Charli XCX, born Charlotte Emma Aitchison on August 2, 1992, in Cambridge, England, has carved a unique path in the music industry. Growing up in Essex, she was exposed to a diverse range of music, thanks to her parents’ eclectic tastes. This early immersion sparked her passion for music, leading her to write songs and perform at local events during her teenage years.
In 2008, Charli began sharing her music on MySpace, a platform that allowed her to reach a broader audience. Her distinctive style caught the attention of a promoter who invited her to perform at warehouse raves and parties in London. These underground performances helped her develop a strong stage presence and connect with the city’s vibrant music scene.
By 2010, Charli had signed with Asylum Records, marking a significant milestone in her career. However, finding her artistic identity within the mainstream music industry proved challenging. She experimented with various sounds and styles, striving to balance her experimental inclinations with commercial appeal.
Her breakthrough came in 2012 when she co-wrote and featured on Icona Pop’s hit single “I Love It.” The song’s success catapulted her into the spotlight, showcasing her talent for crafting catchy, energetic pop anthems. This momentum continued with her collaboration on Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” in 2014, further establishing her as a formidable force in pop music.
In 2014, Charli released her own hit single, “Boom Clap,” which became a chart-topping success and was featured on the soundtrack of the film “The Fault in Our Stars.” This track solidified her status as a solo artist capable of delivering mainstream hits while maintaining her unique edge.
Over the next few years, Charli continued to push the boundaries of pop music. She released a series of mixtapes, including “Number 1 Angel” and “Pop 2,” which were praised for their innovative production and collaborations with various artists. These projects allowed her to explore new sounds and cement her reputation as an avant-garde pop artist.
In 2019, she released her third studio album, “Charli,” followed by “How I’m Feeling Now” in 2020, an album created during the COVID-19 lockdown. These works received critical acclaim for their introspective lyrics and experimental production, reflecting her growth as an artist unafraid to take risks.
Charli’s fifth studio album, “Crash,” released in 2022, marked a commercial high point, becoming her first number-one album in the UK and Australia. The album showcased her ability to blend mainstream pop sensibilities with her signature experimental flair, appealing to a broad audience.
In June 2024, Charli unveiled her sixth studio album, “Brat.” The album drew inspiration from the 2000s English rave scene, featuring a more aggressive club sound. “Brat” received widespread acclaim, debuting at number one in the UK, Australia, and Ireland, and reaching number three on the US Billboard 200, marking her highest debut in the United States.
The album’s lead single, “Guess,” featuring Billie Eilish, became Charli’s first number-one hit as a lead artist on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s success was complemented by a provocative music video, which garnered significant attention and sparked discussions about its bold themes.
