What began as a solo project with nothing more than a DJ, backing tracks and a handful of songs has evolved into one of Australia’s most exciting emerging live acts. Fronted by proud First Nations rapper Lance Cheney, ChillCheney was never a carefully planned stage name. It came from a casual conversation with friends who joked that he was “just a chill guy” and should call himself ChillCheney. The name stuck, but the project quickly became much more than that. What started as one artist telling his story has grown into a powerful five-piece band, blending hip hop, alternative rock and soulful melodies into an unforgettable live experience.
Now joined by powerhouse vocalist Sahaja and guitarist Harvey Faulkner, ChillCheney has entered a bold new chapter. Their sound balances introspective storytelling with explosive musicianship, shifting seamlessly between vulnerable moments and high-energy anthems. At the centre of it all is Lance’s songwriting, drawing on lived experience to create music that feels deeply personal while speaking to something universal.
Over the past few years, ChillCheney has steadily built a reputation as one of Australia’s most compelling independent acts. The band has performed at festivals including COOEE Festival, NAIDOC in the City, Marrickville Festival, Dulwich Hill Festival and Liverpool Festival, while sharing stages with internationally acclaimed artists including Drapht and Tech N9ne. In 2024, they completed their first national tour, performing throughout Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra and Newcastle, continuing to grow a loyal audience through their dynamic live performances.
As a proud First Nations artist, Lance’s work is grounded in honesty, resilience and connection. Whether performing in major cities or regional communities, ChillCheney creates spaces where storytelling and live music collide. With new music, an ever-evolving live show and a full band driving the project forward, ChillCheney continues to carve out a distinctive place in Australia’s contemporary music landscape.