave of success, Chance landed his first television role in the iconic Power Rangers franchise and is now embarking on a new chapter as a solo artist.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Chance about his multifaceted career, how his daughter has inspired him to be the best version of himself, his latest single “Can’t Trust Summer”, and joining the Power Rangers family.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music and acting?
Chance: I discovered my passion for music very early on in my life. When I was six, I remember my dad asking my older sister Aspen and me to sing on one of the songs he had just written. He hit record on a tape and played his guitar while my sister and I sang background vocals for his song. I remember that moment so vividly. I think that’s where my love for it started.

Acting is entirely different; I’ve always been drawn to it, but until last year, I never had the opportunity. I was so excited and honored to audition for Power Rangers, but it truly was a shot in the dark. Ever since landing the role and getting to explore the acting field, I’ve developed a deeper love for it and can’t wait to continue.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Chance: If I had to narrow it down to a single person or thing, I would have to say my daughter, Brooklyn. She has always been my rock, my motivation, my drive. I love when I hear her singing one of my songs around the house—it melts my heart. I truly believe I would have given up on music a long time ago if it weren’t for my daughter. She keeps me going.

PC: If Brooklyn wanted to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you give her?
Chance: I would tell her that no matter what, she has to believe in herself and have fun doing it! Write what means the most to you and don’t be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve. There are too many people in this world trying to be what the rest of the world wants them to be. Be yourself, be proud of yourself, love yourself, and don’t ever give up on what you believe in.

PC: You were a member of In Real Life. When you look back at that experience, what do you remember the most?
Chance: What I remember the most are the fans. We did a few tours around the US and performed in a couple of different countries. Everywhere we were fortunate enough to visit, we were received with open arms. I could never give enough love and thanks to all of the wonderful people we met along our journey who came to our shows, shared their stories, cried with us, laughed with us. Lifelines forever.

PC: What was the biggest lesson you learned being part of that band that you’ve now been able to apply to this next chapter in your career?
Chance: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is how to seize opportunities and make new ones. There were times in my life when I was too comfortable with where I was and was not trying to be anything more. In other words, I stopped trying to grow and improve myself. Now, I’m at a place in my life where I’m craving growth and knowledge. I won’t let things pass me by, make excuses, or say, “If only”, or “maybe if”, but instead I’m going to make things happen. I want to be better than I was yesterday.

PC: You were recently featured on the single, “Bad”. Tell us about the song and how that collaboration came together.
Chance: Last year, I was in New Zealand filming seasons 28 and 29 of Power Rangers Dino Fury. While I was there filming my first television show, I received an email from a friend of mine saying that he had a track that he wanted me to be a part of! The song is about that beginning part of a new relationship after the first few dates, where you’re not calling each other boyfriend and girlfriend yet, but it’s nearing that point where you have to ask the questions, “Am I the only one?” and “Where is this relationship going?” Within two weeks, I had tracked the vocals at a nearby studio in NZ, then about a month after that, we released the song worldwide!

PC: Speaking of Power Rangers Dino Fury, what has it meant to you to be part of such a legendary franchise? Has it been challenging to manage the different facets of your artistry?
Chance: I grew up watching Power Rangers, as many of us did. The fact that I get to be a part of their history is beyond me! It’s had such an impact on pop culture and is ahead of the curve in diversity and culture. It’s had a massive impact on its viewers, both children and adults alike. It’s truly an honor to be a part of it all.

I would like to say that I had no problems managing both music and acting simultaneously, but the truth is, I definitely had moments where I struggled. We would usually wake up at five or six a.m. and were working anywhere from ten to fifteen hours a day on set, five days a week, with ADR on the sixth day. Afterward, we would go home, try to get a workout in, study lines, and then be back at it again in the morning. Having the energy and the time for songwriting in my room, let alone recording, was difficult.

In addition to this, I had my daughter, who was full-time at Parnell Primary School, and my partner there in New Zealand with me! All this being said, I wouldn’t change any of it. The relationship between my partner, daughter, and I was strengthened, I was enjoying the start of my acting career as a full-time Power Ranger, and even though the time for songwriting was limited, I think I came up with some of my best songs yet!

PC: This is your first acting gig. Has anything surprised you about the process? What’s been the biggest takeaway?
Chance: I never realized just how much preparation and work goes into the television and film industry. Of course, as an actor, there’s learning lines, hair/make-up, and getting into character—but “getting into character” means turning on the tears at a moment’s notice, pulling from your own real emotions, and then shooting the same scene a dozen times from multiple angles while staying in that frame of mind. Behind the scenes, there’s the lighting crew, sound crew, makeup team, directors, executive producers, and more. So many minds and hands are at work to make it all happen, and the audience may not even know!

I feel the biggest takeaway for me was re-realizing and cementing just how much can be achieved by setting your mind to something. As mentioned before, this is my first acting gig, and I had no prior experience going into Power Rangers. But what I’ve learned through trial and error, from our acting coach Ella Gilbert, asking questions and through watching my fellow castmates, undoubtedly helped my growth as an actor. I’m so grateful to have worked with such an incredible cast and crew who quite literally make magic happen.

PC: In between acting, you’re also working on a solo project. What can fans expect from that? What do you hope to say as an artist through your music?
Chance: I’ve been working on music over the past year, and I’m about to start the rollout plan. Many songs are lined up and ready to be released to the world, starting with my first single, “Can’t Trust Summer”, which comes out today! I’m really excited about this one and can’t wait for it to be heard by fresh ears. As an artist, I can only hope to say what’s true to my heart and never try to be anything I’m not. I hope the music that I have created and will be released to the world resonates with my fans and new listeners as it does with me. Hope you enjoy it!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Chance: Flume.

PC: First album you bought?
Chance: The Jonas Brothers’ self-titled album.

PC: First concert you attended?
Chance: Ed Sheeran at the Nokia Theatre.

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Chance: Outer Banks.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Chance: When Harry Met Sally.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Chance: John Mayer’s Room for Squares. I listened to that album every day for a year. Something about honest songwriting and pop melodies over acoustic guitar hooked me. I love that album.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Chance: The Greek Theatre.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Chance: Honestly, a baggy sweatshirt, a journal, and a coffee.

To keep up with Chance, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Pick up or stream “Can’t Trust Summer” today.