Since signing her first record deal with Atlanta Records at just 17 years old, Chappell Roan has continued to construct the foundation of her career for a decade now. And yet, her success arrived overnight.
As a lesbian artist making music about being a lesbian, Chappell’s music is for and about the queer community.
Aha! There it is! That’s where the controversy lies.
‘Can I listen to Chappell Roan if I’m straight?’
‘Do I have to be gay to listen to Chappell Roan?’
‘Who is your favorite artist’s favorite artist?’
‘Who is allowed to listen to Chappell Roan?’
‘Is queer music for straight people?’
Chappell Roan, legally Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, is a 26-year-old singer-songwriter from the musical state of Tennessee. Well..Chappell grew up in Tennessee. Kayleigh was born in Willard, Missouri (pop. 6,511). You see, Chappell Roan exists as a drag persona – a character Kayleigh plays when making music and performing. She’s comparable to Lady Gaga or Prince, who also crafted a character for their performances. And just like those icons of pop, Chappell’s fanbase consists of a mix of the LGBTQ+ and straight communities. With that said, it’s fair to conclude Chappell’s music connects to every ear, but not to every mind. Music concerns sound, but the meaning behind her lyrics isn’t going to resonate with every listener, and that’s fine.
A majority of Chappell Roan’s controversy, though few and far between at such an early stage of her career, stems from the “can they or can’t they?” argument regarding non-LGBTQ+ listeners of Chappell. In my eyes, though, this isn’t the debate we need to address.
The amateur versus the artist is a distinction to be headlined. It should be understood that Chappell Roan is a queer artist making queer music, not a queer artist making straight music which makes a difference. A considerable problem, thus far, came to be the attempted revamping of Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO!” choreography by @sharlizetrue_ on TikTok. Fans have spoken out, putting the creator down for her attempt at “straightifying” a Gay-Pop song, especially since there’s already an existing dance created by Chappell herself. This argument is easily rectified. The “HOT TO GO!” dance was made by Chappell Roan. @sharlizetrue_’s dance exists as a fanmade choreography that she can perform to her heart’s content, but it’s not official, and never will be. That’s all.
Every coin has two sides, though, and Chappell Roan’s artistry must be analyzed from both. The musician’s non-LGBTQ+ listeners are not all out to straighten her songs. Music is subjective, and Chappell Roan cannot force a narrative on every single fan – and she’s not trying to. Any listener of any sexuality can enjoy her music. There doesn’t have to be one lens to view her lyrics from, and her messages can be applied to anyone. Just because Chappell’s inspiration stems from her experiences as a lesbian doesn’t mean they only apply to her. Humans may be one of a kind, but their paths cross more often than not, and people are much more similar than they tend to think.
It’s important to remember that Chappell Roan tells stories through music, and her story doesn’t have to be altered to be empathized with. From breakups to makeups, love and friendship are universal experiences that resonate with billions. Chappell Roan makes music for the community – a community open to anyone accepting enough to be a part of it.
