Early Career
Chappell Roan, born Rayleigh Rose Amstutz in Willard, Missouri, began her music career as a teenager. She initially gained attention by uploading cover songs to YouTube.
At 16, she wrote “Die Young” and secured a record deal with Atlantic Records by the time she was 17. Adopting her stage name to honor her late grandfather, Dennis Chapel,Chappell Roan released her first EP, “School Nights,” in 2017.
Her 2020 album “Pink Pony Club” was inspired by her experiences at The Abbey, a popular gay bar in West Hollywood. Although “Pink Pony Club” gained traction, it did not yield immediate financial success, leading to Roan being dropped by her label.
Comeback
The setback did not deter Roan. During the early COVID-19 pandemic, she moved back in with her parents but returned to Los Angeles with a renewed focus.
Chappell Roan dedicated a year to rebuilding her career as an independent artist, collaborating with singer and producer Daniel Negro. She released tracks like “Naked in Manhattan” and “My Kink is Karma,” which showcased her evolving queer identity and drag-inspired style.
These songs, funded and produced by her friends, helped her gain meaningful attention on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Success
By mid-2022, Roan’s independent efforts had paid off. She continued to release new music, including “Casual” and “Femininomenon,” and opened for artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and Fletcher. Her “Naked in North America” tour in early 2023 featured local drag queens and encouraged fans to dress in perplexing costumes, highlighting her unique aesthetic vision.

Signing with a Major Label
In May 2023, Chappell Roan signed with Amusement Records, a subsidiary of Island Records, to further her growing career. The decision was prompted by the realization that her debut album’s ambitious scope required more financial backing.
“The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” has been celebrated for its innovative synth-pop sounds, strong vocals, and unapologetic queer themes. Roan’s success was solidified when she made the top 10 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart shortly after the album’s release.