Chappell Roan Goes Country on SNL
Chappell Roan transitioned from the “Pink Pony Club” to a country setting during her recent appearance on “Saturday Night Live (SNL),” astonishing fans with her new look and sound. Her second performance of the night introduced a brand new song, “The Giver,” which elegantly combines country and Western (C&W) influences with LGBTQ+ themes.
In the lyrics, Roan sings, “I get the job done,” echoing a familiar theme from her previous hit “Femininomenon.” The song suggests that sometimes satisfying a woman is a job best left to another woman. During a spoken interlude in the song, she declared, “All you country boys saying you know how to treat a woman right… Well, only a woman knows how to treat a woman right. She gets the job done.”
For her second set, Roan maintained her eye-catching large red wig adorned with white streaks from her earlier performance of “Pink Pony Club.” However, her overall look had transformed dramatically. The background singers and all-female band sported vintage denim and Western attire, while Roan stole the show in a gingham halter top, short shorts, and boots reminiscent of classic Americana, perhaps echoing styles from “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
The song carried themes of mutual affection, with lyrics affirming, “it’s just in my nature to take it like a taker” and inviting a slower pace with “you don’t need to hurry.” Animated forest creatures added a whimsical touch to the lively performance while Roan’s fiddle-driven band propelled the upbeat melody.
Despite the title being unknown prior to its debut on SNL, audience speculations circulated that it could be dubbed “She Gets the Job Done.” However, NBC clarified the title post-performance, revealing it as “The Giver.”
This past week, Roan previewed hints of her upcoming projects, teasing a new album while posting a photo of herself with her debut album’s jacket. Although she hinted at exciting changes, no specific timeline for the release has been given. Her collaborator Dan Nigro recently mentioned in a New York Times interview that they have recorded five new tracks, including a lively country number featuring a fiddle, indicating new artistic directions for Roan.
Earlier in the SNL episode, Roan’s performance of “Pink Pony Club” included a notable moment when she encouraged the studio audience to sing along, momentarily stepping back from the mic. The sing-along sounded powerful enough to suggest a crowd of dedicated Roan supporters.
As the performance concluded, Roan’s triumphant cry of “Live from New York!” was a rare moment for a musical guest, signifying the electric atmosphere of the show. It was a spontaneous outburst, showcasing her captivating stage presence.
Roan has been chasing the SNL dream for 13 years. A recent social media post revealed a heartfelt prediction from her 13-year-old self expressing a determination to make her mark on the iconic show.
While Roan’s venture into country music may be viewed as a unique stylistic experiment rather than a permanent shift, it reflects a broader trend where pop artists like Beyoncé and Post Malone have also embraced country influences recently. This development continues to spark conversation within the music industry.
As discussions around LGBTQ+ representation in country music grow, Roan’s new song adds to the dialogue and joins the ranks of other significant tracks, such as The Highwomen’s “If She Ever Leaves Me.” Brandi Carlile will moderate a discussion around these themes with Roan and Nigro in Los Angeles this week, potentially exploring these interesting intersections.
The question remains: Will Roan make her Grand Ole Opry debut to showcase her evolving sound?
Interview Between the Time.news Editor and Country Music Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, music expert and cultural commentator, Dr. Amelia Hawkins. We’re discussing a recent standout appearance on SNL by Chappell Roan. She transitioned her style and sound to country music, and it has sparked quite a conversation. Amelia, what are your initial thoughts on this pivotal moment for Roan?
Dr. Amelia Hawkins: Thank you for having me! I think Chappell Roan’s performance is a fascinating evolution in her artistry. By incorporating country influences and themes into her music, she is challenging traditional country norms, especially with her explicit focus on LGBTQ+ narratives. It’s refreshing to see someone from a pop background exploring the complexities of country music, which often lacks diverse representations.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned LGBTQ+ narratives. There was a powerful moment in her new song “The Giver,” where she sings about how only a woman knows how to treat a woman right. How do you see this commentary resonating within the country genre, which has historically catered to a more conservative audience?
Dr. Amelia Hawkins: Absolutely, that line is significant! By drawing attention to women’s experiences and relationships, Roan is boldly contrasting the traditional masculinity often found in country music. It resonates with a growing consciousness in the genre, as more artists begin to include nuanced themes around gender and sexual identity in their storytelling. Roan’s performance not only entertains but also provokes thought and discussion around these essential issues.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of her performance, it was visually striking with her elaborate costume and a backing band in vintage Western attire. How does this aesthetic choice enhance her message?
Dr. Amelia Hawkins: The visual element is crucial here. Roan’s gingham halter top and short shorts evoke classic Americana, but there’s a modern twist that celebrates femininity. It creates a contrast between traditional country visuals and her bold, contemporary interpretation. The vibrant imagery keeps audiences engaged and sends a clear message: country music can be both nostalgic and progressive.
Time.news Editor: Fascinating! Many are speculating about her upcoming album, especially with the hints she dropped recently regarding new tracks. What do you think this album could mean for her transition into country music?
Dr. Amelia Hawkins: If Roan’s current direction continues, her new album could be revolutionary. We might see a blend of country with pop and LGBTQ+ themes, making space for new narratives in a genre that many would consider rigid. The collaboration with Dan Nigro is promising; if they’ve recorded lively tracks featuring instruments like the fiddle, we could be looking at something truly unique that bridges her past pop identity with her emerging country sensibility.
Time.news Editor: It certainly sounds like there’s a lot to look forward to. Lastly, for audiences who might be hesitant about embracing this crossover, what would you say to encourage them to keep an open mind?
Dr. Amelia Hawkins: I’d encourage them to see this as an opportunity for growth within the genre. Music is an ever-evolving art form, and artists like Chappell Roan are at the forefront of that change. Embracing a more inclusive and diverse narrative can only enrich the genre and expand its reach. Just as music evolves, so too should our understanding and appreciation of it.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Amelia! It’s been insightful chatting with you about Chappell Roan’s exciting move into country music. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for her new album!
Dr. Amelia Hawkins: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait to see where her creativity takes her next.