Musician Charli XCX is the subject of a documentary titled "Alone Together," which details her process of creating an album during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project highlights the intersection of digital connectivity and artistic isolation. By documenting the constraints of lockdown, the film provides a record of how musicians adapted to global restrictions to maintain creative momentum.

The documentary was produced for the French-German broadcaster ARTE and is available for viewing on the network's online platform. It focuses on a specific period in spring 2020 [1], when Aitchison—known professionally as Charli XCX—sought a way to avoid inactivity during the mandatory lockdowns [1].

To combat the stagnation of the period, the artist set a challenge for herself to write and record a full album within a few weeks [1]. This process was not solitary, as the project incorporated direct participation from her fans [1]. The resulting work serves as a time capsule of the early pandemic era, capturing the urgency and limitation of that timeframe.

According to the broadcaster, the documentary will remain available for viewing on the ARTE platform until Dec. 15, 2028 [1]. The film explores the technical and emotional hurdles of remote recording, showcasing how Aitchison utilized available technology to bridge the gap between her home studio and her audience.

By utilizing fan contributions, the project transformed a period of social distancing into a collaborative digital event. This approach allowed the artist to maintain a professional output while adhering to public health guidelines in place during the spring of 2020 [1].

“Charli XCX sought a way to avoid inactivity during the mandatory lockdowns.”

The availability of 'Alone Together' provides a documented case study in 'remote collaboration,' illustrating how the music industry shifted toward decentralized production during the pandemic. By involving fans in the recording process, the project anticipated the rise of crowdsourced content and digital-first album cycles that have become more common in the post-pandemic era.