"Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" from Chappell Roan

Saturday 30th September 2023

Release date: Out now Label: Island

About her debut album Chappell says, “After 4 years in the making comes my 14-song album holding stories of unearthing my true self and fearlessly embracing queerness. My whole project is a rebellion to how I was raised. I want what I never had—a safe place to dress, sing, and dance however you want to, and be who you truly are. I think the album encapsulates the whole process of birthing a new me and then ultimately abandoning it. That push and pull is a perfect example of me obsessing over my dream but despising it at the same time. The music made me evolve. With the contrast of my Midwestern upbringing and living in one of the biggest cities in the U.S., ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ mirrors the rollercoaster of becoming the popstar I always wanted to be.” Leading up to her North American headlining Midwest Princess Tour, already sold out in 23 cities including two Brooklyn Steel shows, Chappell celebrated the album with a free show in her hometown on September 20 at Springfield, Missouri’s Gillioz Theatre, complete with a pageant for fans, a red carpet entrance, themed drinks and more—all in support of local LGBTQ space The Glo Center.

The subsequent Midwest Princess Tour will scale up her intoxicating live show experience across the US and Canada. Additionally, a limited number of tickets will be awarded as show “scholarships” for fans facing financial difficulties in an effort to keep attendance affordable and shows accessible across the wide-spanning tour. An electrifying performer, Chappell wrapped her debut headline Naked in North America tour in March, selling-out all tour stops including New York (Webster Hall), Los Angeles (The Fonda), San Francisco, Chicago, Toronto and more. Featuring opening sets from drag queens, each night incorporated a different dress theme (like “homecoming dance” and “goth, grunge, and glitter”). The ecstatic shows earned universal praise for Chappell’s exhilarating performances and for creating a “glamorous safe space,” and “disco dance party where everyone can feel like the most fun, the most free version of themselves,” in rooms bursting at the seams with energy. The Rise & Fall of a Midwest Princess is a courageous, semi-autobiographical statement allowing Chappell Roan to continue to connect with her growing fanbase by championing open and honest expression of identity and unapologetic sexuality.

With her bold pop hooks, sex positivity, honest songwriting, and expressive style and spirit, she has already earned press nods from Pitchfork, NPR, MTV, Vulture, Billboard, V Magazine, Rolling Stone, Teen Vogue and more. This year, Chappell was named Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Artist of 2023. Through her punchy bangers that combine fantastical narratives and heart-bearing selfreflection, the LA-based singer, songwriter, and performer received well-deserved traction in both the digital and live music world paving the way for The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess and more live shows coming this year

Posted by Craig Jones