Inspired by Lady Gaga: Chappell Roan’s inspiration to explore other areas of music
Chappell Roan, the recipient of the Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammy Award, has recently spoken on Apple Music Radio with Zane Lowe.
They covered topics such as plans for touring, the meaning behind her newest chart-topping single, “The Subway”, and plans for CR2 - her new era as a music artist.
Music News Blitz writer Evie Scroggie tells us more about this dramatic shift…
So, why the sudden change?
Roan stated that exploring different genres of music is “one of the most admirable things an artist can do”, giving credit to the fifth album of pop sensation Lady Gaga.
She said that it is this album Joanne that inspired her to create and release her new song ‘The Giver’.
This song was released on March 13, 2025, as a single from her upcoming studio album, and is Chappell’s first in the genre of country music.
Roan stated: “When Gaga released Joanne and was like ‘I actually have this entire other side of me outside pop’ that just builds the character of your artistry.”
Furthering that comment with “and so, it is scary to release a country song, but this felt not scary to me”.
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Quite the drastic move
Transitioning from theatrical, queer-positive disco pop into country music might seem like an extremely unexpected move for Chappell Roan to be making.
However, she has always been vocal about her admiration for artists who take such risks within their own careers.
Her transitional single “The Giver” leans into instrumentals and showcases a more raw storytelling side, leaning away from her previous high-energy synth pop.
“Country music is all about vulnerability,” she explained. “And I think I’ve been craving that kind of honesty in my work.”
Why now Chappell?
This shift in genre marks a very pivotal time in Chappell Roan’s music career.
Having just received her first Grammy Award and selling out her headline tour, she had been stuck between the decision of solidifying that signature sound we all associated her with, or branching off into new territories of music.
She chose to expand, placing herself alongside Gaga and other artists who have prioritised musical evolution over the continuation of what’s expected from them.
She began with theatrical disco pop, and she has branched out into the country realm - who knows where she may take her sound next.
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