The Great Escape interviews - CHITCHAT

ChitChat are a 5-piece alternative rock band from Brighton, who have developed a reputation for catchy melodies and an energetic stage presence since forming in 2023. Their songs deal with themes of mental health, misogyny and heartbreak, all twisted into upbeat festival-ready anthems. Formed by Rosie Crowhurst, Kyle Griffin, Dylan Peroni and Amber Welsh (formally in Noah and the Loners). ChitChat have an undeniable chemistry and their passion for music shines through. With their debut EP around the corner, it’s clear that ChitChat are ready to take their next leap as a band and show the world what they’ve been missing.

Just before the local rockers head to The Great Escape, we grabbed them for 12 burning questions...

Welcome to The Great Escape 2025! How does it feel to be part of a festival known for launching new talent?

“We’re buzzing to play—this will be our first-ever festival slot, and honestly, we’ve been lurking around The Great Escape like overly enthusiastic groupies since moving to Brighton. Now we get to be on the stage instead of in front of it, and we can’t wait!”

For people discovering you for the first time here in Brighton, how would you describe your sound in three words?

Fierce, Raw and Unapologetic  

What’s the journey been like getting to this point — playing a showcase in front of new fans, press, and industry folk?

We’ve been tearing up stages across Brighton and the south coast for two years now - honing our sound, dodging noise complaints, and building a beautiful little cult of sweaty, screaming misfits alongside some killer bands.  

Do you approach a showcase festival like this differently from a typical gig or headline show?

We throw ourselves into every gig with reckless energy and passion, but for a showcase festival like this? We’ll be playing our loudest, most chaotic tracks.

The Great Escape is packed with new sounds and fresh faces — Will you have a chance to discover any other artists at TGE, or any that you want to see?

We’re super excited to catch our friends Big Head Tea Drinkers! The Molotovs are a must alongside Luvcat and Goetia among many other totally awesome bands we hope to catch!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given as an emerging artist in today’s music scene?

Stay motivated and authentic. Keep true to your philosophies.

Brighton has a buzzing creative vibe — have you explored the city before or been inspired by it in any way?

We’re all about to wrap up our 3rd year at BIMM in Brighton—except our drummer, who’s still got one more year of studying. Brighton’s got this strange hold on us—it’s like a mix of creative chaos, seaside vibes, and enough pubs to fuel our procrastination and alcoholism... There’s nowhere else quite like it.

What’s one thing about your live performance that people might not expect until they see you on stage?

Our bassist Amber Welsh and lead singer Rosie Crowhurst have electric chemistry on stage. Rosie’s favourite thing to do at the moment seems to be crawling along the floor or getting on her knees and giving Amber the eye. We’re hoping one day to play a huge stage so Amber can backflip across the whole stage, she’s powered by pure caffeine at this point.

If someone only had time to listen to one of your songs after the festival, which one should it be — and why?

We think it should be our latest single Hand it Over. It’s out on all major streaming platforms and we’re super proud of it. It’s got a big, unapologetic message: stop letting your own bullshit hold you back, and don’t fall for society’s lies. It’s pure rage wrapped in an anthem for anyone fighting misogyny and mental health battles. We’re proud of it, and if you’re not screaming along, what are you doing???

How important are festivals like this for breaking through in the music industry today?

We’re obsessed with this festival—it’s a brutal explosion of talent, a place where the big dogs and the underdogs collide, and for smaller bands like us, it’s a chance to make some serious noise.  

What’s next for you after The Great Escape — any releases, tours, or surprises on the horizon?

We’ve just finished recording our upcoming EP, and we are buzzing with excitement. It’s dropping later this year, and while we’re keeping our mouths (mostly) shut for now, just know—it’s feral, chaotic, and better be added to your playlists when it’s released!!

Finally — complete the sentence: “The Great Escape is the perfect place to…”

test how much caffeine, alcohol, and mayhem a band can survive in one weekend all while enjoying some of the best music around.

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CHITCHAT play Upstairs at Brighton’s Patterns on Wed 4 May (7:15 pm), as part of The Great Escape 2025.

www.linktr.ee/wearechitchatband  

www.greatescapefestival.com

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