History of Charli XCX in Timeline
Charlotte Emma Aitchison, better known as Charli XCX, is an English singer and songwriter. Her career began on Myspace in 2008 where she posted songs that led to her discovery. By 2010 she signed with Asylum Records and released a series of singles and mixtapes.
August 1992: Birth and Family Background
Charlotte Emma Aitchison was born in August 1992 to a multicultural family in Cambridge, England. Her mother had a Gujarati Indian background, while her father was Scottish.
August 1992: Birth of Charlotte Emma Aitchison
Charlotte Emma Aitchison, later known as Charli XCX, was born in August 1992.
2008: Early Recordings and Stage Name
At age 14, Charli XCX recorded her first album, "14". She adopted the stage name Charli XCX, derived from her MSN Messenger username, during her early performances at warehouse raves. She later pursued a fine arts degree but dropped out to focus on her music career.
2008: Early Music Career and Myspace Releases
In 2008, a young Charli XCX began posting her songs on Myspace, leading to her performing at warehouse raves and eventually signing a record deal.
2010: Musical Exploration and Collaboration with Ariel Rechtshaid
After signing with Asylum Records, Charli XCX experimented with different sounds and producers before finding success with Ariel Rechtshaid, with whom she co-wrote "Stay Away".
2010: Signing with Asylum Records
Charli XCX signed a recording contract with Asylum Records in 2010, marking a significant step in her career.
November 2011: Critical Acclaim for Early Singles
Charli XCX's early singles, "Stay Away" and "Nuclear Seasons", released in 2011, received critical acclaim, including "Best New Track" accolades from Pitchfork.
2011: Release of Singles "Stay Away" and "Nuclear Seasons"
Charli XCX released the singles "Stay Away" and "Nuclear Seasons" in 2011, garnering attention and praise from music critics.
2012: Rise to Prominence and International Success
Charli XCX's collaboration with Icona Pop on "I Love It" in 2012 propelled her to international fame. The song became a global hit, reaching the top ten in multiple countries.
2012: Friendship with Huck Kwong
Charli XCX and Huck Kwong's connection dates back to 2012 when they first became friends, laying the groundwork for their future relationship.
2012: Breakthrough with "I Love It" and Early Mixtapes
Charli XCX rose to prominence in 2012 with the release of "I Love It" with Icona Pop. She also released her debut mixtapes, "Heartbreaks and Earthquakes" and "Super Ultra", further showcasing her musical style.
April 2013: Release of "True Romance" and Collaboration with Marina
Charli XCX released her debut album, "True Romance", in April 2013, which garnered positive reviews. She also collaborated with Marina on the single "Just Desserts" that year.
2013: Early Stages of Charli XCX's Second Album
In 2013, Charli XCX began working on her second album, initially considering India and France as recording locations. She eventually chose Sweden, aiming for a punk-inspired sound. Working with Patrik Berger, the album was made quickly and spontaneously. Despite the initial punk direction, the album was later scrapped in favor of a more pop-oriented sound.
2013: Debut Album "True Romance" Release
In April 2013, Charli XCX released her debut studio album, "True Romance", to critical acclaim but moderate commercial success.
2013: Charli XCX's Evolving Sound
Throughout 2013, Charli XCX continued to work on her second album, collaborating with various artists such as Rivers Cuomo and Rostam Batmanglij. She released "SuperLove" as the lead single, marking her first solo entry on the UK Singles Chart. Despite its initial inclusion, "SuperLove" was eventually removed from the album's final tracklist.
January 2014: "Allergic to Love" Release
In January 2014, Charli XCX shared "Allergic to Love" on SoundCloud, offering another glimpse into her evolving sound during the creation of her second album.
December 2014: Sucker Release in North America
Charli XCX released her second studio album, 'Sucker', in December 2014 in North America. The album, featuring the hit single "Boom Clap," marked her first entry on the US Billboard 200 chart.
2014: Songwriting for Iggy Azalea
Charli XCX co-wrote the song "Beg for It" for Iggy Azalea in 2014, showcasing her songwriting talent.
2014: Dating Huck Kwong
Charli XCX and Huck Kwong began dating in 2014, marking the beginning of their romantic involvement.
2014: Collaboration on "Fancy" and Release of "Boom Clap" and "Sucker"
2014 marked a successful year for Charli XCX with her contributions to Iggy Azalea's hit "Fancy". She also released her own successful singles, "Boom Clap" and "Break the Rules", from her punk-influenced second album, "Sucker".
