By Yunah Elsner
With bold makeup, vibrant outfits, and lyrics– you can jam in the shower– Chappell Roan is bringing back the powerful and unapologetic sounds of the 80s. Recently announced as an opener for Olivia Rodrigo’s 2024 GUTS World Tour, Roan dropped her album, ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ on September 22, followed by the Midwest Princess Tour on September 25.
Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, professionally known by her drag name “Chappell Roan,” was born and raised in Willard, Missouri. The rising queer icon started singing and performing at a young age and was inspired by the likes of Madonna, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. The 25-year-old popstar made her big move from the rural Midwest to sunny Los Angeles when she was seventeen to pursue her music career.
Roan has made herself known through her dark-pop discography and nostalgic vocals. After signing with Island Records, she dropped her latest synth-pop single, “HOT TO GO!,” accompanied by a music video shot in her hometown. The film features sparkly cheer costumes, drag queens and Roan’s grandparents dancing with her — an amalgamation of her personas.
Growing up in Missouri, Roan’s Christian upbringing and conservative environment were extremely challenging for her as an adolescent. She struggled with self-identity and sexuality. “I never would have accepted that I liked women as a teenager,” says Roan. “I was so scared to be myself, because I felt so restricted where I was from with the religious aspect, the gender-roles aspect and the really small queer community that was not amplified.”
Through her music, performance and drag, Chappell Roan became an alter ego: A flamboyant, badass and sexy Midwest princess. Her album, ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ is a celebration and an ode to the “coming-of-age” journey; beautifully highlighting the freedom yet complexity of sexuality, self-identity and expression.
“Sometimes people just want to feel something that pulls them out of the pits of their despair,” says Roan.
Roan’s new album features treasured singles such as “Pink Pony Club,” “Red Wine Supernova,” and “My Kink is Karma,” along with several new tracks like, “Guilty Pleasure” and “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl.” Following the life of a Midwest Princess, the album explores the highs and lows Chappell Roan has faced. From bubbly, girly, synth-pop tracks to dark ballads, each song is a representation of the singer's struggles and accomplishments.
“Prepare to be silly,” says Roan on her upcoming album and tour. “Expect yourself to not like something immediately, but allow yourself to feel silly and fun. If you like it, great. If you don't like it, great.”
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