Chappell Roan Theatrical New Music Video Sparks “The Subway” Buzz
Chappell Roan, the Grammy-winning pop sensation, was spotted filming a vibrant music video in New York City on July 7–8, 2025. Fans and paparazzi captured the 27-year-old singer in Manhattan, fueling speculation that the project is for her unreleased track “The Subway.”
Known for her campy, drag-inspired aesthetic, Roan showcased bold looks, including a Rapunzel-like red wig and a hair-made outfit. The shoot, set in iconic NYC locations like a fire escape and the Transit Museum, aligns with the song’s urban themes.
Despite challenges with its studio version, “The Subway” has been a fan favorite since its 2024 live debut. This deep dive explores the filming details, fan reactions, and Roan’s creative process, shedding light on what could be her next big release.
Filming Details and Iconic Looks
On July 7, Roan was seen in Manhattan’s Little Italy, filming on a fire escape. She wore a bra and mini skirt made of hair, with long red locks cascading down, evoking Rapunzel.
The next day, July 8, she filmed a dramatic scene being “dragged” by a yellow taxi, her wig caught in the door. She sported an oversized grey suit, likened to David Byrne’s iconic style.
Fans reported hearing “The Subway” playing during the shoot, per TikTok users “Zeagan” and “isuhhh.” A taxi’s license plate reading “8X22” sparked rumors of an August 22, 2025, release.
The shoot included scenes at the NYC Transit Museum, tying into the song’s subway-themed lyrics. Stunt coordinator Becca was involved, managing the wig’s wild antics.
Roan’s theatrical visuals, from a taxi-themed outfit to Statue of Liberty drag, reflect her love for bold storytelling, seen in her 2024 Governors Ball performance.
The Subway: A Fan Favorite
“The Subway” debuted live at the 2024 Governors Ball in New York, where Roan, dressed as a taxi and Statue of Liberty, captivated fans.
The song, a ballad about heartbreak and healing, includes lines like, “I’m still counting down all of the days ‘til you’re just another girl on the subway.”
Roan performed it on her 2024 Midwest Princess Tour and at festivals like Lollapalooza and Primavera Sound. Fans have clamored for a studio release since.
Described as “Casual’s cousin,” the track explores urban love and longing, with lyrics referencing the NYC subway and a Statue of Liberty-like ex.
Despite its live popularity, Roan has struggled with the studio version, citing “demoitis”—fans’ attachment to the original live sound.
Challenges with Studio Recording
In an April 2025 interview on Las Culturistas with Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, Roan discussed her struggles with “The Subway.” “Some songs work live but not in the studio,” she said.
She explained that fans often prefer the raw live version, a phenomenon she calls “demoitis.” This delayed the song’s release, as she refined its studio sound.
Roan told Elle Brazil she was unsure if “The Subway” would be her next single, as her focus was on her sophomore album.
In a Rolling Stone interview, she confirmed “The Subway” won’t be the next single but will appear on her upcoming album, suggesting a shift in release plans.
Despite these challenges, the NYC shoot suggests progress. Fans on X celebrated, with @ChappellData
posting, “THE SUBWAY IS COMING!”
Roan’s Meteoric Rise
Roan’s 2023 debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, earned critical acclaim and a cult following. Hits like “Pink Pony Club” and “HOT TO GO!” charted globally.
Her 2024 single “Good Luck, Babe!” reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing her stardom. She won Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys.
“The Giver,” her March 2025 country-tinged single, debuted at number five on the Hot 100. It was her first release since “Good Luck, Babe!”
Roan’s campy aesthetic and outspoken nature, like calling out fan harassment in 2024, have endeared her to audiences. Her Grammy speech demanded better artist support.
Her 2025 “Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things Tour” and festival appearances show her relentless pace, despite reported exhaustion.
What’s Next for “The Subway”
Subway The NYC shoot suggests “The Subway” is nearing release, possibly as part of Roan’s sophomore album, expected in late 2025 or 2026.
Roan’s hesitation to release the song stems from studio challenges, but the elaborate shoot indicates confidence in the final product.
The video’s NYC setting, with subway and fire escape imagery, aligns with the song’s themes, promising a visually striking narrative.
No official release date is confirmed, but the “8X22” clue points to August 22, 2025. Roan’s team has not commented on the speculation.
Her focus on theatrical visuals, as seen in the hair-dragging taxi scene, ensures the video will be a “moment,” per Soap Central.
Broader Implications
Roan’s return to music videos, her first since August 2023, marks a new phase. Her last videos were lyric-based, making this a significant visual comeback.
The shoot’s public nature, with fans filming, shows Roan’s openness with her audience, despite past boundary issues with fame.
Her choice of NYC reflects her knack for storytelling through place, as seen in her Governors Ball debut of “The Subway.”
The video could boost her sophomore album’s hype, especially after her Grammy win and chart success. It may counter “demoitis” concerns with a polished release.
Roan’s bold visuals and authentic voice continue to redefine pop stardom, blending camp with emotional depth, as fans eagerly await “The Subway.”
Chappell Roan’s NYC music video shoot for “The Subway” has sparked intense fan excitement. The Rapunzel-inspired visuals and subway-themed settings align with the song’s urban narrative.
Despite studio challenges, the elaborate production suggests a release is imminent, possibly August 22, 2025. Roan’s theatrical style and personal connection to her music solidify her as a pop culture force, with “The Subway” poised to be her next iconic moment.
