Chappell Roan opens up about the uncertainty of her next album, why it could take years to finish, and the personal story behind her hit single “The Subway"
Chappell Roan, the rising pop powerhouse who has won over thousands with her unique style, is standing at an exciting yet uncertain creative crossroads. Following the breakout success of her debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, the singer admits that her next project is still a complete blank canvas — and she has no idea what direction it will take.
In a candid conversation with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Roan didn’t shy away from discussing her uncertainty. “I’ve released three singles since my first album, and each one has a completely different sound,” she explained. “The Giver leans more into a country vibe, Good Luck, Babe! is pure pop, while The Subway carries clear ’90s rock influences. When your music spans so many genres, it’s hard to know what the next step should be.”
That unpredictability, she admits, can be intimidating. “The scary part is putting out new music and worrying people won’t love it as much as the last. It’s the risk you take every time,” she said, adding that this fear can easily lead to delays when the pressure to outdo yourself becomes overwhelming.
Just a week before her Apple Music interview, she had already tempered fan expectations in a Vogue feature, revealing that her second album wasn’t even in progress. “There’s no second project yet. There’s no collection of songs. It could take five years to finish,” she admitted.
Despite the distant timeline, the massive success of The Subway offers reassurance that her audience will follow her no matter what path she chooses. Released on August 1st, the single debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 — her highest career entry to date. Ironically, despite its New York-inspired title and atmosphere, the track was born from her experience trying to avoid certain places and people in Los Angeles, a city where she says she felt a deep sense of loneliness for years.
Talking about the song’s origins, she shared: “It wasn’t about a bad breakup — I just wanted to avoid places that reminded me of that person. Cafés we used to go to, parties we attended together. I felt like I didn’t know how to exist in this city anymore.” Wrapped in a romantic-sounding lyric, that sense of alienation showcases her gift for turning personal emotions into music that resonates universally.
Roan is well aware that shifting her sound can divide audiences, but she believes it’s a sign of creative growth. “When Lady Gaga released Joanne and revealed a completely different side of herself, it elevated her artistry. Breaking your own mold is one of the most admirable things an artist can do,” she said.
The Missouri native seems in no rush to lock herself into a specific direction. Instead, she embraces the freedom of being open to all possibilities. With three singles topping charts, she has proven her fans value authenticity and variety just as much as commercial success.
For her, the priority isn’t topping the charts — it’s connecting with people through her music. “I don’t want to make songs that just sound pretty. I want to tell stories, convey feelings, talk about situations someone might be living through so they know they’re not alone,” she said.
As Chappell Roan remains in the pop spotlight, her next move is unknown — and that may be exactly what makes her so compelling. In an era of constant output and instant gratification, her choice to take her time feels like a bold artistic statement. Until then, fans can expect an artist who isn’t afraid to experiment, reinvent herself, and return whenever she’s ready, on her own terms.
