Chance Brown Releases Alt. Country, Folk-Blues “This World’s On Fire” Album
Chance Brown is a singer-songwriter with a troubled soul that applies gentle dulcet tones to his debut album, This World’s On Fire, a perfect mix of alt-country, folk blues, and ultra-raw storytelling.
Originally hailing from Vancouver Island with his roots firmly set in Victoria, B.C. Chance Brown has risen amongst the alt-country scene to be one of the most prolific artists in Canada. His drawling vocals have harmonic hints of Ray LaMontagne, James Morrison, and Paolo Nutini.
His sound draws on simple vocal runs layered with traditional alt county instruments offering that perfect combination of melodic acoustic guitar, mandolin, and close-knit harmonies. His main two influences are Gord Downie and Justin Townes Earle, which clearly stand out in his compositions.
This World’s On Fire came about with the end of a heartbreaking relationship which Chance penned as one of his influences to write, compose, and record the album.
He says,
“About a week after it ended, I listened back to the last practice. What I found in that thrashy improv was “Helium”, It was all there, word for word. I knew I had something good. So, from there, I began to write fervently.”
The album was recorded at NBS Studios in Victoria, BC, with Josh Carlsen at the helm. As well as vocals and guitar, Chance takes up the mandolin, harmonica, Rhodes Piano, and Percussion duties. With Josh laying down some Bass and Chris Banks working the drums. Produced in collaboration with Chance and Josh, the album features ten strong alt-country-infused songs each telling a different story.
Chance explains song themes,
“There’s a few breakup songs, there’s songs inspired by a family member’s apparent attempt at suicide, my own close calls in substance-induced-auto-wrecks as well as just plain global pyromania.”
There’s no filter with Chance. He doesn’t pull any punches and lays everything down bare on this album. It’s an ode to life, his life. It’s therapy.
Stand-out tracks include the single “Helium.” A melodic gentle passion plea to his failed relationship. It floats along with ease, and although it has dark undertones, a line of hope runs right through the song.
Every time I try to argue,
Nothing ever works out right.
Maybe if I learned to listen
I’d be beside you tonight.
In a complete flip of pace, we have “Colour,” which shows the versatility of Chance’s songwriting. This alt-country rock beats like a train that’ll have your foot-stomping and hand-tapping with its urgency. Influences of blues rock and long-drawn single electric guitars notes this track. Destructive themed lyrics
Where will you go now that you’re so cold and alone, your fear has overcome you babe it’s soaked you through the bone.
You don’t have to speak, though there’s nothing you could say, and there’s no one left to listen to your bullshit anyway.
Oh you gave it all away, now you’ve got nothing left on your dying day
Chance isn’t self-deprecating through this album; he just tells it like it is at the time.
“All of the songs are tragic as my worldview at the time of writing, they spark from friction born of their inherent calamity and together they form a distinct image. This World’s On Fire. So, let’s sit back enjoy some sweet music and watch it burn.”
Listen to “Helium” below and learn more about Chance Brown via our mini-interview.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello Readers! My name is Chance Brown. I live on an island off the wild west coast of our great dominion. Every morning I saunter to my kettle and brew several cups of coffee blacker than the Albertan tar-sands. I then proceed to hand-roll my cigarettes for the day. Pure, unfiltered Moroccan tobacco packed tight within the pages of our nation’s most lofty authors. Maclennan always offers a slow burn with a kick of light euphoria. From then, I prepare breakfast. Usually, just a sandwich, my favourite of late is a few slices of fine black forest ham and cheddar cheese wedged between two choice LPs. Early Dylan or Townes Van Zandt are great, but whatever is fresh, really. That done, I can now focus on my work of the day. I shoulder my ancient acoustic guitar, strumming heartily and wailing tunes into the ether until my phone vibrates. Oh, it’s the landlords again. “Please be quiet, Chance.” Yes ma’am. Rinse and repeat.
Tell us about the process of writing “Helium.”
“Helium” wasn’t so much written as it was vomited up from my subconscious mind. It was the day before this young lady was going to end our relationship. I knew it was over and was quite preoccupied with it. I thrashed away at band practice, trying to make up a tune. I failed to and resigned. See you boys later I’m off to sulk. So the next day, she quits me. I’m utterly dejected and don’t do much but the aforementioned sulking for about a week. Then one night, having nothing else to do, I decided to listen back to the recording of that fateful band practice wherein I find “Helium,” word for word. It’s rough as hell, so I polish it up with a little spit, and there she is. My first serious song.
What’s it like to be a musician in Victoria?
Victoria’s ultimately a pretty great place to be. It’s about as warm as it gets in Canada, and the scenery can be awe-inspiring. Working here as a musician can be hard to impossible, though, if you’re not into being a bar band or some other general compromise. Even then, most have day jobs. There’s a terribly small market for the kind of work that I do as an original singer-songwriter, and that’s too bad. But hey, the busking during the tourist season is fairly lucrative, and the small shows put on by local bands keep the heart warm.
Who is a not-t0-miss Canadian artist to catch on tour?
Uhm. The Tragically Hip? R.I.P Gord. Either them or The Rheostatics, but they don’t tour anymore. I guess I’ll head across the great divide and down to The Horseshoe Tavern and see them there.
You’ve been making music for while now. What’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
Me? Advice? Oh boy. I think some of the greatest advice you can give is written on Charles Bukowski’s tombstone. Simply “Don’t Try.” If you can get your head around that one, it’s a revelation. Failing that, I would say know where you’re coming from. Learn the music that came before you. It’s the only reason you’re there wanting to make that music. Think whatever you want about their music, but you better truly understand their importance. If you haven’t actually listened to Bob Dylan, then I’m not really interested in the songs you’ve written. It’s a never-ending process, though, and I struggle with it daily. There’s just so much history there.