Chanpan are the NYC trio breaking all the rules – and loving every minute of it! This talented trio is forging a unique path through the city's alt-pop landscape, refusing to be pigeonholed by the indie sleaze revival that's currently sweeping the boards. Vocalist Grace Dumdaw and identical twin brothers Lance (drums) and Matthew Tran (guitar) are an unstoppable force, crafting unpredictable, boundary-pushing soundscapes that are as likely to blow your mind as they are to get you dancing.
Grace has no qualms about speaking truth to power – or in this case, the superficiality of NYC's party scene. 'It's all a bit too cliquy and exclusive,' she says bluntly. 'The indie sleaze movement is great, but it feels like it's catering to a very specific crowd.' Drummer Lance Tran playfully flips the script, rebranding their sound as 'Chindie sleaze' – a nod to their Chinese heritage and the distinctly non-mainstream vibe they're cultivating.
Chanpan's music is an unstoppable juggernaut, careening wildly from airy indie-pop to frenetic breakbeats and jazz-infused beats. Their 2023 debut single 'Jungle' was a game-changer, showcasing their ability to seamlessly blend styles. And if their 2025 hit 'Endlessly' was anything to go by, we're in for a wild ride with their forthcoming EP 'Autogratis', which promises to be a genre-bending thrill-ride.
But what's the secret to Chanpan's success? According to all three members, it's down to a shared sense of purpose – and a healthy dose of camaraderie. The trio met in Philadelphia (of all places!) while interning together three years ago, bonding over their love of food, sport, and social justice. 'We were always talking about the big issues,' says Grace. 'War, climate change... we just clicked.'
Fast-forward to 2021, when they all made the move to NYC – and Chanpan was born. They busked in Chinatown, wrote their own material, and never looked back. And it's clear that this sense of community is at the heart of everything they do – not just with each other, but with fellow artists who share their vision.
So what's next for Chanpan? Well, we're thrilled to report that their Brighton debut at The Great Escape festival was a resounding success (NME Stage, take note!). And if their hometown performance at the Governors Ball Festival is anything to go by, this trio is here to stay – and make some serious noise in the process.