“Music is one of the last magics. It cuts through everything to bring people together that’s a powerful thing. It can also immediately change a single person's day. That’s a pretty amazing thing.”

Chan Kinchla: The Blues (Guitar) Traveler 

Chandler Kinchla, better known as Chan Kinchla, is a Canadian-American musician best known as the guitarist of Blues Traveler. As founding member of Blues Traveler, Chan started the band with John Popper and Bobby Sheehan when they were 16 years old. Kinchla was born in Hamilton, Ontario. Kinchla is the older brother of Blues Traveler bassist Tad Kinchla. He attended Princeton High School in Princeton, New Jersey, where he started playing guitar with John Popper in 1986. Kinchla was one of the two original members of the band. While still in high school, the band gigged in New York City often. After graduation, they moved there and played at "divey, shit-hole bars" until they secured a record deal with A&M.

(Chan Kinchla / Photo by Kenny Reining / High Eye Photography)

After their record deal, a bartender at one of the clubs they played at had a job with David Letterman and introduced the band to him. Blues Traveler appeared on Late Night with David Letterman as their first national television event. Kinchla "think[s] of Dave fondly as the guy who gave us our first break, as far as some national television exposure".The band released their first album in 1990. In January 2023, Chan's side project W4RHORS3 began performing music shows in Los Angeles

Interview by Michael Limnios       Special Thanks: Benton Oliver / Cast Management

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Music is one of the last magics. It cuts through everything to bring people together that’s a powerful thing. It can also immediately change a single person's day. That’s a pretty amazing thing.       

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook?

We try to just sound like us. That’s probably our best contribution to the world. 

Why do you think that the Blues Traveler music legacy continues to generate such a devoted following?

I think we have good songs and can play well live. People seem to dig it thankfully. I know I do.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

Once Carlos Santana sat in with us on my back up guitar with a crappy amp. And sounded just like Carlos!

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I don’t miss much. Too much good stuff now to stay focused on. Change is the only thing we can count on!

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

”I think we have good songs and can play well live. People seem to dig it thankfully. I know I do.”

(Photo: Blues Traveler)

Always have an open mind. Be like water…

You’ve worked in many different settings, from clubs and studios to open air festivals. How do you navigate between these different worlds?

Just walk out there, take in the vibe, and let 'er rip. 

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