Why you should continue to be obsessed over Chappell Roan

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Why you should continue to be obsessed over Chappell Roan

As I delve into the vibrant world of Chappell Roan, a Midwest princess who’s as fierce as they come, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration for this remarkable artist. Born and bred in the heartland, she’s taken the drag scene by storm with her punchy lyrics, electrifying performances, and an aesthetic that blends queer aesthetics with rural charm, serving as a beacon of hope for those who thought vibrant queer communities were only found in big cities.

This is an appreciation article for Chappell Roan! Ms. Roan has been getting criticism online lately, and I think it’s only fair to remind everyone why we fell in love with the pop star in the first place. Chappell Roan will perform at the VMAs, which will air on September 11th. The VMAs will introduce Roan to a new fanbase, skyrocketing her further into fame. So if the recent news about her puts a bad taste in your mouth, please continue to read to learn why you should continue to be obsessed with her.

The Origins of Chappell Roan

Born on the 19th of February, 1998, in the quaint town of Willard, which lies within Springfield, Missouri, Ms. Roan spent her childhood years in a trailer park and was the eldest among her parents’ four offspring. Her parents bestowed upon her the name Kayleigh Rose Amstutz. The inspiration behind the unique name “Chappell Roan” comes from her grandfather who passed away due to brain cancer in 2016. “Chappell” is derived from Dennis K. Chappell, her grandpa’s name, and “Roan” originates from her grandpa’s beloved song, “The Strawberry Roan,” by Curly Fletcher.

As a nostalgic fan, I can’t help but reminisce about my roots in Missouri, even as I venture out to chase my dreams and discover who I am through music. The spirit of my Midwestern upbringing resonates deeply within the melodies and lyrics of my album, titled “The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess.” One of the songs on this album, “California,” captures the struggle I face between the allure of returning to Missouri during difficult times in my California music journey, a conflict that’s beautifully encapsulated in the song’s chorus.

Come get me out of California /No leaves are brown/ I miss the seasons of Missouri /My dying town/ Thought I’d be cool in California/ I’d make you proud/ To think I almost had it going /But I let you down.

California by Chappell Roan

In her chat with TIME magazine, Chappell expresses her affection for The Midwest’s fashion and culture. She often mentions the unique charm of gas stations, trailer parks, and the quirky aspects that are distinct to this region. These characteristics are evident in her “HOT TO GO” music video, which was filmed in her birthplace, Springfield, Missouri.

In her YouTube mini-documentary titled “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” Chappell shares that she aimed to pay tribute to her roots through her music. She didn’t feel entirely comfortable expressing herself authentically in Missouri, but she still yearned for this connection. However, as she discovered there were individuals similar to her in the LGBTQ+ community back home, she experienced a reduction in feelings of estrangement from her birthplace.

Her Success Was 10 Years in the Making

It may appear as though Ms. Roan is a sudden phenomenon, but that’s quite misleading. In fact, Drew Afulo’s podcast, “The Comment Section,” revealed that Chappell Roan has been in the industry for a decade. She chuckles when people label her an “industry plant” because her successful career didn’t materialize overnight.

For the very first time, Chappell Roan took to the stage at a middle school talent show when she was just 13 years old. She sang and played the piano, presenting her interpretation of a beloved Christmas tune. Her grandparents vividly recalled the emotional impact of this performance – it was the first time they had ever heard their granddaughter’s voice in song.

She started uploading her music to YouTube in her teens. She was getting attention and was realizing that music could be her career and not just a vehicle to becoming an actor. At 17, she was signed to Atlantic Records. She then moved to California to pursue her music.

Starting with Atlantic Records, she debuted her EP “School Nights” in 2017, along with the single “Pink Pony Club” in April 2020. The latter received positive reviews, but it wasn’t sufficient to keep her on the label due to financial struggles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, she had to return to her hometown. For a year, she worked at a drive-through restaurant and continued working on her own music. Later, she was signed by Dan Nigro, who established Amusement Label, well-known for his collaboration with Olivia Rodrigo.

