Chappell Roan teases possible release for anticipated single ‘The Subway’
Photo: AFP
Chappell Roan may finally be ready to release her long-anticipated single “The Subway” next week. Fans have spotted promotional posters across New York City hinting at an August 1 drop date. The ads, which feature Roan with bangs, a small rat in her hair, and a bread clip reading “Best Before August 1,” have led many to believe that the studio version of the ballad will arrive next Friday.
Video teaser for Chappell Roan’s upcoming single ‘The Subway.’ pic.twitter.com/ktHjc24BpN
Interestingly, while the song’s title references public transit, the ads were not posted in subway stations, but rather on telephone poles around the city. The cryptic messaging includes the tagline, “Going through a break up? Get Bangs!” — further fueling speculation.
Chappell Roan’s new single ‘The Subway’ will seemingly be released on August 1st, as hinted at on a new poster. pic.twitter.com/rbh0Y1sU8g
Roan first debuted “The Subway” live in the summer of 2024 during her Governors Ball performance. Since then, the emotional ballad about unexpectedly seeing an ex on the train has become a staple in her festival sets, including appearances at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, and most recently, Primavera Sound in June.
Despite its popularity on stage, a studio version has yet to surface. In an April interview on the Las Culturistas podcast, Roan admitted the recording process for “The Subway” had been challenging. “Some songs just work live... and they don’t work in the studio,” she said, adding that the final version will “feel different, and different doesn’t always mean worse.”
She also described struggling with “demo-itis” — the tendency to become attached to early demo recordings, even when the finished product is technically stronger.
Following similar delays with her previous single “The Giver,” which premiered on Saturday Night Live before its official release months later, fans are hopeful that “The Subway” will finally arrive on August 1. Roan has not officially confirmed the date, but signs point to new music coming soon.