Having seen Chance Peña open for David Kushner last year and then catch his first headlining show at Scala earlier this April, I was eager to witness his return to London at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire for his ‘The Ever Shifting Continual Blossoming’ tour. Peña’s growth as an artist was palpable as he took the stage, accompanied by a full band and a talented vocalist, ready to deliver a deeply emotive set.
Before Peña took the stage, warming up the audience was Jonah Kagen, whose soulful tracks set the tone for the night. Jonah has long been a favorite of mine, so hearing him perform live was a real treat.
His use of the loop pedal brought a unique energy to his set, with tracks like “God Needs the Devil” and “The Roads” resonating through the venue. Kagen kept the audience entertained and engaged, building an atmosphere of anticipation that perfectly set the stage for Peña’s performance. The combination of these two artists created a visceral experience that was hard to match.
Peña opened his set with “Mountain Is You,” a fan favorite from his latest album, immediately captivating the audience. His setlist was a heartfelt journey through both new, old and unreleased songs, showcasing his ever-evolving sound. Tracks like “Cruel World” – an unreleased folk-rock tune – delivered a raw emotional punch with the lyrics “I know it’s hard, but you gotta let it go.”
The energy in the room shifted throughout the night, especially as Peña transitioned into the intimate “Cold,” where he effortlessly drew the crowd into his world. The audience itself was a fascinating mix—young fans pressing up against the barricades, while older fans swayed gently in the background, proving Peña’s broad appeal across generations.
A standout moment of the evening was Peña’s performance of “Whiskey Angel,” a track he said he wrote with his family on the 4th of July. It was clear how much this song resonated with the crowd, as it encapsulated his ability to intertwine personal stories with universal emotions.
Peña also dipped into earlier material, such as “Up Up and Away” from 2019, but newer tracks like “Montana,” written during a period of anxiety after a week in Montana’s national park, struck a chord with the audience. The haunting, reflective tone of the song mirrored the vulnerability that has become a hallmark of his music.
Fan favorites like “Highs and Lows” and “Hey Lovely” were met with rapturous applause, perhaps the most emotionally charged moment came during “I Am Not Who I Was,” a song that had the crowd erupting in cheers as Peña delivered the poignant line, “Will you love me for who I am, not who I was?” It was a defining moment of the night, showing just how deeply his music resonates with his fans.
The encore was the perfect close to an unforgettable evening, with Peña performing “Sleep Deprivation” and “Bones.” His return to London felt more than just another stop on the tour—it was an intimate, communal experience filled with warmth, introspection, and connection.
For Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” lovers, Chance Peña’s melodies are essential for any fall playlists. His reflective, folk-inspired sound carries the same warmth and contemplative spirit, making his music the perfect accompaniment to the changing seasons. With this performance, Peña has established himself as an artist to watch, with an ever-blossoming career destined for even greater heights.
Words + photography by Stefania Mohottige