February 2015: Sucker Release in Europe
Following its North American release, Charli XCX's second studio album, 'Sucker', was released in Europe in February 2015.
May 2015: "Famous" Release
Charli XCX released "Famous" in May 2015 as the fourth single from her album 'Sucker'. The song's music video, released earlier in March, received critical acclaim.
July 2015: Work Begins on Third Album
Charli XCX revealed in July 2015 that she had started working on her third studio album, describing it as her most pop and electronic project to date.
August 2015: Cancellation of US Tour
In August 2015, Charli XCX cancelled the second leg of her US tour with Jack Antonoff, citing "personal reasons."
October 2015: "Vroom Vroom" Premiere
Charli XCX premiered "Vroom Vroom" on Beats 1 Radio Show in October 2015, initially announcing it as the first single from her upcoming third studio album.
2015: Exploration of Experimental Sound
Beginning in 2015, Charli XCX embraced a more experimental sound in collaboration with producers associated with PC Music.
2015: Co-writing "Same Old Love" for Selena Gomez
Charli XCX further demonstrated her songwriting skills in 2015 by co-writing the hit song "Same Old Love" for Selena Gomez.
February 2016: Vroom Vroom Recordings and EP Release
February 2016 marked the launch of Charli XCX's experimental pop label, Vroom Vroom Recordings, alongside the release of her 'Vroom Vroom' EP. The EP, primarily produced by Sophie, served as a glimpse into the sonic shift planned for her third studio album.
July 2016: A.G. Cook Becomes Creative Director
In July 2016, Charli XCX announced that A.G. Cook, founder of PC Music, would be her creative director.
2016: Release of "Vroom Vroom" EP
Charli XCX released the EP "Vroom Vroom" in 2016, further showcasing her evolving sound and image.
February 2017: "After the Afterparty" and "Bounce" Performances
Charli XCX performed her single "After the Afterparty" on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in February 2017, alongside a new track titled "Bounce," featuring Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.
March 2017: Collaboration on Mura Masa's "1 Night"
Charli XCX featured on Mura Masa's single "1 Night," released in March 2017.
March 2017: Number 1 Angel Mixtape Release
Charli XCX released the 'Number 1 Angel' mixtape in March 2017. The mixtape featured collaborations with several female artists and was largely produced by artists from PC Music.
July 2017: "Boys" Release
Charli XCX released "Boys" in July 2017, accompanied by a self-directed music video featuring a star-studded cast of male celebrities.
August 2017: Lollapalooza Performance and Album Leak
August 2017 saw Charli XCX performing at Lollapalooza. However, it was also marked by the significant leak of her then-unfinished third studio album, leading to its cancellation and the decision to create a new album.
December 2017: Pop 2 Mixtape Release
'Pop 2', the follow-up to 'Number 1 Angel', was released in December 2017. The mixtape featured collaborations with artists like Carly Rae Jepsen, Tove Lo, and more.
2017: Mixtapes "Number 1 Angel" and "Pop 2"
Charli XCX further explored her experimental sound with the releases of mixtapes "Number 1 Angel" and "Pop 2" in 2017.
2017: Contribution to Blondie's "Tonight"
Charli XCX co-wrote the song "Tonight" for Blondie's album in 2017, marking a collaboration with a music icon.
March 2018: Pop 2 Performance at El Rey Theatre
Charli XCX performed her 'Pop 2' mixtape at El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles in March 2018.
May 2018: Taylor Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour
Charli XCX joined Taylor Swift's 'Reputation Stadium Tour' as an opening act, alongside Camila Cabello, starting in May 2018.
October 2018: Release of Single '1999' with Troye Sivan
On 5 October 2018, Charli XCX released the single '1999' with South African–Australian artist Troye Sivan. The single, serving as the lead from her third album Charli, reached number 13 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming her tenth Top 40 single and her first Top 15 single since 2015. The music video, released on 11 October 2018, features various references to 1990s pop culture with both Charli XCX and Sivan starring.
May 2019: Release of 'Blame It on Your Love' and Performance at Primavera Sound
On 16 May 2019, Charli XCX released 'Blame It on Your Love', featuring American singer Lizzo. The same month, on 30 May 2019, she performed a new song 'Gone' with Christine and the Queens at Primavera Sound in Barcelona. She also collaborated with Diplo and Herve Pagez on 'Spicy' on 30 May 2019.
