Leonardtown, MD- As Trapt’s 2025 acoustic tour wraps its first half with four final shows, frontman Chris Taylor Brown reflects on the intimate connection forged with fans, the band’s evolving sound, and the anticipation for full-band electric performances on May 16 in Newark, Delaware, and May 17 at Boardwalk Rock in Ocean City, Maryland. With over two decades in the industry, Brown shares how fan engagement, personal growth, and authenticity keep Trapt thriving despite past controversies.
The acoustic tour’s first leg, running from February 25 to April 27, 2025, concludes with shows at The Parting Glass in Saratoga Springs, New York, on April 24; Bleachers in Bristol, Connecticut, on April 25; The Rex Theatre in Leonardtown, Maryland, on April 26(Standing Room GA only available); and The Bar on Market in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on April 27. The tour will resume in a few weeks.
Brown curated the setlist through TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook Live sessions starting in December 2024. “I was just like, ‘Call out what you want to hear,’” Brown said. “I got probably 35, 40 of our songs down acoustically.” With over 100 songs in Trapt’s catalog, fan favorites like “Headstrong” and “Black Rose” became staples. “Black Rose,” from the 2008 album Only Through the Pain, transformed most, with Brown mastering its bass, rhythm, and lead parts on one acoustic guitar. “I was able to make that sound full with just the one guitar,” he said.
Acoustic venues create a storyteller’s atmosphere, allowing Brown to explain songs’ meanings. “It’s intimate,” he said. “They’re really listening, and it’s awesome to hear them sing so loud.” This contrasts with electric shows, like Boardwalk Rock, where Brown can’t wait to unleash “Headstrong.” “You never get sick of watching people enjoy themselves,” he said, highlighting fans’ reactions to the 2002 hit.
Trapt’s 2024 album The Fall influenced the 2025 tour’s creative approach. Written during acoustic livestreams, its melodic tone reflects Brown’s acoustic focus. “A lot of the songs were written in between relearning songs from our catalog,” he said. This inspired new arrangements, with acoustic riffs informing electric performances. The upcoming album, tentatively titled Resurrection, promises heavier tracks, showing Trapt’s refusal to repeat formulas. “We don’t like to write the same song over and over again,” Brown said.
Since the 2017 show at 5 South Event Center in Callaway, Maryland, with Iz’em and ShallowDeep opening, Trapt’s live sound has evolved through guitarist Sean’s focus on album-accurate tones. “He’s putting the frosting on the cake,” Brown said, noting enhanced textures and effects. The acoustic tour’s discipline has sharpened the band’s musicianship, priming them for electric shows. “I can’t wait to see how much tighter we’re going to be,” Brown said, excited for the May 16 and 17 performances after a six-month electric break.
Fans, from long-time followers to younger audiences discovering “Headstrong,” shape Trapt’s legacy. “It’s so cool to see someone bring their kids,” Brown said, noting fans in their 20s citing childhood memories. Social media fuels this connection, with livestreams shaping setlists and fan feedback inspiring creativity. “It makes you want to write new albums,” Brown said, driven to elevate electric shows for acoustic fans.
Trapt’s independence is central. Brown avoids trends, waiting for music that “blows me away” before writing. “I try to listen to everything that ever made me fall in love with music, from Dave Matthews to Slipknot,” he said. Modern technology, like guitar tone software, streamlines creativity. “You can get the tone and then be creative,” he said, teasing Resurrection’s innovative rhythms and textures.
Since 2020, controversies over Brown’s social media comments on women’s sports and a misinterpreted “Hot for Teacher” joke have sparked backlash. “We haven’t talked about politics for three, four years,” he said, clarifying his intent was to address fairness, not condone inappropriate behavior. Venue cancellations, like one in 2025, posed challenges, but Brown focuses on music. “I’m focusing more on the music,” he said, rebuilding fan trust through performances.
As Trapt plans a 25th anniversary tour, possibly in 2026, Brown’s passion persists. “It’s such a blessing to play music for a living,” he said, fueled by fans and creativity. With Resurrection looming, Trapt evolves while staying true to its roots.
You can buy tickets to Trapt’s acoustic show at The Rex in Leonardtown, MD by visiting their ticketing site: The Rex Theatre Ticket Spice. As of April 24, there is only General Admission Standing Room avaible.
