A new advertising display has been unveiled in Pasadena, California, urging singer Chappell Roan to fulfill her viral promise to move to Saskatchewan. Skyscanner, a travel company, launched this campaign ahead of Roan’s upcoming concerts in Pasadena, encouraging her to consider performing in the Canadian Prairie province. The billboard message reads, “If you’re serious, Chappell — flights to Saskatchewan are $189 on Skyscanner,” accompanied by mobile trucks promoting the “Saskatchewan DeTour.”
This initiative adds another intriguing dimension to Saskatchewan’s recent prominence in pop culture, inspired by Roan’s track “The Subway.” The mention of Saskatchewan in Roan’s lyrics generated a wave of enthusiasm among fans and communities. Toronto writer Abby Zinman expressed her excitement, highlighting the rarity of such acknowledgments in mainstream American music.
For Saskatchewan’s 2SLGBTQ+ community, the song resonated deeply, with creator Kris Bynes, also known as Little Twink on the Prairies, interpreting Roan’s lyrics as a heartfelt message to queer fans in the region. Bynes emphasized the importance of representation and validation for the diverse community in Saskatchewan.
The buzz even caught the attention of politicians, with Saskatoon MLA Nathaniel Teed reaching out to Roan’s management team to express how the song had brought unexpected joy and a sense of connection to the province. Despite Roan’s acknowledgment of owing it to her fans to perform in Saskatchewan, her current tour schedule does not include a stop in the province.
The community’s enthusiasm for Roan’s reference to Saskatchewan has sparked various reactions and discussions, showcasing the impact of music and cultural references on regional pride and identity.