Charli XCX

Occupation:
Musician
Date of Birth:
02 August 1992
Sex:
Female
Height:
1.6

Introduction:

Charli XCX (born Charlotte Emma Aitchison, August 2, 1992) is a British singer, songwriter, and pop icon known for her genre-defying music and boundary-pushing approach to pop. She rose to international prominence with her feature on Icona Pop's 2012 hit single "I Love It" and has since become a trailblazer in the music industry, celebrated for her innovative sound, collaborations with other artists, and influence on contemporary pop culture.

Early Life and Background:

Born in Cambridge, England, Charli XCX grew up in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire. Her father, Jon Aitchison, is a Scottish entrepreneur and former showbooker, and her mother, Shameera, is a nurse and former flight attendant of Indian and Ugandan descent. Charli displayed a passion for music from an early age, writing songs by the age of 14. She attended Bishop's Stortford College before pursuing a career in music full-time. Charli also experiences sound-to-colour synaesthesia, a neurological condition that allows her to perceive music as colours, which she credits as a significant influence on her artistic vision.

Music Career:

Charli XCX’s journey began in unconventional settings, performing at illegal raves and self-releasing her debut album, 14, in 2008, which she distributed to early gig attendees. After signing with Asylum Records in 2010, she gained traction with the singles “Stay Away” and “Nuclear Seasons” in 2011.

Her breakthrough came in 2012 when she co-wrote and featured on Icona Pop’s global smash hit “I Love It,” which reached number one in multiple countries. In the same year, she released two critically acclaimed mixtapes, Heartbreaks and Earthquakes and Super Ultra, and toured with Santigold and Coldplay.

Charli released her major-label debut album, True Romance, in 2013, which was lauded for its dark, emotional pop sound. Her follow-up album, Sucker (2014), marked a pivot to a punk-pop aesthetic and featured hits like “Boom Clap,” “Break the Rules,” and “Doing It” featuring Rita Ora. “Boom Clap” also became a mainstream success after its inclusion in the film The Fault in Our Stars. Additionally, she collaborated with Iggy Azalea on the chart-topping single “Fancy,” solidifying her place in the global pop landscape.

From 2015 onward, Charli explored experimental pop and electronic music. She released Vroom Vroom (2016), an EP produced by SOPHIE, which introduced her fans to hyperpop. Her mixtapes Number 1 Angel and Pop 2 (both 2017) became cult classics, showcasing collaborations with avant-garde artists like Kim Petras, Caroline Polachek, and Troye Sivan.

Charli’s third studio album, Charli (2019), was a deeply personal and collaborative project, featuring artists like Lizzo, Haim, and Christine and the Queens. In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, she released how i’m feeling now, a critically acclaimed album created in just five weeks, reflecting themes of isolation and self-discovery.

In 2022, Charli released her fifth studio album, Crash, which embraced an 80s-inspired aesthetic and included hit singles like “New Shapes” and “Beg for You.” The album debuted at number one in the UK, cementing her status as one of the most dynamic and versatile artists in pop music.

Personal Life:

Charli XCX has kept much of her personal life private but has been open about her relationships and experiences in interviews. She has been dating George Daniel, drummer for The 1975, since 2019. Charli is also an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has a significant queer fanbase. Her unique style and candid approach to fame have made her a role model for self-expression and creativity.

Legacy and Influence:

Charli XCX has been credited with shaping the future of pop music by blending mainstream and experimental elements. She has inspired a new generation of artists within the hyperpop and electronic music genres. Known for her collaborative spirit, she has worked with industry giants like Taylor Swift, BTS, and David Guetta while fostering emerging talents.

Recent Activities:

In 2023, Charli XCX contributed to the Barbie movie soundtrack with the hit single “Speed Drive,” which became a viral sensation. She also teased new music and hinted at a more experimental direction for her future projects. In addition to her music, Charli continues to influence fashion and culture through partnerships with major brands and appearances at high-profile events.

With her fearless approach to artistry and relentless drive, Charli XCX remains a defining figure in modern pop music.