Although the album “Rise and Fall” came out a year ago, it was this past summer when Ms. Roan gained widespread acclaim. Initially, the album didn’t make an impact on the charts upon its release, but in April 2024, it climbed its way to the top 10 of the Billboard 200 album charts. This surge in popularity is likely due to popular videos of Chappell’s performances at music festivals and Olivia Rodrigo’s tour circulating on TikTok and Instagram, which significantly increased her visibility among the public.

In July 2021, Chappell played “Pink Pony Club” on a piano for less than 50 people, but by August 2024, she was performing the same song to over 80,000 people on a massive stage. This visual demonstrates the fruits of her diligence.

Pop Music That’s Special

Chappell Roan frequently asserts that her songs are merely pop tunes, yet they carry much depth. Her compositions blend disco rhythms from the ’70s, catchy ’80s pop beats, and early 2000s melodies. Critics often draw parallels between her style and iconic ’80s artists such as Kate Bush and Cyndi Lauper.

In a recent interview found in the comments section, I shared that crafting my latest album has been an enlightening journey of healing my inner child. I’m pouring all the joy and fun I feel into my music, and I believe this energy resonates with my listeners. Chappell’s style exudes a vibrant celebration of camp and hyper-femininity – think bedazzled costumes, bold makeup colors that would have captivated my younger self. This flamboyant aesthetic is also deeply rooted in my affection for drag culture.

The enjoyment comes from the music itself too. Her lyrics are bold and straightforward, never shying away from expressing her sexuality and showcasing a mischievous side. She’s unafraid to let this aspect of herself shine. Her voice is versatile, capable of conveying raw emotion in ballads such as “Coffee,” where she sings with a low, intense, and soft breathiness. In her upbeat hits like “Femininomenon” and “Good Luck, Babe,” she can deliver with greater intensity and power.

In addition to traditional concert elements, Chappell employs social media as an innovative tool. She previews her concert themes on social media platforms, encouraging fans to dress according to the theme. Furthermore, she invented the “HOT TO GO” dance and posted it online. This interactive approach culminated in a lively scene at Lollapalooza 2024 in Chicago, where a bustling crowd danced alongside her.

LGBTQ Pride and Drag

Chappell’s album, titled “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess“, draws inspiration from her upbringing in the Midwest and her journey of self-discovery as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. In an interview with TIME, Chappell discusses her unique fusion of queer aesthetics with everyday looks found in small-town America, such as those you’d see at gas stations or other rural locations in the Midwest. She emphasizes that often, people overlook the presence and vibrancy of LGBTQ+ communities in these areas beyond major cities like Chicago or New York City. Chappell Roan also shares that she was coming to terms with her queer identity while working on this album.

The encounter with drag queen Crayola significantly altered the perception of her true identity for this individual. Crayola was a supporting act for Chappell Roan in London. One day, while preparing for a show, Chappell demonstrated her routine to Crayola who exclaimed, “Sweetie, you’re a drag queen!” This moment served as an epiphany for Chappell, enabling her to distinguish between her professional persona (Chappell Roan) and her personal self. Additionally, Chappell has expressed admiration towards drag queens and draws inspiration from their artistic expressions.

Standing Up for Boundaries and Mental Health

As a devoted fan, I must say that Ms. Roan recently made it clear on TikTok about her discomfort with fans who overstep boundaries by intruding on her personal space. She humbly requests viewers to imagine her as an acquaintance they’ve never met before and reflect on how one should conduct themselves around strangers. Despite Chappell’s success, she asserts that she holds the right to keep her private life hidden from fans and preserve her privacy.

Although numerous online individuals backed her decision to set limits with fans, others perceived it as a form of alienation and ingratitude towards them for her success. Further criticism ensued when she announced the cancellation of shows in Paris and Amsterdam, and the rescheduling of one in Berlin. The main grievance expressed was that people had already booked their lodgings, with many locations not offering refunds. Fans felt that she was acting selfishly by cancelling these tours.

The celebrity explained that the postponement and rescheduling was due to scheduling clashes. Some speculate she might be cancelling performances to prepare for VMA rehearsals, though this hasn’t been confirmed yet. In recent times, there’s been a shift in sentiment towards Chappell Roan after a summer of positive accolades, with people now expressing negative feelings.

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2024-09-09 19:15