2019: Co-writing "Señorita" for Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello
Charli XCX contributed to the global hit "Señorita" by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello in 2019 as a co-writer.
2019: Critically Acclaimed Album "Charli"
Charli XCX's third studio album, "Charli", was released in 2019 to widespread critical acclaim.
2019: Relationship with Huck Kwong
In 2019, Charli XCX was in a committed relationship with Huck Kwong, marking a significant period in their on-and-off relationship that began in 2014.
April 2020: Announcement of Album 'How I'm Feeling Now'
In April 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Charli XCX announced a new album titled 'How I'm Feeling Now'. The album was written and recorded in six weeks during the lockdowns, with Charli using Instagram to engage with fans by posting variations of lyrics and sound samples for voting.
July 2020: Open Letter for LGBT\u002B Rights
In July 2020, Charli XCX added her voice to the call for a ban on all forms of LGBT\u002B conversion therapy by signing an open letter addressed to the UK's Equalities Minister at the time, Liz Truss.
2020: Release of "How I'm Feeling Now"
Charli XCX released her fourth studio album, "How I'm Feeling Now," in 2020, marking a period of prolific output.
February 2021: Charli XCX's Collaboration Announcements and Releases
Early in February 2021, musician No Rome announced he was working on a track featuring Charli XCX along with The 1975. On 19 February 2021, she featured on a new version of 'Charger' by Elio.
March 2021: Collaboration on "Spinning"
Charli XCX's path crossed with The 1975's drummer and producer, George Daniel, in March 2021 when they collaborated on the No Rome track "Spinning," marking the start of their professional and personal connection.
2021: Collaboration on "Out Out" and Continued Success
In 2021, Charli XCX collaborated with Jax Jones and Joel Corry on the single "Out Out".
2021: Co-writing "You for Me" for Sigala and Rita Ora
Charli XCX co-wrote the song "You for Me" for Sigala and Rita Ora in 2021, showcasing her continued involvement in popular music.
March 2022: Release of "Crash" and Public Relationship with George Daniel
March 2022 marked a significant turning point in both Charli XCX's personal and professional life. Not only did she release her album "Crash" in collaboration with George Daniel, the drummer and producer for The 1975, but their collaborative efforts also extended beyond the album's title track to several songs on its deluxe edition. Notably, this period coincided with the couple's public acknowledgment of their romantic relationship.
2022: Release of "Crash" and Commercial Success
Charli XCX achieved her biggest commercial success to date with the release of her fifth studio album, "Crash", in 2022.
2022: Breakup with Huck Kwong
Charli XCX and Huck Kwong ended their relationship before 2022, marking the end of their long-term partnership.
2022: Contribution to Film Soundtracks
In 2022, following the release of her album Crash, Charli XCX contributed to the soundtrack of three films, including releasing the single 'Hot Girl' for the movie Bodies Bodies Bodies.
August 2023: Collaboration with Addison Rae
In August 2023, Charli XCX collaborated with singer Addison Rae on the song '2 Die 4' from Rae's extended play AR.
November 2023: Engagement to George Daniel
Charli XCX's relationship with George Daniel progressed to a new level of commitment when the couple got engaged in November 2023, solidifying their bond after a period of dating and collaboration.
2023: Featured on "Barbie the Album"
Charli XCX contributed the single "Speed Drive" to "Barbie the Album" in 2023.
February 2024: Charli XCX's Second Boiler Room Set
In February 2024, Charli XCX played her second Boiler Room set since 2020, titled PARTYGIRL, on 22 February in Brooklyn. The event received about 37,000 RSVPs, the largest amount in Boiler Room history, with only 400 allowed entry. The set featured guest performances from A.G. Cook, George Daniel, Doss, Easyfun, Addison Rae, and Julia Fox.
June 7, 2024: Release of Sixth Studio Album 'Brat'
Her sixth studio album, titled 'Brat', was released on June 7, 2024. The lead single, 'Von Dutch', was released on 29 February 2024.
2024: Release of Sixth Studio Album "Brat"
Charli XCX released her sixth studio album, "Brat", in 2024, demonstrating her continued musical evolution.
2024: ASCAP Global Impact Award
In recognition of her significant contributions to pop music, Charli XCX was honored with the ASCAP Global Impact Award in 2024.