Join Charli XCX as she reveals the inspiration behind her latest album brat and her aspirations for future creative endeavors.
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In a recent conversation with actress Gwyneth Paltrow on the Goop podcast, pop star Charli XCX, whose birth name is Charlotte Aitchison, shared a candid look at her mindset while creating her latest album, brat. Released in, this album marks a significant point in her career as she navigated the pressures of her record label and embraced a personal creative journey.
Charli, now 32, explained that she approached the production of brat with a sense of liberation, saying, “I made this record thinking, ‘This one is for me.’ There was a moment when I considered that my label might drop me, but that was okay.” This perspective fueled her artistic expression, leading to an album that resonated widely.
Bringing brat to life: A musical phenomenon
Upon its release, brat quickly ascended to the top of the UK charts and made an impressive showing in 14 other countries, garnering a total of nine Grammy nominations and winning three. The infectious tracks on the album sparked a cultural movement dubbed Brat summer, inspiring fans to engage in viral dance trends that took social media by storm.
Charli’s success continued to grow, culminating in a remarkable performance at the Brit Awards in March, where she secured five prestigious awards, including Songwriter of the Year and Album of the Year. One of the standout moments of the night was her collaboration with Billie Eilish on the track Guess, which won Song of the Year.
Exploring new musical territories
Looking toward the horizon, Charli hinted that her next project will take a different direction from brat. She stated, “I enjoy working with contrasts. Whatever I create next will naturally differ from brat. Currently, I’m experimenting with strings in my music, a space I’ve yet to explore fully.” This new focus indicates a willingness to evolve and adapt her sound as she continues her artistic journey.
Beyond music: Charli’s expanding horizons
In addition to her musical endeavors, Charli is also stepping into the world of acting. She is set to appear in films such as Faces of Death and The Gallerist, which is already in post-production. Furthermore, she will star in and co-produce The Moment, an A24 film alongside notable talents like Alexander Skarsgård and Kylie Jenner.
She expressed her desire to diversify her creative outlets, stating, “While I love music, I feel a strong need to channel my creativity into different forms. I find myself more engaged with films than with music at times.”
Personal reflections: Family and relationships
During her conversation with Paltrow, Charli also touched upon her recent marriage to George Daniel, the drummer and producer from The 1975. Their romance blossomed after meeting through frontman Matty Healy, and Charli recalled, “We connected during an Australian festival and realized there was a spark between us.” This sweet beginning turned into a deep relationship that she cherishes.
As the discussion shifted to family, Charli opened up about her thoughts on motherhood. She acknowledged the lingering stigma regarding women who choose not to have children, stating, “I fluctuate between wanting kids and feeling unsure about it. Right now, I’m leaning towards not pursuing that path, but my perspective could change in the future.”
Charli’s narrative reveals a multifaceted individual who is not only a talented musician but also a burgeoning actress and a woman contemplating her personal choices. Her journey reflects a commitment to authenticity and creativity, making her an inspiring figure in the contemporary music landscape.
