Charli XCX, the acclaimed pop sensation, is gearing up to unveil her eighth studio album, which will herald a substantial shift in her musical direction. In a candid interview with British Vogue, the artist shared her thoughts on leaving the dance music scene behind, proclaiming, “I think the dance floor is dead, so now we’re making rock music.”
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At 33 years of age, Charli has carved out a distinct identity in the music industry, and her latest venture sees her collaborating with familiar faces A. G. Cook and Finn Keane, both of whom contributed to her successful project “Brat.” This new venture into rock is set to provide a less conventional interpretation of the genre, reflecting Charli’s desire for change and evolution in her sound.
Despite moving away from her dance roots, Charli indicates that the essence of night-clubbing and the energy of the outside world continue to inspire her work. “Being out in the world at night, experiencing things as I’m writing, is really helpful to my process,” she remarked, suggesting that her life experiences will still play a pivotal role in shaping her new music.
In her British Vogue feature, Charli emphasised her intent to forge a new path rather than simply replicate the success of “Brat.” She stated, “If I’d made another album that felt more dance-leaning, it would have felt really hard, really sad.” Instead, she aims to explore the intriguing possibilities of rock through her unique lens, promising to keep the essence of her artistry intact.
Teasing details of her upcoming album, Charli hinted at various themes and concepts, including a “flamboyant and braggy” track centred around the idea of reinventing one’s personality, as well as introspective lyrics that delve into her relationship with her husband, George Daniel. Additionally, she expressed her thoughts on the evolution of music, admitting that it no longer excites her in the way it once did. “I feel very spoiled saying this, but there is not much that can thrill me within music any more,” she noted, pointing to her vast experience in the industry, which spans nearly two decades.
The Grammy-winning artist outlined her intention to weave rock elements into her new sound, a process that marks a stark departure from her previous reliance on Auto-Tune. Charli shared insights about experimenting with more analogue sounds alongside Cook, describing it as “silly and funny.” Importantly, she signalled that any male-centric connotations associated with traditional rock music will be deliberately eschewed, underscoring her commitment to creating a sound that feels authentic to her.
Charli’s awareness of both her sonic transformation and its potential backlash was also evident. “We know there’s gonna be people who are bothered by it, but that’s fine,” she stated, highlighting her confidence in engaging with differing reactions from her audience.
In reflecting on her artistic journey, she acknowledged that the triumph of “Brat” has prompted her to seek something entirely different for her latest project. “Getting back to something more internal is really nice,” she explained, suggesting that this new album could allow for a quieter, more introspective exploration of her artistry.
Earlier this year, Charli partly dipped her toes into the rock genre with her contributions to the soundtrack for Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.” This album not only debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 but also featured notable collaborations with influential artists, such as John Cale of the Velvet Underground and the enigmatic Sky Ferreira.
As Charli XCX continues to push the boundaries of her creative expression, her latest foray into rock music promises to be a compelling mix of introspection and innovation. With a diversifying sound palette and a determination to challenge artistic norms, her forthcoming album is one to watch, as she ushers in a new chapter of her musical legacy.