Chappell Roan on The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, perseverance and the freedom of drag

When she was just 17, Chappell Roan signed her first record deal with a major label and moved to Los Angeles. But when the deal fell through, she returned home to Missouri where she began soul searching and trying to figure out her next steps. Roan talks to Tom Power about being discovered on YouTube, how she responded when she was dropped from her record label in 2020, and what inspired her critically acclaimed debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.

[beatleswift]

Major props to the interviewer for being a incredible listener and not once interrupting her. The thoughtfulness and authenticity really shows ❤️❤️ love this (-:

[karinaschulerferro]

her saying she wanted to be an actress explains so much- her theatricality really stands out in the best way <3

[calummew]

Chappell Roan is the future of pop music. So excited to see what she comes out with next!

[studionova]

I love how she’s so ‘normal’ off stage. Like she’s in her own merch and kinda did her makeup. That’s a whole vibe.

[jas]

I find something about her beauty really captivating…her facial features genuinely look like a “Kayleigh from Missouri” — but that girl would typically dye her hair blonde, sing in a church choir, and have a really middle-class life.

She would impress her group of “mom friends” by doing karaoke at Michael & Susan’s wine night, and then her kids would whinge about how embarrassed they were on the way home, as she stares out the window and daydreams about another life where she got to be a star.

I dunno…I just find her really alluring. The bright red hair, the drag makeup, the glamorisation of 80s pageants.

It’s like looking at someone’s name (Kayleigh), facial structure, and the state they come from (Missouri), and going “oh…I know exactly who that girl is” — but her artistry completely subverts all of your expectations.

It’s quite hard for artists to be innovative and unique in 2024, and she’s completely doing that, and the fact that she’s incorporating her Midwest roots into her story just adds to how interesting her artistry is.

[jackielehman]

She is so right about the preditory aspect of the music industry, So many young pop stars are targetted and exploited from small towns.

[ritwikjs]

im glad pink pony club is getting the recognition and love it so richly deserved

[jackielehman]

This interview feels so authentic, like she is not putting on a show, she is so real ❤

[mrqs]

I love her voice, her songwriting, her esthetic… everything about her.

[ginaballinalosangeles]

Tom did a great job letting us see who Chappell is. She was so relaxed and open with him, and he was prepared and a great listener and responded so kindly. She is going to be huge....

[tray]

She’s seen things. It’s so apparent in her explanation of her time in the spotlight more specifically in “Hollywood”

[TOJenX]

Tom Power's interviews are always so interesting. He asks such thoughtful questions, and he's always ahead of the trends.

[samkcatladyaks]

She’s my fav. Her songs feel like my mania and I have to be careful lol. I always wonder how she manages to be Chappell when the bipolar depression is present bc I know what that’s like and it’s so hard to put on the act or people have seen manic me and think that’s me all the time but there’s this completely opposite side of me and then they’re shocked or not accepting and upset because I have a hard time being consistently the same human-even medicated and in therapy. It’s so smart of her to see Chappell as drag for mental health boundary reasons too. Idk how long she’ll decide to do music but I thank the universe she’s sharing her gifts with us for now. There’s no one else even close to what she does on so many levels.

[M.c.harrington]

“In this industry, you really flourish if you DON’T protect yourself.” 😮 She’s spitting the truth in this interview. 🤌

[Miz_Hunter]

I haven’t fallen so fast for an artist In a while ❤

[abigailh]

So nice to hear a Gen z speak normally (like a regular Missourian) without all the exaggerated vocal inflections and try-hard lingo. She seems really authentic. Very refreshing when being your true self is noteworthy.

[lolaw.]

She's beautiful. I hope she stays protecting herself, her creativity and her truth. I'm a new fan.

[chrisbc]

Haven’t watched a Q interview since the previous guy. Tom is a great interviewer. Really gave Chappell a great environment to speak. Also, Chappell is my favourite artist right now and this was awesome.

[susanfreddie]

What an amazing interview. Tom Power you are so respectful and truly interested and Chappell Roan, you are so authentic, thoughtful, and honest. Love it.

[sagedog]

It hearts my heart because I was working in music management in Colorado and saw my friends and coworkers all lose their jobs because of Covid. Music has always been my passion and I stepped away from the industry because of it ♥️ the industry has changed so much in the past 4 years. Absolutely love to see a well deserved artist rise back from that low time. ☺️