Charli XCX’s latest album “Brat” has not only dominated the charts but has also become a surprising political talking point, with even CNN anchor Jake Tapper stating on air that he “aspire[s] to be brat.” Released in June, the album features 18 party-girl anthems and has firmly planted Charli XCX in the mainstream. Despite her claim that “My music is not political,” her influence has reached unexpected places, from viral dance trends to political commentary.
The Brat aesthetic, known for its party vibe, effortless cool, and a signature shade of green, has gained so much cultural traction that it has become a political talking point. This happened when Charli tweeted, “kamala IS brat,” in July, following President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection campaign and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate.
Charli XCX, known for her iconic house parties and innovative music, has been a significant force in pop for over a decade. Her recent rerelease of “Guess” featuring Billie Eilish surpassed Taylor Swift and Ice Spice’s “Karma” for the most-streamed remix debut by a female artist on Spotify. Additionally, her highly anticipated remix with Lorde has captivated fans.
This fall, Charli XCX will embark on the Sweat tour with Troye Sivan, marking another milestone in her career. Despite being considered an “underdog pop girl,” her album “Brat” has achieved mainstream success this summer. Her song “Apple” has gone viral, inspiring dance challenges from celebrities like Stephen Colbert and Brooke Shields to grandmas on TikTok.
Emily Ratajkowski, a close friend of Charli XCX, describes her as a pop star who is “larger than life but also vulnerable and kind of sad.” This complex persona resonates with fans and adds depth to her music. Charli XCX’s collaborations with rising artists such as Tove Lo, Caroline Polachek, Kim Petras, Lizzo, and Sivan further showcase her influence in the industry.
Charli XCX has been transparent about her ambition to keep her music rooted in the rave and DIY nightclub scenes where she began her career as a teenager. Her dedication to this ethos is evident in the energetic and eclectic nature of her work. Despite the success of “Brat,” she has openly expressed her desire for a Grammy nomination and shared her disappointment on social media when her album “Crash” did not receive one.
In an interview, Charli XCX reiterated that her music is not intended to be political, even though her song “365” was included on Barack Obama’s playlist. As her influence continues to grow, it is clear that Charli XCX’s impact stretches far beyond the dance floor, permeating both cultural and political spheres.
Charli XCX’s ability to consistently innovate and stay relevant in an ever-changing industry underscores her status as a formidable figure in modern pop music. As she prepares for her upcoming tour and continues to release groundbreaking music, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see what she does next.
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