Chappell Roan released her debut album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” in the fall of 2023 — and like the title suggests, she is rising above the US, bringing her tour to Europe and UK next fall.
Chappell’s Beginnings
Roan rose to fame by posting Youtube covers, which got her signed with Atlantic Records in her late teens. The Missouri native then moved to California, where she released her single “Pink Pony Club” in 2020. There, she describes the experience of going to a gay club for the first time, and the feeling of belonging that ensued.
“Oh mama, I’m just having fun
On the stage in my heels
It’s where I belong down at the
Pink Pony Club”
— “Pink Pony Club”, Genius
Although the single was successful, it was not enough for Atlantic Records, who dropped Roan in the midst of the pandemic. She opens up about this experience on her song “California”, where she contemplates going back home.
After moving back home with her parents in her hometown of Willard, Missouri, to figure out the future of her career, Roan then moved to L.A. again. She collaborated with Dan Nigro, the co-producer of Olivia Rodrigo’s “SOUR” and “GUTS”, to create her new single “Naked In Manhattan”.
The song explores the Christian upbringing Roan had in the Midwest, through being taught that queerness is a sin, and discovering her own sexuality in New York City, where she had the freedom to be her unapologetic self.
“Touch me, baby, put your lips on mine
Could go to hell but we’ll probably be fine”
— “Naked in Manhattan”, Genius
The Big Debut
And unapologetic she is — her debut album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” explores teams of sexuality, queerness, femininity and heartbreak. Following the success of her album, ranking twelfth on the “Best Albums of 2023” of Rolling Stone, she would become the opening act for the first part of Olivia Rodrigo’s “GUTS” Tour in the US.
Now she is bringing her headline tour to Europe, which is an exciting ordeal for her community. Her stage persona is a drag queen, and each one of her concerts has a specific theme based on a song from her album. The audience is encouraged to dress according to the theme.
Her music is an ode to the queer community who grew up marginalized in their religious environments, her concerts being a safe space for queer people who get the chance to be their most authentic selves. If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, or even a passionate ally, don’t miss out on the chance to party with Chappell Roan!
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