Kicking off the Spring Concert hosted by the Student Activities Board, Hot Chelle Rae is ready to bring their signature feel-good energy to PennWest California.
Best known for their hit Tonight Tonight, the band continues to connect with audiences years after the song first took off. And for them, performing it live, especially on a college campus never loses its excitement.
“Tonight is gonna feel great,” the band shared ahead of the show. After soundcheck, they were already feeling the energy in the room.
“We’ve been hearing good things… the seniors are going crazy, so it’s gonna be a good time.”
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That kind of response is exactly what Hot Chelle Rae aims for. Their music has always leaned into fun, upbeat moments for songs that feel like the soundtrack to a night out with friends.
“Our music has always been that turn-up soundtrack for a group of friends getting ready to go out,” they explained. “We really enjoy life, we like having a good time, and we put that into the music.”
That same mindset is shaping their upcoming album, their first since 2011. While details are still being finalized, the band emphasized a clear direction for their new sound.
“Nothing slow, nothing serious, just good vibes,” Hot Chelle Rae said. “That’s what our shows are about.”
Since their breakout in the early 2010s, the music industry has changed dramatically. The band reflected on how they were right at the turning point, watching the shift from downloads to streaming happen in real time.
“We went to Spotify’s headquarters back in 2012,” they recalled. “And then just a couple years later, it became the main way people listen to music. It’s crazy how fast that changed.”
Despite those changes, one thing has remained constant: the energy of a live audience.
Performing for college students holds a special meaning for the band, as their music originally resonated with audiences the same age as today’s crowd.
“It’s the perfect matchup,” they said. “Seeing 18 to 24-year-olds still loving the music we put out it’s one of the coolest things.”
The band also praised the campus for delivering a strong concert experience behind the scenes, highlighting everything from sound quality to production setup.
“This is one of the best setups we’ve had in a long time,” they added. “Everything’s been done right.”
As the opening act for 3OH!3, Hot Chelle Rae set the tone for a night built on nostalgia, energy, and connection.
With classic hits, new music on the horizon, and a crowd ready to sing along, their performance was more than just an opener, it was the start of an unforgettable night at PennWest California.