Chanpan Defies All Expectations On Their Autogratis Tour
Written by Crystal Truong | October 5, 2026
Photo by Crystal Truong
On a late September evening, Brushy Street Commons hosted the up-and-coming band Chanpan — composed of Grace Dundaw, Lance Tran, and Matthew Tran — for the Austin stop of their “Autogratis” tour, named after their new summer EP of the same name. In an age when social media has largely broken the barrier for emerging music artists, Chanpan’s success can be chalked up to a combination of great music and great timing. Those two attributes, along with “grinding all the time,” have helped them garner enough attention to continue making music and, as of 2026, go on tour as the main act.
Despite what seems like a quick turnaround into the limelight, the group had humble origins — busking in Chinatown on weekends for fun. This makes it all the more gratifying to see the trio performing in front of crowds there just for them.
Before Chanpan took the stage, Canadian-born band SHEBAD dazzled the crowd with their eclectic blend of pop, jazz, and funk. What stood out was the addition of a live Saxophone to turn the floor into a groovy nightclub. Lead singer Claire Voy, as well as other members, also switched between multiple instruments throughout the set.
As they bewitched the audience and left with promises to come back to Austin, a very important guest came on stage. That person was one of the lead volunteers working with the Palestinian Youth Movement, a grassroots, international organization dedicated to the liberation of Gaza and the Palestinian peoples. Personally invited by Chanpan, the organization emphasized the importance of resistance, and especially the inextricable link between politics and music.
After a rousing and heartfelt speech, it was finally time.
Lights dimmed, fog filled the venue, and fans roared with excitement. The trio boldly opened with “i got a gun,” a rhythmic song that confidently threatens enemies, scorned lovers, and possibly society itself. It’s almost as if Chanpan were challenging their foes, saying “mess around and find out.” They were clad in all-white outfits, with lead vocalist Grace Dundaw sporting fashionable sunglasses.
It clearly wasn’t Chanpan’s first rodeo, and you could tell.
Photo by Crystal Truong
Much like the causes they stand behind, the group’s music is a clear statement of their political identity. Their performance of “election year” had the crowd chanting “Fuck what the government say / I'ma do me anyway,” which is an apt criticism of the current systems in power. The underlying message of helplessness in wanting to escape the powers that be, but not having the proper means to do so, is a relatable one.
The rest of their discography fluttered in and out, almost like a passing breeze that you try to catch but can never quite grasp. Yet, there was an edge to each song that pierced deeply into your brain and scratched the right itch. Chanpan’s songs were personal to them, defined by their own struggles with love, identity, and everything in between. Dundaw shared a somewhat sad but comedic story about matching with someone on a dating app, only to later find out that person already had a partner.
“Who here is single?” asked Dundaw gleefully. “Raise your hands if you’re single.”
The fan interactions continued all night, making the band even more fun to experience live. Right before their iconic track “confessions part iii,” they pulled a lucky fan onstage who had a confession to make. The only caveat? It was whispered to Chanpan’s ears only, creating a secret between a fan and their favorite artist.
As the end of the concert approached, the NYC-based group made sure their fans wouldn’t be left unrewarded. Performing an unreleased song, it seems that the future has more Chanpan tunes in store.
If you haven’t already, check out Chanpan’s Autogratis album and get tickets to one of their shows.
Follow Chanpan:
Instagram: @chanpanmusic
Spotify: Chanpan
