We caught up with Chance Peña at Shepherd’s Bush in London, just hours before his sold-out show, to discuss his much-anticipated debut album, Ever-Shifting, Continual Blossoming. The LP sees the rising folk-pop artist delve into themes of personal growth, overcoming internal struggles, and the search for deeper connections. Written over the past year, with production by Peña himself alongside Naebird and Sarcastic Sounds, the album offers an intimate look into the lessons he’s learned and the emotions that have shaped him as an artist.
“This project is a glimpse into the lessons I’ve learned over this last year, and I’ve been excited about these songs for a while now. I’m really just ready to share these pieces of me with those who listen and to play them live on these upcoming tours,” Peña shared.
A poetic journey through folk-pop sensibilities, Ever-Shifting, Continual Blossoming has already made waves with four pre-released singles, including ‘i am not who i was’ and ‘Feel It All’. These tracks, alongside live performances of ‘Montana’ and ‘Black Bird’ on platforms like A COLORS SHOW and Vevo DSCVR, have built significant buzz for the full 14-track album, marking a pivotal moment in Peña’s burgeoning career.
How are you feeling?
Honestly? Exhausted. I’m wiped out. My sleep schedule usually takes 3 or 4 days to catch up, but even then, I’m always feeling a bit drained.
Do you ever fully settle into a routine, or are you constantly adapting?
I think everyone gets used to it in their own way. For me, I just go with the flow—it’s kind of my thing.
You’ve been in this for a while. Do you ever have a moment to actually process everything?
Not really, no. We dive right in. There’s no time to process—we’re just constantly moving.
And you just released a new album, Ever-Shifting, Continual Blossoming. What was the process like? What inspired you?
I’d been wanting to make this album for about a year, even before our earlier tours in the U.S. and Europe. I was working on it alone, which slowed things down, but after we finished the tour in March, I jumped back in. I had a handful of songs, some older ones that resurfaced, and we recorded them with a couple of friends. It came together naturally, though I didn’t know what the final product would look like until it was all done.
What drives you when you’re writing? Where does the inspiration come from?
Honestly, I don’t think about it too much. It’s all emotion. I’ll pick up my guitar or sit at the piano, and something just comes out. I never really know where it’s going until it’s there.
Do you ever set aside time just to write, or is it more organic?
It’s pretty spontaneous. I don’t block out time just to write. I pick up an instrument when I can, and whatever’s happening in my life at that moment finds its way into the music.
What’s been inspiring you lately?
Life, really. My own experiences, the people I love, what they’re going through—it all feeds into the music. I think my favorite thing is just living a normal life and writing from that.
How does that contrast with tour life?
Tour life is completely different. I love the shows, but everything else—99% of it—is exhausting. The traveling, crossing borders, flying. It wears on you.
Do you get homesick?
All the time. As fun as it is to explore new places, there’s always this pull—like, I miss home and my family.
You’re from the U.S., but you’ve been playing mostly in the UK and Europe lately. Do you notice a difference in the crowds?
Definitely. Certain types of music connect with different audiences depending on where you are. One thing I’ve noticed is that the crowds are bigger over here, which is always a nice surprise.
Do you think it’s a cultural thing?
It could be. Or maybe it’s just that feeling of being in an unfamiliar place. It changes how you experience the show, how you connect with the audience. But there’s definitely something special about the UK. The crowds here are always so great, and the shows are just... fun.
How have the recent shows been going?
Honestly, each one feels better than the last. We’re finding our groove.
Do you still get nervous before a show?
Not really. It’s more of a physical thing now—I get this weird body anxiety where I don’t want to eat all day, I’m just waiting for the show to start. But as soon as it’s over, I’m starving, and I can’t sleep from the adrenaline.
So, no more stage fright?
No, I’ve done it too many times to get nervous now.
Tonight you’re playing at Shepherd’s Bush—one of the bigger shows, right?
Yeah, it’s our biggest headline show on this tour. We sold out—2,000 people.
Do you feel the pressure?
A little, especially because we’re recording it for a live album. But outside of that, I just want to put on the best show we can. That’s all that matters.
Let’s rewind for a second. You’ve been a musician for most of your life. Was there ever a moment where you considered a different path?
Never. I started gigging when I was 13 or 14, and by 16, I knew this was it for me. There was no other plan.
Was your family supportive?
Yeah, they were. My dad had a guitar lying around, and I just picked it up one day. He didn’t really know how to play, but they encouraged me to keep going with it. They never pushed me in a different direction.
In a world where everyone’s trying to stand out, do you ever feel like you have to carve out a niche for yourself?
I think it’s more about trusting myself. There’s stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, self-doubt—all of that comes with the territory. But I think the biggest obstacle is often just getting out of my own way. Letting myself do what I know I’m capable of without overthinking it.
That sounds like a lot of pressure.
It is, but it’s part of the process. Especially now, with social media, people think if you go viral, you’ve made it. But the real sustainability comes from putting in the work—behind the scenes, away from the public eye. It’s about growing your craft, whether it’s songwriting or performing.
People don’t always see the work that goes into it, do they?
Exactly. They see us on stage or in front of some iconic landmark, but they don’t see the hours of rehearsal, the countless flights, the days spent setting up. We’ve been here for seven hours already, just prepping for tonight’s show.
Right. They see the glamour but not the grind.
Yeah, and that’s fine. They’re here for the show, not the behind-the-scenes stuff. But the hard work is what makes it all come together.
What part of this journey are you most proud of?
Honestly? The fact that I never looked back. I was always focused on this goal, and I just kept pushing forward. I like to think of it like climbing a mountain. If you’re constantly looking at the peak, it feels so far away. But if you keep your head down and take it one step at a time, eventually, you look up and realize you’re closer than you thought. And once you reach the top, there’s always another mountain waiting for you.
That’s a great way to look at it.
Yeah, it keeps me grounded.
Final question—what’s next for you?
Well, we’ve got a few more shows on this tour, and then I’ll get back to working on the next album. After that, another tour early next year. It never really stops.
You’re keeping busy.
Always.
As Chance Peña prepares to share Ever-Shifting, Continual Blossoming with the world, his journey of personal growth and emotional depth continues to resonate with fans and listeners alike. With a sound that blends intimate storytelling and rich vocal textures, Peña is poised to make a significant impact in the folk-pop genre. Be sure to follow his journey and catch him live on tour—it's a musical experience you won't want to miss!
Chance Peña's latest record Ever-Shifting, Continual Blossoming is available on all major platforms.
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Words by Sal F. & Photos by Ines B.
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