Chappell Roan
Biography
Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, known professionally as Chappell Roan, was born on February 19, 1998, in Willard, Missouri. Raised in a conservative and Christian household, she began playing the piano at age 12 and soon started performing publicly. At 17, after uploading her original song "Die Young" to YouTube, she signed a record deal with Atlantic Records. She adopted the stage name Chappell Roan to honor her late grandfather, Dennis Chappell, whose favorite song was "The Strawberry Roan."
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
In 2017, Roan released her debut EP, "School Nights," and subsequently moved to Los Angeles. This move was a pivotal moment, allowing her to live openly as a queer woman and write more authentically. After being dropped by Atlantic Records in 2020, she continued as an independent artist. The song "Pink Pony Club," released in 2020 and inspired by a visit to a gay bar in West Hollywood, became a viral hit the following summer, significantly boosting her profile. This period marked a reinvention of her image and sound, collaborating with producer Dan Nigro.
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
Roan's debut studio album, "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess," was released on September 22, 2023, through Island Records to critical acclaim. The album explores themes of self-discovery, love, and heartbreak, reflecting her journey from the Midwest to Los Angeles and her experience embracing her queer identity. It garnered a cult following and eventually became a sleeper hit, with tracks like "Hot to Go!" and "Red Wine Supernova" gaining significant traction. To promote the album, she embarked on the "Naked in North America Tour" and "The Midwest Princess Tour," which were praised for their energy and campy, drag-influenced aesthetic.
Musical Style and Artistry
Chappell Roan's music is often described as pop, with strong influences from 80s synth-pop and early 2000s pop hits. Her aesthetic is heavily influenced by drag queens, and she frequently has drag queens as opening acts for her shows. Her songwriting is noted for its bold, honest, and emotionally charged lyrics, often touching on themes of queer love and identity. Roan has cited artists like Lady Gaga and Kesha as inspirations. She considers her on-stage persona, "Chappell Roan," to be a drag project, separate from her off-stage self, Kayleigh.