Chappell Roan
by Alex Teitz
If you’ve heard the single “Good Hurt” recently then you’ve heard Chappell Roan. She is a new songwriter who has moved quickly from playing music to being signed before she is 20. She recently released her EP School Nights and is touring on Vance Joy’s tour. She will play Englewood, CO on October 10, 2017 as part of the tour. FEMMUSIC was honored to do an e-mail interview with her. For information visit iamchappellroan.com
FEMMUSIC: Can you describe your songwriting technique?
CR: Writing for me is always a draining process. A song can take 3 hours or up to 3 weeks to finish. I write mostly on piano, so I write the the melody and chords first then figure out what I’m feeling and that’s usually what the song is about. After that, I plug lyrics in the melody.
FEMMUSIC: What was the biggest challenge making School Nights?
CR: The biggest challenge was finding the right sound and vibe for the music. I was in the studio for two years working to make it perfect. It was also a big challenge going to the darkest parts of myself to write.
FEMMUSIC: Tell me about Atlantic Records. What made you decide to sign with them?
CR: The team I have at Atlantic is the best I could ever ask for. I got signed right when I turned 17 and they gave me time to grow ,to find my sound and develop as an artist. They have been patient with me and helped me tremendously with this EP. I couldn’t be more grateful.
FEMMUSIC: What song (not your own) has had the most impact on you and why?
CR: “Stay: by Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko came out when I was a freshman in high school, which was the year I started writing. I couldn’t stop listening to it. I loved how it moved and the piano and how emotional it was. It inspired me to write some of my first songs.
FEMMUSIC: As a woman in the music industry have you been discriminated against?
CR: A couple times I have been put in uncomfortable situations with older men who are producers. Some were inappropriate and/or made me feel less than them because I am a young woman. I do feel like the music industry is moving forward though. The best thing to do is show love and respect for all,and for women who are artists to come together and support each other.
FEMMUSIC: Whom would you most like to tour with, or collaborate with? Why?
CR: It would so cool to collaborate with Khalid. I love his music and his voice. I would love to tour with The Weekend or Lorde. I look up to them so much and it would be so fun to tour with them.
FEMMUSIC: What one thing would you like to change about the music industry?
CR: I wish the business part of the music industry didn’t separate people. It always does, and relationships are ruined because of money and greed. I wish writers were given more credit for the songs they 100% wrote. It sucks and I hope one day it changes.
