The Marketing Bestie Podcast with zoeunlimited it's not your face, it's your brand
Jan 10, 2026
Discover how branding mistakes delayed Chappell Roan’s success for a decade. Explore her journey from safe visuals to a bold rebrand that embraced her queer and drag influences. Learn about five marketing moves that skyrocketed her career and the importance of creating a dedicated fanbase through live shows and community engagement. Understand the role of strategic partnerships and social media in building brand intimacy, while navigating the complexities of political boundaries. It’s a deep dive into what makes a brand truly memorable!
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Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Career Setback And YouTube Break
- Chappell Roan uploaded covers to YouTube and was noticed by Troye Sivan, which led to an Atlantic Records signing.
- Despite early attention, her visuals and packaging kept her unmemorable for years until a later rebrand.
Packaging Overrides Pure Talent
- Great talent can fail to break through if it's packaged generically and blends with existing artists.
- Zoe argues that a strong visual and identity package is required to make art memorable in a crowded market.
Niche Down To Build A Cult Fanbase
- Find a niche audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone to build a loyal fanbase.
- Zoe shows that niching into queer, drag-inspired aesthetics gave Chappell cult-like momentum.