Chappell Roan: Soaring in a Super Graphic Ultra Modern World
In just a few months, pop artist Chappell Roan has cemented herself as a juggernaut star. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the artist talks about some of the struggles that come with surging fame.
Roan has gone viral for her vibrant festival performances, including her Coachella set, where she famously stated, “I’m your favorite artist’s favorite artist,” referencing drag queen Sasha Colby. Videos of Roan’s gigantic crowds doing the “HOT TO GO” dance and belting the lyrics of “Pink Pony Club” have fans wondering why Roan is not a headliner herself.
IT BETTER BE FOR CHAPPELL ROAN, SHE IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND "I'm your favorite artist's favorite artist." https://t.co/4af0S36Mm2
— Riri 4 Life (@Riri_Be_Queen) September 11, 2024
Her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, has charted on the Billboard 200 albums chart for months, and her latest single, “Good Luck Babe!” has become one of the year’s biggest hits. In her interview with Rolling Stone, she mentions she wasn’t anticipating these levels of success, and although excited, she also feels immense pressure.
Recently, the singer took to social media to express discomfort caused by certain fan interactions. These interactions range from persistent fans finding her on the streets to stalking her at the Seattle Aiport, but it’s those harassing her loved ones that upset her the most.
Her statements have upset some on the internet, with many making jokes about her aversion to fan behavior. Roan has clarified on social media, that she is specifically speaking about those who cross the line and that she has lots of love for those who respect her boundaries.
Issues relating to creepy fan behavior are not unique to Roan. She tells Rolling Stone, that Sabrina Carpenter reached out, suggesting they meet up to discuss their growing success. Rolling Stone also reveals that fellow artists Charli xcx, Billie Elish, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lady Gaga are just some celebrities who have reached out to her with advice and encouragement.
Despite the setbacks many in the industry feel, Roan does not want to let go of her dream. At recent performances, she has previewed “Subway,” an upbeat ballad reminiscent of the 1983 song, “Islands in the Stream,” by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Roan revealed she and producer Dan Nigro have been working on new songs, but is unsure of when to release them.
While fans may be eager for new content or an official release of “Subway,” Roan needs time to breathe. She is finishing a set of tour and festival performances, basking in the positives of success and her impact, ready to return to the studio and some sense of normalcy.
Part of her success comes from her connection to the queer community. Her raw and resonant lyrics have given queer people the emotional and relatable music, they’ve been craving. Chappell Roan is not the biggest artist to ever walk the earth, but her commitment to her queer identity and fans has made her one of the most authentic, modern, and consuming artists today.
You can stream her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess here and watch her perform at the 2024 VMAs on Wednesday, September 11.
