Chase Petra’s Hunter on Soda Pop, Summer School Tour, and Finding New Inspiration Abroad

For Hunter of Chase Petra, playing festivals like Warped Tour used to be a dream she’d have to ask a lot of questions about. Mainly: who else is on the bill, and are they friends?

As it turns out, the answer to both is yes. Chase Petra joins Honey Revenge, Winona Fighter, South Arcade, and Games We Play this summer on the Summer School Tour — a lineup Hunter describes as a no-brainer, built around a community of queer artists and women who, as she puts it, “fought for their right to be here.” The tour comes at a pivotal moment for the band: their new single “Soda Pop” is out now, and their new EP A Terrible Ennui dropped June 26th, recorded with legendary drummer Josh Freese.

Hunter called in from England, where she relocated six months ago, to talk new music, feminist fury, and what she’s hoping fans take away from a summer full of firsts.

WMSC: What can fans expect from this tour that they maybe wouldn’t from a typical Chase Petra show?

HUNTER: There will be six bands playing at every show, which is double the amount of people we typically take out. It just doubles your chances of being able to connect or meet people you wouldn’t have met otherwise. I’m really hoping the whole tour is a good opportunity for people to foster new friendships. There’s gonna be a little bit more of a communal vibe to the shows, even more so than usual.

WMSC: What made Summer School feel like the right fit for Chase Petra right now?

HUNTER: First and foremost, we found out about this tour through Honey Revenge, and we’ve been friends with them for such a long time. And then shortly after, it was like, “Oh yeah, most of these acts are gonna have women and queer people in them.” Pop punk is a space I’ve existed in for a while — I’m 29 years old, and I very much remember the time when you’re the only woman around. To be a part of something that’s becoming a staple to the pop punk community, while also being out with a bunch of other people that fought for their right to be here, is super sick. It was kind of a no-brainer.

WMSC: Is there a city on the tour you’re most excited for?

HUNTER: I love Chicago, and Chicago loves music. Every single time I go there it is such a blowout. And then we’re also passing through my hometown, Long Beach, California, which is kind of attached to the Summer School tour through Warped Tour. That’s a very full circle, “the place that raised me” moment.

WMSC: What feels different for Chase Petra compared to even a year ago?

HUNTER: Everything. Being in a band is just like any part of life — you look back a year prior and it’s hard to imagine how you even got from one place to the other. I also moved to England six months ago, so that’s a very tangible change. This is my first time coming back to the States to play. Everything is different.

WMSC: Your new song “Soda Pop” feels vulnerable while sounding bright and catchy. Was that contrast intentional?

HUNTER: That is something that has kind of accidentally happened in a lot of our music, because my mind is full of dark thoughts — but I wanna dance. So it’s not necessarily that I’m creating that juxtaposition on purpose, but I do enjoy creating it.

WMSC: You’ve spoken about the experience of stepping outside queer spaces and suddenly feeling hyper aware of how people perceive femininity. How did those experiences shape “Soda Pop”?

HUNTER: That’s almost the thesis statement of “Soda Pop.” It’s a revelation I’ve had many times throughout my life — “Oh, there is no getting out of this. The patriarchy encompasses the world, and I live on the world.” And the thing is, it never gets less frustrating. The older you get, the more times you encounter this wall, it’s just as infuriating every time. This song was kind of like one of many throughout my life inspired by the fact that it’s just exhausting. There will be more, I’m certain.

WMSC: Josh Freese played drums on the EP. What did he bring to the project?

HUNTER: He’s one of the greatest drummers that’s ever existed. He listened to the songs a few times, and then came in and played them as if he had known them his entire life — on the first try. It’s a delicate balance as a drummer, standing out but not overtaking the song and giving it exactly what it needs. He’s a master of his craft. He did exactly that, and I’m so beyond grateful he played on these tracks.

WMSC: Are there any newer influences shaping where the band’s sound is heading?

HUNTER: I moved in with my husband, and he listens almost exclusively to sad singer-songwriter women — lots of lesbians, and I feel like that’s relevant. I’ve been listening to Carol Addis, Jay Som, just these kind of slower, more intimate artists. I’ve been listening to less heavy music lately, and I imagine it doesn’t give me much of a choice — it just influences what we put out.

WMSC: If you could put any Chase Petra song in everyone’s head before the tour starts, what would it be?

HUNTER: Probably “Soda Pop.” I think it’s a real banger. I think it’s fun to dance to. And my main goal on this tour is just to have fun. Dissecting lyrics is so cool, but at the tour itself, I’m like — we’re here to rage.

WMSC: What do you think will be on aux in the van?

HUNTER: We’re just gonna be spinning the other bands’ tracks — Games We Play, Winona Fighter, Honey Revenge, South Arcade. And also the local openers. There are two in particular, Pretty Pity and June, that I’m really excited to play with. They’re so good.