Charli xcx

Charlotte Emma Aitchison (born August 2, 1992), professionally known as Charli XCX, is an acclaimed English singer and songwriter. Born in Cambridge and raised in Start Hill, Essex, she began her musical journey by posting songs on Myspace in 2008, which led to her being discovered by a promoter and performing at warehouse raves. This early exposure culminated in her signing with Asylum Records in 2010. Over the next two years, she released a series of singles and mixtapes, setting the stage for her future success.

Charli XCX gained international recognition in 2012 through her collaboration with the Swedish duo Icona Pop on the hit single “I Love It.” The song’s success helped launch her career. Her debut album, True Romance (2013), received positive reviews but did not achieve significant commercial success. In 2014, she gained further prominence with her contribution to Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy,” which became a global hit and earned two Grammy nominations. That same year, Charli released “Boom Clap,” her first solo top-ten single on the Billboard Hot 100. Her second album, Sucker (2014), featured popular singles like “Break the Rules” and “Doing It,” showcasing a punk-influenced sound.

In 2015, Charli began collaborating with producers from the UK collective PC Music, leading to a more experimental phase in her career. During this period, she released the Vroom Vroom EP (2016) and the mixtapes Number 1 Angel and Pop 2 (both 2017). Her third studio album, Charli (2019), and fourth album, How I’m Feeling Now (2020), received widespread critical acclaim. Her fifth album, Crash (2022), marked her most commercially successful release to date. In 2023, she contributed the single “Speed Drive” to the soundtrack of the film Barbie. The following year, she released her sixth studio album, Brat, which also received critical acclaim.

Beyond her solo work, Charli XCX has co-written numerous songs for other artists, including Selena Gomez’s “Same Old Love,” Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello’s “Señorita,” and Sigala and Rita Ora’s “You for Me.” Her songwriting prowess earned her the ASCAP Global Impact Award in 2024.

Charli XCX’s music spans a wide range of genres, including dance-pop, electropop, pop-punk, and alternative pop. Her lyrics often explore themes of sex, love, hedonism, and cars. Her sound evolved significantly with her collaborations with PC Music, leading to an avant-pop direction. Albums like How I’m Feeling Now and Crash showcased her versatility, incorporating elements of hyperpop, synth-pop, and 1980s pop.

Influenced by artists such as No Doubt, t.A.T.u., Avril Lavigne, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Donna Summer, Charli XCX has consistently cited the importance of constant reinvention, drawing inspiration from icons like Madonna and David Bowie. Her performances are known for their energy and incorporation of rave culture, often featuring guest stars and dynamic visuals. Charli XCX remains a dynamic and influential figure in the music industry, known for her innovative sound and creative evolution.