When you think of the rich and famous, a picture of Beverly Hills or downtown Manhattan, if you’ve been to either place, might pop in your head. Never a small city of 6,344 people in the smack-down middle of the United States. That’s where Chappell Roan is from, your ‘favorite artist’s favorite artist’, self-proclaimed at her April 2023 Coachella performance.
Per Biography, a website for stories in pop culture, in a matter of a few weeks after signing with Daniel Nigro’s Amusement Records in May 2023, the producer known for working with musicians like Olivia Rodrigo and Conan Gray, Chappell Roan found herself at the topic of every teenager’s discussion. She blew up so big to the point where she earned herself a spot at this year’s Lollapalooza.
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, Roan’s debut album, released in Sept. 2023, has received high praise from critics and fans alike. The album itself is heavy with catchy hooks (hello, HOT-TO-GO!), dynamic vocals, and queer themes, something that fans have expressed appreciation for. It’s no surprise that your favorite Midwestern Princess might be near the top of your 2024 Spotify Wrapped list.
“My favorite song is After Midnight. She has really catchy lyrics. I like her voice and the high notes she can hit, she knows she can sing. Her music is fun to listen to,” said Sarah Al-Shawabkeh, a junior at Taft.
“Naked in Manhattan would have to be my favorite. I like the fact that she’s bringing back fun pop music,” said Logan Jones, a music teacher at Taft. The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess dives deep into universal topics that make sense with young people nowadays.
“She’s unapologetic in her queer identity. The album highlights the complexities about being a girl, about navigating girlhood, and that’s something that’s key to finding your identity. Before her, I felt like the pop from pop music was taken away, so getting to listen to her has been refreshing,” continued Jones.
With the impact she’s made in the media so far, Roan can be considered a role model. “Her songs capture the essence of unapologetic joy. My female friends have found comfort in her music, and I’ve been able to connect better with them. She’s always embracing what feels like authenticity,” added Jones.
Roan’s music is inspired by 1980s synth-pop and early 2000s pop, making her songs nostalgic yet modern. “I really like Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl, mainly because of the high tempo. It makes it fun to listen to. It’s a common thing she has in her music,” said Ethan Tejada, a homeschooled junior.
“The values that she stands for is what makes her stray away from other artists nowadays. The topics are not talked about enough. She’s at a really good point in her career, and she deserves the fame, without a shadow of a doubt,” continued Tejada.
Chappell Roan is a well-admired figure today, from all ages alike. Fans are sure to expect more music from her soon, and watch her grow into the icon that she strives to be!
