In this insightful conversation, rising star Chappell Roan navigates the tangled web of fame alongside musician Eliza McLamb. They dive into the impact of social media on artist-fan relationships and discuss the challenges queer artists face in the spotlight. The duo reflects on personal boundaries and the relentless scrutiny of celebrity life, emphasizing the need for healthier fan interactions. They also touch on the cycle of public outrage against celebrities, illuminating the complexities of beauty standards and society's expectations.
The podcast discusses the complexities of fame, contrasting big-time fame with niche fame and its impacts on artists' relationships with fans.
Chapel Rhone's experience highlights the psychological pressures of sudden fame and how it can distort the artist-fan relationship.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to reclaim artist autonomy while navigating the expectations of fame culture.
Deep dives
The Fame Dilemma
The discussion begins by highlighting the complexities of fame, contrasting big-time fame with niche fame. The aftermath of a recent decision by artist Chapel Rhone to cancel shows for a VMA performance sparked debates about her priorities regarding fans versus fame. Some fans expressed disappointment over her choice, suggesting that the pursuit of fame might overshadow her commitment to her early fans. This controversy opens up a broader conversation about the psychological pressures and decisions that come with rising fame, especially for artists new to such visibility.
The Nature of Celebrity
The conversation delves into the nature of celebrity, particularly regarding the expectations placed on women in the spotlight. The guests discuss how society often perceives celebrities as figures who owe their fans absolute gratitude, juxtaposed with their personal lives. Chapel Rhone’s experience of fame—a sudden surge in popularity—manifests the harsh reality where every action is scrutinized by the public, putting immense stress on artists. This pressure can distort the artist-fan relationship, as the distinction between public persona and private individual becomes blurred.
Parasocial Relationships
Parasocial relationships are examined, emphasizing the emotional attachments fans feel towards celebrities, which can often lead to unrealistic expectations. The conversation reveals how such attachments can cause disillusionment when these public figures deviate from fans' perceptions of them. Chapel Rhone's candid discussion about her boundaries with fans presents a challenge to the idea of ownership that fans sometimes feel over popular artists. The impact of social media deepens these parasocial relationships, allowing fans to feel increasingly connected, yet potentially threatened by the distance that fame can create.
Fame and Authenticity
The notion of authenticity in the age of social media comes up as a critical theme, particularly regarding how artists navigate their identities. The guests stress that artists like Chapel Rhone should retain their creative integrity rather than alter themselves to please fan expectations. They explore how the need for authenticity is often at odds with the commercial pressures of the entertainment industry. This dynamic leads to artists making intentional boundaries to protect their creative spirit while fulfilling their roles as entertainers.
The Pressure to Perform
Chapel Rhone's journey illustrates the toll fame can take on one’s mental health, with expectations to constantly perform and be accessible to fans. The conversation explores the fundamental non-transactional principle that celebrities aren't obligated to give fans their time or energy beyond their performances. This reflects a broader societal misunderstanding of personal boundaries and the difference between a public performance and a private life. By setting these boundaries, artists look to reclaim their autonomy, signaling a shift in how they engage with their audience.
Re-evaluating Fame Culture
As the discussion evolves, there's a call for a re-evaluation of fame culture and how society perceives celebrity relationships. The guests assert that while engagement is essential, healthy fan-artist dynamics would benefit from acknowledging that artists are people first, not objects of adoration. Chapel Rhone’s position poses an important question: how can fans engage with artists in ways that respect their humanity? This re-evaluation could lead to a healthier culture where boundaries are respected, paving the way for a more sustainable model of fame.
H-O-T-T-O-G-O, Chappell Roan is someone we do not actually know. But what do we do with the (very real) feelings and relationships we form with the people on our screens? Today, Eliza of Binchtopia and I discuss fame — global fame and niche micro “fame” — to understand where we parasocially flew off the rails, and what the future of celebrity might look like with boundaries in place.
