Chappell Roan is keeping fans guessing about her sophomore album, admitting she has "no idea" what direction her new music will take. In a revealing interview with Apple Music 1's Zane Lowe, the breakout pop star opened up about the creative uncertainties surrounding her highly anticipated follow-up to The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.

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Why the Industry Can’t Keep Up

The Missouri-born artist acknowledged the pressure that comes with success, confessing that the radically different sounds of her recent singles from the country-tinged "The Giver" to the 90s rock-inspired "The Subway" have left her without a clear vision for her next era.

 "That's the scary part of putting out new music," Roan explained, "because people might not like it if it's not like what you made before." Her concerns come despite all three post-album singles reaching the Billboard Hot 100's top 5, proving her fans' appetite for her genre-blending experimentation.

Roan doubled down on recent comments to Vogue that her second album might take up to five years to complete, telling Lowe bluntly: "There is no album. There is no collection of songs." The singer views her latest single "The Subway" which debuted at No. 3 on the Hot 100 as a transitional piece rather than part of a cohesive new project. 

Interestingly, she revealed the track's New York City aesthetic belies its Los Angeles inspiration, written about hiding from a past love in LA's coffee shops and parties.

While the uncertainty might unnerve some artists, Roan finds inspiration in pop chameleons like Lady Gaga, who boldly shifted directions with albums like Joanne. 

"Experimenting with different genres is one of the most admirable things an artist can do," she told Lowe.

 As she navigates this pivotal career moment, Roan seems determined to follow her creative instincts rather than rush a sequel to her breakthrough debut even if that means keeping fans waiting while she discovers her next musical identity.

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Why This Matters
At a time when many rising stars might capitalize on momentum with quick follow-ups, Roan's willingness to embrace creative uncertainty shows remarkable artistic integrity. Her transparency about the pressures of sophomore albums resonates with both fans and fellow musicians navigating similar challenges. By citing Gaga as inspiration, she positions herself among pop's most fearless shape-shifters suggesting whatever comes next will be worth the wait.

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