Chon (sometimes stylized as CHON) is an American math rock band from San Di… Read Full Bio ↴Chon (sometimes stylized as CHON) is an American math rock band from San Diego, California. Their music is largely instrumental-based with only a few songs containing vocal performances. The band consists of Mario Camarena (guitar), Erick Hansel (guitar), Esiah Camarena (bass) and Nathan Camarena (drums). On November 8, 2015, Chon stated via their Twitter feed that they parted ways with Drew Pelisek due to 'artistic differences'. It was also confirmed by Drew on a personal account. Since Pelisek's departure, Chon has had 3 touring bassists, including original bassist Esiah Camarena, who played bass during the Journey's Unplugged Tour. Esiah has returned as a permanent member of the band following his attendance on the Robot With Human Hair Vs. Chonzilla tour with Dance Gavin Dance.
On June 16, 2017, Chon released their second full-length album Homey under Sumerian Records.
Chon began in 2008 with the recording of their four-track self-titled demo. In 2010, the band began a brief hiatus, but reunited in 2011 to record two new songs, "O.G." and "Breathe". They returned in 2013 with the release of their debut EP entitled Newborn Sun. The following year Chon released their second EP, entitled Woohoo!. In 2014, Chon embarked on two consecutive nationwide tours with Animals as Leaders. In December 2014, Chon signed with the record label Sumerian Records, and announced they would be releasing their debut full-length album the following year. On February 5, 2015, the band announced their debut full length titled Grow would be released in March 2015. On March 5, the band premiered their song Can't Wait from the album via Red Bull. They released the album on March 24. Eight days prior the band embarked on a 27 date tour supporting Circa Survive. On December 16, 2015, Chon announced their first full US headlining tour, titled the Super Chon Bros Tour, with accompanying bands Polyphia and Strawberry Girls. They sold out every single show on the tour. Chon was also an opening band during the Sonic Unrest Tour, featuring headliner Periphery, and bands Sikth and Toothgrinder.
Chon endorses Ibanez guitars and Overdrive Straps guitar straps. Guitarist Mario Camarena plays a custom guitar built by Seth Hollander in collaboration with Ibanez as well as an Ibanez RG 421. Primarily, Mario uses a Vox AC30 tube amplifier. Erick Hansel primarily plays Ibanez RG 321 and RG 421 models. Chon's early work was known to largely shun the use of effects pedals. the band started experimenting heavily with effects pedals when writing Homey.
Chon is a progressive math rock band that takes inspiration from a wide variety of sources. While their early music was more metal and shred-based, in the vein of The Fall of Troy and Necrophagist, their sound has changed with new releases. Rock bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers & Rush have also played a huge role in influencing Chon's later works of music. Chon have listed pianists such as Hiromi Uehara, Tigran Hamasyan, and Alex Argento as influences in their music. Chon makes extensive use of seventh chords and inversions in their songwriting, and incorporates odd time signatures typical of progressive rock. They also stand out in that they often use major keys, which gives their music an upbeat, peppy tone. Chon's 2017 album Homey saw the band experimenting for the first time with hip-hop and electronic music, most notably on their single Nayhoo.
Band members: Mario Camarena – guitar (2008–present), Nathan Camarena – drums, percussion (2008–present), Erick Hansel – guitar, (2008–present); vocals (2016-present), Esiah Camarena – bass guitar, vocals (2008-2010; 2016–present), Former members: Drew Pelisek – bass guitar, vocals (2012–2016), Touring members: Brandon Ewing – bass guitar (2016, Super Chon Bros Tour)