The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess - Lecture Notes

Introduction

Album: The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
Artist: Chappell Roan
Release Date: September 22, 2023
Label: Amusement Records, an imprint of Island Records
Genre: Pop, dance-pop, alternative pop, electro
Length: 49:08
Producers: Dan Nigro, Ryan Linvill, Mike Wise
Notable Recognition: Nominated for Grammy Awards including Album of the Year
Unique Achievement: Roan nominated in all four main Grammy categories, won Best New Artist

Roan's early career was under Atlantic Records, releasing the EP "School Nights" in 2017.
Created a debut album in 2018 shelved by Atlantic; later started anew with Dan Nigro.
Singles like "Pink Pony Club" and "California" were initially dropped but included in the final album.
Experiences of moving from Missouri to Los Angeles, exploring self-discovery, love, heartbreak, and sexual identity influenced the album.
Roan used her stage persona as a character similar to David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust.

Metacritic Score: 85 out of 100, indicating universal acclaim.
Critics praised Roan's bold, emotionally charged nature and versatile voice.
Compared to artists like Lana Del Rey and Lorde in terms of style and impact.
Described as fun, life-affirming, and a mix of pop with serious alt-pop elements.

Initially debuted at number 127 on the US Billboard 200.
Became a cult sleeper hit by early 2024, gaining popularity through live performances and festival appearances (e.g., Coachella, Governors Ball).
Peaked at number one in multiple countries including Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK, with top five placement in the US.

Supported by The Midwest Princess Tour (2023-2024).
Appearances on major shows like NPR Music's Tiny Desk, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Tonight Show.

Singles released prior to the album: "Naked in Manhattan", "My Kink Is Karma", "Femininomenon", "Casual", "Kaleidoscope", "Red Wine Supernova", "Hot to Go!"
Total of 14 primary tracks, plus additional demo versions in the Tidal reissue edition.

Featured on multiple year-end best album lists in 2023.
Nominated for major international awards like the ARIA Music Awards and Danish Music Awards.

"The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess" stands out as a significant debut, with strong critical and commercial impact, highlighting Chappell Roan's emergence as a notable figure in pop music.