Charli XCX is a iconic and well known name in the Gen Z community, but after the BRAT summer she has become a queen. But will she stay ruling now summer is done?
You may be a fan of Charli but do you know about her rise to the top? From art school to raves Charli is making the most of her life and inspiring others to do the same. However she has not always been so big in the music industry and will she continue to be?
Talk Talk
Although we all know Charli from her edgy fashion and iconic songs, how much do you really know about her? Charli XCX, or to her family and more obsessed fans Charlotte Emma Aitchison, was born August 1992. The singer songwriter was born in Cambridge (England), and an only child to Shameera and Jon.
From an early age Charli showed an interest in music, taking a love for the Spice Girls and Britney Spears. While most 14 year old girls were scribbling crushes in their notebooks, Charli was beginning her song writing journey. It is obvious she had a talent from an early age.
A safe assumption to make is that someone so incredible, talented and beautiful would have had an easy upbringing surrounded by friends and popularity. However in reality Charli faced a lot of backlash at an early age for her Indian heritage.
Rewind
Myspace was the first stepping stone for Charli, and her initial way of putting her sound out into the world. Her passion was truly blooming, even convincing her parents to help her by lending her a grant. Something I am sure she is forever grateful for.
Her first official performance may surprise you, but then again her due to her edgy nature it may not. Charli is known for pushing the boat out and doing the unexpected. When a rave promoter from London asked her to perform in East London, how could she say no?
As soon as Charli she packed up her stuff and made her way to London to start a fine art degree. However by second year she had dropped out. In 2010, Asylum Records struck an interest in the young singer songwriter and signed her. By 2012 her first big hit “I love it” was released and loved by all. An iconic collaboration with Icona Pop.
You may assume Charli would carry on climbing to the top. However you would be wrong. Her debut album ‘True Romance”, was meant to be a huge success. But the record released in 2013 sadly flopped! Her name carried on to be successful behind the scenes when she created the bridge for Iggy Azaleas famous hit “Fancy”. This hit then went on to be nominated for 2 Grammys.
When you think Charli XCX, what song do you think of? Most of you would have the right answer- “Boom Clap”. The record was released in 2014, and succeeded immensely landing her first top 10 solo single on billboard hot 100. She carried on creating songs such as ” Vroom Vroom” before her break out with her album “Brat”.
360
Brat could be labelled as the takeover album of 2024. Since June when this collection of masterpieces was gifted to the public, many social media trends sparked. Her sixth album and definitely the most popular is adored by the masses. BRAT has already relieved 7 grammy nominations including album of the year.
But why was is her sixth album so insanely popular? Firstly the social media presence of BRAT, made it more than an album. On TikTok having a BRAT mindset, was the most important and prominent to have. A BRAT mindset means to radiant confidence, the gen z community have turned the album into a way of living. It does also have a side of messiness.
The colour green is also no longer just a colour it belongs to the album. Charli XCX has had her marketing team working overtime, which has been a huge success.
Another strand of BRAT that blew up immensely was “Apple”. The 11th song on the 15 piece album is easily one of the most popular that sparked a dance takeover on TikTok. The 15 second of simple dance moves was almost every video on the app and took the world by storm. Have you learnt it?
Von Dutch
Addison Rae is another name known to many. The 24 year old blew up on TikTok for her dancing videos and bright smile. A few years later she has formed a professional relationship and close friendship with Charli XCX. Collaborating with their song “Von Dutch”, a huge success. Another high performing record on BRAT. They even performed the song together and Rae’s “Diet Pepsi” on the sweat tour.
The sweat tour, was a chance for fans to scream and cry to the album of the summer. The sweat tour was a collaboration with the iconic Troye Sivan and lasted slightly over a month, travelling across Canada and America. The tour was full of surprise guest stars such as Tate Mcrae.
Every night one lucky fan would be showcased to the audience on a large screen to perform the iconic apple dance. Sweat tour created another social media blast with millions creating outfit videos and makeup inspiration for the tour. Some would mimic Charli’s fashion sense, but the main principal would be too look hot and feel confident.
I Might Say Something Stupid
Charli inspires people to be themselves, because that is what she is always herself. Although her climb to the top was a slow process she did not fall to the confines of expectations, a tricky thing to do in the industry. Even when things did not always go as planned she persevered. Eventually the world saw her for the queen she is.
But will she continue to be so big? After such an intense climb to the top and an iconic takeover of the music industry what is next for Charli XCX? A second album labelled “Brat and its completely different but also still brat” has been released. This album includes new versions songs but with features from stars such as The 1975 and Ariana Grande.
Unfortunately many on social media preferred the original album, is it possible that Charli is trying to cling to her new found popularity? After the breakout of BRAT is it possible we are now going to see the fall of Charli XCX time will tell.
