A Chat With: Chappell Roan
Hailing from Willard, Missouri, 19 year old singer-songwriter Chappell Roan possesses a raw, soulful voice and sings with a powerful sense of conviction that instantly hooks listeners. This past month, Roan hit the road with Declan McKenna, sharing her sweeping and personal narratives to audiences across the country. While out on the road, Roan took some time to chat about some of her newest music, touring with Declan, and what else is in the works for this year. Tune into our chat with Chappell Roan below!
Photo By Catie Laffoon
What do you remember as your first musical memory?
I remember my mom getting me my first CD which was Pink Missundaztood, and I listened to it all the time.
Who and what are some of your musical and non-musical (i.e film, literature) influences on your writing and vocal style?
Stevie Nicks and Karen Carpenter are my main vocal influences. When I was younger I would try to mimic their voices. Frida Kahlo is my favorite artist. I love the darkness and vulnerability of her paintings.
I’m loving your new song “School Nights” that you put out last week! What’s the story behind this track as far the writing and recording process?
"School Nights" is about the feeling of being young and staying up late on a school night when you know you should be asleep and the feeling of being in love for the first time. I wrote this when I was 17 and it was a time that I felt like I was growing up, but I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay 17.
You’ve been steadily releasing songs recently, with “School Nights” coming a month after “Bitter.” Can your fans expect a lot more music this year?
Yes! Right now I’m working on finishing up the album. I’m not sure exactly when, but sometime later this year.
What has it been like sharing the stage with Declan McKenna on the current tour? Any favorite cities on the tour so far, or anywhere you’re looking forward to playing for the remainder of the tour?
This tour has been amazing. Declan and his band are so funny and nice and welcoming. They make this tour so much easier. I loved playing Lawrence, Kansas and Seattle because I had lost of friends and family at those shows. I’m very excited to play the Santa Ana show too, because I’ll get to see more friends there.
Is there anyone whose stage presence you really admire that inspires you with your own stage presence and performance style?
Lady Gaga and Beyoncé really inspire me with their stage presence. They are both so confident and really own the stage and connect with the crowd so well. I hope to be like them one day.
What’s your favorite way to stay entertained on the road between shows?
I like to do yoga, watch movies, read, and listen to podcasts in the hotel or van to pass the time on long drives.
What are some of your favorite new bands or favorite songs at the moment?
Beach House, Alt-J, London Grammar, and Sigrid are some artists I’m listening to now.
What else is on the agenda for you in 2018?
As of right now, there isn’t much planned. I am very excited to go home and relax after this two month tour. We have done 41 shows and we only have 4 more to go. It’s bitter sweet, but I’m happy to go home!