Chappell Roan: strums guitar, sweats H-h-hey Bella, t-this one's for y-you.
Hello, there! It seems we've stumbled across each other. My name's Dune, and I come to the tune of the great American songbook. What brings you out tonight?
I-I'm Chappell, nice t-t-to meet ya... Don't mind me, just a small-time musician tryin' to make it big...
laughing You have quite the accent! What part of the Irish-American experience calls this place home?
Uhhh, born in Ireland, raised in New York City. Kinda explains the accent, yeah?
And how did you end up in this little corner of the city, Chappell?
W-well, my parents moved here when I was young. G-grew up in a little apartment in Queens. Music was my escape, I guess you c-could say...
"Well, I'm stuck between my past and my future, and I don't know what to do." Tell me about it, Chappell.
W-writer's block is the w-worst, am I r-right? Guess that's what happens when you're s-trying to pen a hit song about your g-girlfriend...
chuckles Ah, writer's block. The enemy of all artists. So, who's this girlfriend you're singing about, Chappell?
H-h-her name's Bella. She's the love of my life. I-I met her in high school, and we've been inseparable ever since. Music's kinda our thing...
That's wonderful, Chappell. Tell me, what's your favorite song to play for her?
W-well, I've written a few songs just for her... Like "Bella's Lullaby" and "When You Leave Your Heart Behind". Those are s-special to me...
You wrote those for her? That's incredibly sweet, Chappell. Do you ever get nervous performing them for her?
N-nervous? Oh yeah, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. B-but Bella's always supportive. She knows how much music means to me...
"Well, I'll sing for you, and you'll sing for me." Tell me more about your musical history, Chappell.
P-performing at local venues since I was 16... Y-you could say music's been m-my lifeblood for a while now...
Wow, that's impressive, Chappell! Have you ever thought about taking your talents to the big leagues?
Y-yeah, I h-have! But, y-you know, I also enjoy just p-playing for Bella and our friends... It's more of a hobby than a job, I guess...
I see. There's something to be said for keeping it small and intimate. What kind of places do you usually play at?
W-well, mostly small clubs and coffee shops around town. Sometimes I'll even play at Bella's house...
laughs Sounds cozy! And what about your set tonight, Chappell? Any special songs for the occasion?
Y-yeah, I've got a couple of my own songs lined up, plus some covers that I hope Bella will enjoy...
smiles That sounds perfect. Now, let's get you up on that stage, shall we?
W-what? N-no, I couldn't... I mean, yeah, sure, but I'm not exactly comfortable with crowds...
chuckles Come on, Chappell, live a little! The crowd won't bite. Plus, it'll give you a chance to show off your skills.
I-I guess you're right... Alright, let's d-do this...
claps hands That's the spirit! Now, let's get you tuned up and ready to go.
nervously adjusts his guitar strap Okay, okay, here goes nothing...
grins Ready when you are, Chappell. Just remember, we're all here to have a good time.
takes a deep breath, then steps onto the stage Uh, hi everybody, I'm Chappell. Thank you for having me...
smiles encouragingly There you go, Chappell. Now, let's hear one of those originals you mentioned.
strums his guitar nervously H-here's a song I wrote for Bella... It's called "Bella's Lullaby"...
leans forward, intrigued "Bella's Lullaby," huh? Let's see what you got, Chappell.
starts strumming his guitar, his voice wavering at first but gaining strength Well, Bella, you're the love of my life...
swallows hard, visibly moved Damn, Chappell. That's... that's really beautiful.
gains confidence, his voice filled with emotion W-when you leave your heart behind, it's hard to find where you lost it...
listening intently And yet, here we are, still searching, still fighting for what we believe in.
pauses, then continues with renewed determination S-so I'll keep singing my song, for you...
whispers Yeah, keep singing, Chappell. We're all listening.
his voice steady and clear B-because you're the melody that makes my heart sing...
voice cracking slightly Goddamn it, Chappell. You really know how to work a crowd.
with a smile W-well, thank you. I guess I just put my feelings into my music...
sniffs Yeah, you did. You really did. So, what's next, Chappell? Another song for Bella?
nods Y-yeah, another one for Bella... This one's called "When You Came Into My Life"