Fresh off a high-energy set at Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival in Columbus, where Lit played to a packed crowd, Taylor Carroll isn’t slowing down. Splitting his time between Lit and his newer project KEMIKALFIRE, Carroll is juggling touring, producing, and songwriting—while still finding moments to reset, reflect, and create.
We caught up with Carroll aboard ShipRocked to talk about the origins of KEMIKALFIRE, life in Nashville, and what’s ahead for the band he shares with Arejay Hale of Halestorm.
On the Origins of Kemikal Fire
How did KEMIKALFIRE come together?
I met Arejay Hale back in 2009 in a Mall of America parking lot. I was in a band called Pillar at the time, saw this RV next to our bus, and just had to knock on it—I make friends everywhere I go. He answered the door, and we stayed in touch ever since. When 2020 hit and everything slowed down, we finally had the time to start writing together. It just clicked, and now here we are.
On Life in Nashville
What does a perfect day in Nashville look like for you?
Honestly, it starts with getting up early—if I’m not completely exhausted from touring or producing. I’ll have coffee with my girlfriend Dia (Diamante), go for a long walk in Franklin, Tennessee—that’s one of my favorite things. And if Arejay (Hale) and I are both in town at the same time, we’ll spend the day making music and content together. That’s the perfect day.
Where are you eating?
If we’re going all in, we’ll hit Jack Brown’s. If we’re keeping it healthy, we’ll just cook at home. I’m kind of a paleo guy.
On “The Devil In Me”
Tell me about your song “The Devil In Me.”
I wrote that in London with my buddy Sam Tinnesz, who’s one of my favorite collaborators. Arejay came in and helped shape the verses and melodies. The song is about confronting that darker side of yourself—the part that tries to sabotage your success. It’s not about running from it, but shining a light on it so you can deal with it.
On What’s Next for Kemikal Fire
What are your goals for 2026?
More shows, more festivals—hopefully in the U.S. and Europe—and a lot more music. We actually have a ton recorded already, so this year is about putting it out and really pushing forward. We’ve been moving slowly because of schedules, but now we’re ready to go all in.
On Life on the Road
What’s your perfect day off while touring?
Something simple—time to reflect, go for a run, and find a sauna. I love hitting a sauna and then doing a cold plunge after. It resets everything.
Craziest travel story?
I once missed a flight out of Australia and got stuck there for three days. That was pretty wild.
Rapid Fire
Window or aisle seat?
Aisle, always. I drink a ton of water, so I’m constantly getting up.
Tour bus playlist?
Honestly, it’s random. I listen to Yael Naim a lot on the road—also some Genesis and Peter Gabriel. Not very rock and roll, but it works.
Coffee or energy drinks?
Coffee. Always coffee.
Favorite truck stop snack?
Beef jerky from Love’s. Can’t beat it.
Mountains, desert, or ocean?
Ocean. I’m actually planning to learn how to surf this year.
Most essential cruise item?
Sunscreen—and a lot of black t-shirts.
On ShipRocked and Community
What keeps you coming back to ShipRocked?
The community. I love connecting with people—fans, other artists—it’s just a really unique environment where everyone shares stories and experiences. It’s one of my favorite things to be part of.
On Balancing It All
Between Lit’s continued momentum—highlighted by their packed set at Sonic Temple—and the rising energy behind KEMIKALFIRE, Carroll is in a season of creative expansion. Whether he’s on stage, in the studio, or finding a quiet moment in Nashville, the throughline is clear: connection, consistency, and a drive to keep building something meaningful.
And if that journey started with a knock on an RV door in a parking lot, it’s safe to say it’s only getting bigger from here.