Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Charli XCX
How Charli XCX built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Charli XCX, born Charlotte Emma Aitchison, is a British pop singer and songwriter who began her career by posting music on Myspace and immersing herself in the London rave scene. She signed with Asylum Records in 2010, releasing singles and mixtapes. Her breakthrough came in 2012 with her feature on Icona Pop's hit song "I Love It," which achieved international success. Her debut album, True Romance, was released in 2013 to critical acclaim but didn't achieve significant commercial success.
2008: Posting Songs on Myspace
In 2008, Charli XCX began posting songs on Myspace before entering the London rave scene.
2008: Posting Songs on Myspace and Performing at Raves
In early 2008, at the age of 14, Charli XCX began posting songs on her Myspace page and was invited to perform at illegal warehouse raves in East London.
2008: Release of Early Singles
In late 2008, Charli XCX released the singles "!Franchesckaar!" and "Emelline"/"Art Bitch" under Orgy Music, though she later expressed distaste for this early music.
2010: Signing with Asylum Records
In 2010, Charli XCX signed a recording contract with Asylum Records.
November 2011: Release of 'Nuclear Seasons'
In November 2011, Charli XCX released the single "Nuclear Seasons", gaining attention from Pitchfork and earning "Best New Track" accolades.
2012: Collaboration on Icona Pop's "I Love It"
In 2012, Charli XCX collaborated with Swedish duo Icona Pop on "I Love It," which became an international hit after she decided not to release it herself.
2012: Featured on "I Love It"
In 2012, Charli XCX was featured on "I Love It" by Icona Pop, which became her first number-one song in the UK.
April 2013: Release of True Romance
In April 2013, Charli XCX released her debut album True Romance, which received positive reviews from critics.
2013: Release of True Romance
In 2013, Charli XCX released her debut studio album, True Romance, which received positive reviews but did not achieve commercial success.
January 2014: Release of "Allergic to Love"
In January 2014, Charli XCX released the song "Allergic to Love" on her SoundCloud page.
December 2014: Release of Sucker in North America
In December 2014, Charli XCX's album Sucker was released in North America.
2014: Featured on "Fancy" and Release of "Boom Clap"
In 2014, Charli XCX was featured on Iggy Azalea's single "Fancy", which became her most streamed song. She also released "Boom Clap", her first solo top-ten single in the US.
2014: Success with "Fancy" and Writing for Other Artists
In early 2014, Charli XCX was featured on Iggy Azalea's "Fancy," which topped the Billboard Hot 100. She also wrote for other artists like Iggy Azalea and Ryn Weaver.
February 2015: Release of Sucker in Europe and "Doing It" Single
In February 2015, Charli XCX released her album Sucker in Europe and the single "Doing It" featuring Rita Ora.
May 2015: Release of "Famous"
In May 2015, Charli XCX released "Famous" as the fourth single from Sucker.
July 2015: Announcement of Third Album
In July 2015, Charli XCX announced that she was working on her third album, describing it as "the most pop thing, and the most electronic thing" she had ever done.
August 2015: Cancellation of Second Leg of US Tour
On 21 August 2015, Charli XCX announced that a planned second leg of her US tour with Bleachers would not go ahead due to "personal reasons".
October 2015: Premiere of "Vroom Vroom"
In October 2015, Charli XCX premiered the new song "Vroom Vroom" on the Beats 1 Radio Show, claiming it would be the first song released from her third studio album.
2015: Working with PC Music Producers
In 2015, Charli XCX began working with producers associated with the UK collective PC Music, developing a more experimental sound and image.
February 2016: Launch of Vroom Vroom Recordings and Release of Vroom Vroom EP
On 23 February 2016, Charli XCX announced the creation of her experimental pop record label, Vroom Vroom Recordings, and released the Vroom Vroom EP on 26 February 2016.
July 2016: A. G. Cook signed as Creative Director
In July 2016, British producer A. G. Cook, who is the founder of PC Music record label, was announced to have signed on as Charli XCX's creative director.
2016: Release of Vroom Vroom EP
In 2016, Charli XCX released the EP Vroom Vroom.
March 2017: Release of "1 Night" Single
On March 2017, Mura Masa released his single "1 Night", which featured vocals from Charli XCX.
July 2017: Release of "Boys" and self-directed music video
On July 2017, Charli XCX released "Boys", along with a self-directed music video featuring an ensemble cast of male celebrities, including Joe Jonas and Brendon Urie, among others.
2017: Co-writing "Tonight"
In 2017, Charli XCX co-wrote Blondie's "Tonight".
2017: Releasing Mixtapes Number 1 Angel and Pop 2
In 2017, Charli XCX released the mixtapes Number 1 Angel and Pop 2.
May 2018: Opening for Taylor Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour
In May 2018, Charli XCX began performing on Taylor Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour as an opening act alongside Camila Cabello.
May 2019: Release of "Blame It on Your Love"
On May 2019, Charli XCX released the second single from Charli, "Blame It on Your Love", featuring American singer and rapper Lizzo. Also Charli XCX pulled out of BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend.
2019: Co-writing "Señorita"
In 2019, Charli XCX co-wrote the Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello collaboration "Señorita".
2019: Release of Charli album and "1999" single
In 2019, Charli XCX released her third studio album, Charli, which produced the hit single "1999".
January 2020: Featured on Galantis song
In January 2020, Charli XCX was featured on the Galantis song "We Are Born to Play", which was used as the theme song for the Japanese theme park Super Nintendo World.
April 2020: Announcement of New Album
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2020, Charli XCX announced a new album, titled How I'm Feeling Now.
2020: Release of How I'm Feeling Now
In 2020, Charli XCX released her fourth studio album, How I'm Feeling Now, which was made during the COVID-19 lockdowns and received critical acclaim.
February 2021: Collaboration with No Rome and The 1975
Early in February 2021, the Dirty Hit signed musician No Rome announced he was working on a track featuring Charli XCX along with label mates The 1975.
March 2021: Collaboration on "Spinning"
In March 2021, Charli XCX met George Daniel while working on the No Rome track "Spinning".
2021: Co-writing "You for Me"
In 2021, Charli XCX co-wrote the Sigala and Rita Ora collaboration "You for Me".
March 2022: Release of album Crash
On March 18, 2022, Charli XCX released her album Crash, which included collaborations with George Daniel on the title track and several deluxe edition songs.
2022: Release of Crash album
In 2022, Charli XCX's fifth studio album, Crash, became her first number-one album in the UK and Australia.
2023: Contribution to the Barbie film soundtrack
In 2023, Charli XCX contributed the UK top-ten single "Speed Drive" as part of the soundtrack of the 2023 film Barbie.
2024: Release of Brat and Grammy Nominations
In 2024, Charli XCX's sixth studio album, Brat, became her second UK number-one album. Brat and its songs earned eight Grammy Award nominations, including Album of the Year, and three wins.
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