Meet The Midwest Princess, Chappell Roan
With five songs on the Billboard Hot 100, a number 1 album on the US iTunes chart and 24 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Chappell Roan is taking the world by storm and ushering in a new era for woman-powered, drag-inspired pop music. But who is she? And how did she become the new rising star?
The Genesis Of Chappell Roan
Hails from Willard, Missouri, Kayleigh Amstutz grew up in a small town where opportunities for musical exposure were limited. Despite all of that, her passion for music was evident from a young age.
The stage name “Chappell Roan” was given by her grandfather, Dennis K. Chappell, who died of brain cancer in 2016. Paired with his favourite song, “The Strawberry Roan” by Curley Fletcher.
Roan’s love for singing and songwriting started in her childhood, influenced by the music her parents played at home. Artist like Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, and Elton John left a significant imprint on her artistic style.
New Achievement Unlocked: Her Debut On MTV VMAs
It’s undeniable, the era of Chappell Roan is upon us. At music festivals and on the lists forecastings pop’s next big thing, there she is, big red hair, a powerhouse voice, unopologetically queer lyrics, and buoyant drag queen aesthetic. And Roan is having the year of her life. Her songs, such as Good Luck, Babe!, HOT TO GO!, and Casual are taking over TikTok. Touring to the country to massive record-breaking crowd and she’s been rising up the Billboard charts all summer long.
Ahead of Roan’s performance at the MTV Video Music Awards — once a star-making showcase for icons like Madonna, Britney Spears and Beyoncé — revisit Roan’s journey from Missouri teen musician to one of pop’s most exciting new faces in years.
In that night, Roan brought the house down with a torched-and-true performance of “Good Luck, Babe!”. Atop a mock castle, clad in medieval armor like Jean D’Arc, she set the whole contraption ablaze with a flaming crossbow shot without ever once sacrificing note one of the tracks. Joined by backup dancers, also in costume, Roan really showed off her powerful vocals and danced passionately across the stage.
Up And Down Phase Always There: Roan’s Rise And Fall Journey
In April 2020, Chappell Roan released the single “Pink Pony Club,” a collaboration with Nigro that would become a defining moment in her career. The track is an anthem of self-acceptance and liberation, inspired by her experiences in Los Angeles and her journey towards embracing her true self. With its infectious melody and empowering message, “Pink Pony Club” resonated with listeners worldwide, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
The success of “Pink Pony Club” marked a turning point for Roan, catapulting her into the spotlight and solidifying her place in the music industry. The song’s popularity was further amplified by its vibrant music video, which showcased Roan’s dynamic performance style and artistic vision. There, we start to see the beginning of what we now know as Chappell Roan: hair worn loose and curly, vulnerability pushed forward but shame exuberantly chased away.
Unfortunately, April 2020 was not a time that welcomed raucous odes to the dance club. When “Pink Pony Club” dropped into the traumatic early days of the pandemic, it sank like a stone. The song was also unpopular at her label, which disapproved of Roan turning her back so abruptly on the aesthetic she’d begun to craft in School Nights. Roan released only two more songs with Atlantic: the light love ballad “Love Me Anyway” and the melancholy “California.”
“California” is a sort of response to and inverse of “Pink Pony Club.” Like its predecessor, it tells the story of a dreamer who left her small town for a love of delicious sin in LA. Unlike the main character in “Pink Pony Club,” the narrator of “California” feels increasingly like she’s failed by coming to the city and that everything she’s sacrificed has been for nothing. “Won’t make my mama proud,” Roan sings with mounting excitement in “Pink Pony Club.” “I let you down,” she sings on a down note in “California.”
Again, ten days after “California” was released, in August 2020, Atlantic officially dropped Roan from the label. Her music, they said, was underperforming. The same week, her relationship with the man she’d been seeing for four and a half years ended.
Thenceforth, Roan parted ways with the label to take control of her career and artistic direction. The decision to go independent was a bold one, but it allowed her to remained steadfast in her commitment to authenticity, choosing to create music that is true to herself rather than succumbing to external pressures. Roan dove deep into her creative process, blending pop sensibilities with indie flair, all while embracing themes of vulnerability, self-discovery, and empowerment.
Building a Community: The Role of Social Media
In today’s digital age, social media plays a crucial role in an artist’s success. Chappell Roan has effectively utilized platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to connect with her audience and build a loyal fanbase. Through her social media presence, she shares insights into her life, her creative process, and her music, creating a sense of intimacy with her fans.
Roan’s ability to engage with her audience on a personal level has been instrumental in her rise to fame. By sharing her journey and being open about her struggles and triumphs, she has created a community of supporters who feel invested in her success.
Chappell Roan’s music is characterized by its authenticity and emotional depth. She is unafraid to tackle difficult subjects and share her personal experiences through her lyrics. One of the most notable aspects of Roan’s music is her ability to convey vulnerability while also exuding strength. Her lyrics are often introspective, exploring the complexities of human emotions and relationships. This authenticity has endeared her to fans who appreciate her honesty and relatability.
What’s Next For Chappell Roan?
As Roan continues to make her mark on the music industry, the future looks incredibly bright. With her unique sound, powerful lyrics, and dedicated fanbase, she is poised for continued success. Fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming projects, excited to see how she will continue to evolve as an artist.
In addition to her music, Roan is also passionate about using her platform for positive change. She is an advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights, using her voice to raise awareness and support important causes. Her commitment to making a difference, both through her music and her activism, sets her apart as an artist who is not only talented but also compassionate and socially conscious.
Her story is one of perseverance, passion, and the power of staying true to oneself. In an industry that is constantly changing, Chappell Roan stands out as a beacon of authenticity and artistic integrity. As we look to the future, we can’t wait to see what she will achieve next and how she will continue to inspire and connect with audiences around the world.
