“How much you’re under scrutiny is a really interesting thing.” This quote from pop sensation Charli XCX perfectly encapsulates her journey as an artist. From being an indie darling to a mainstream success, Charli has faced her fair share of scrutiny and has come out on top, proving her talent and resilience time and time again.
The British singer-songwriter, whose real name is Charlotte Emma Aitchison, rose to fame in 2013 with her hit single “Boom Clap” from the soundtrack of the movie “The Fault in Our Stars”. Since then, she has become a household name with her catchy pop tunes and unique style. However, her rise to fame has not been without its challenges.
In a recent interview with NME, Charli opened up about her early days as an artist and how the music industry perceived her. She stated, “I was 19 when I first started releasing music and I was just writing songs in my bedroom. I didn’t have any connections in the industry or any big team behind me. So, when I first came out, I was seen as this rebellious, alternative pop artist. I remember people calling me a ‘brat’ and saying I was too edgy for the mainstream.”
Despite the initial criticism, Charli continued to stay true to herself and her music. She released her debut studio album “True Romance” in 2013, which received critical acclaim but failed to make a mark on the charts. However, this did not deter her, and she continued to work hard and hone her craft.
In 2014, Charli collaborated with Australian rapper Iggy Azalea on the hit single “Fancy” which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the biggest songs of the year. This collaboration brought Charli to a wider audience, but it also came with its challenges.
“I remember when ‘Fancy’ came out, I suddenly had this whole new audience that didn’t really get me or my music. They saw me as this one-hit wonder pop star, and I felt like I was being put under a microscope. It was a strange and uncomfortable feeling,” Charli shared.
However, she did not let this stop her from pursuing her passion. In 2015, she released her second album “Sucker” which received commercial success and solidified her position as a pop superstar. The album featured hit songs like “Break the Rules” and “Doing It” and showcased Charli’s growth as an artist.
With her third album “Charli” released in 2019, the singer took a different approach and pushed the boundaries of pop music even further. The album featured collaborations with artists like Lizzo, Troye Sivan, and Christine and the Queens and received critical acclaim for its experimental sound and bold lyrics.
“I feel like with each album, I’ve grown as an artist and as a person. I’ve learned to take risks and not be afraid to be myself. I want my music to be authentic and honest, and I think that’s why it resonates with my fans,” Charli stated.
Her honesty and authenticity have indeed struck a chord with her fans. She has built a dedicated fanbase who appreciate her for who she is and the music she creates. Charli also has a strong presence on social media, where she often interacts with her fans and shares updates on her music.
In addition to her music, Charli is also known for her fashion choices and has been praised for her bold and unique sense of style. She has collaborated with major fashion brands and has even been featured on the cover of magazines like Vogue and Elle.
Looking back at her journey, Charli reflects, “I’m grateful for all the ups and downs because they have shaped me into the artist I am today. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be different and not conform to what the industry or society expects of you. How much you’re under scrutiny is a really interesting thing, but at the end of the day, all that matters is staying true to yourself.”
Charli XCX’s story is a testament to the fact that staying true to oneself and persevering through challenges can lead to success. She continues to break barriers in the music industry, and her journey is an inspiration to many. We can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.
