British pop star Charli XCX shared memories of her first trip to Los Angeles and discussed her creative direction in a Rolling Stone interview.
These reflections provide insight into the artist's evolution and her efforts to redefine her public image as she expands into film and diverse musical styles.
Speaking with senior writer Angie Martoccio, the singer, born Charlotte Emma Aitchison, recalled the novelty of her early days in the city. She said she worked with Ariel Rechtshaid and experienced local staples like Pinkberry. "During that time, I worked with Ariel Rechtshaid… We would do things like go to Pinkberry, which was so exotic to me," she said. "I never had froyo before" [2].
The conversation also focused on her album “Music, Fashion, Film,” released in 2024 [1]. Charli XCX addressed public misconceptions regarding the project's sound, specifically the belief that the record leaned toward a rock aesthetic. "People keep assuming ‘Music, Fashion, Film’ is a rock album, but it’s really a pop record that pulls from a lot of different influences," she said [1].
Beyond music, the artist is transitioning into the cinematic world. She said her move into film was a logical progression of her existing artistic output. "I’m excited about the film projects I’m getting involved in – it feels like a natural extension of the music and visual side of my work," she said [1].
The interview coincided with a visit to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and surrounding neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The discussion served as part of a broader cover story for the July/August issue of Rolling Stone, highlighting the intersection of her personal history and her professional ambitions.
““People keep assuming ‘Music, Fashion, Film’ is a rock album, but it’s really a pop record””
By explicitly distancing her latest work from the rock genre, Charli XCX is asserting control over her sonic identity while signaling a multidisciplinary shift. Her move into film projects suggests a strategy to integrate audio and visual storytelling, moving beyond the traditional boundaries of a pop recording artist.
