Charli XCX Puts a Spin on Pop Stardom in Raw and Unfiltered Substack.
As she delves into the uncharted territories of being an artist, Charli takes us on a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, revealing what it's truly like to be a pop star. The enigmatic singer-songwriter begins by acknowledging that the label can be both liberating and suffocating at the same time.
For Charli, there is no one-size-fits-all answer as she describes herself as a "creative" rather than an artist. However, for this essay, she sticks to the specifics of being a pop star – a role in her life that's simultaneously exciting yet utterly ridiculous.
Charli isn't afraid to flaunt the perks of fame, from free merchandise and VIP access to performing in front of adoring fans. But beneath the glamour lies an unflinching critique of the industry's expectations and the crushing pressure to maintain a façade at all times.
In a particularly poignant moment, Charli confesses that while her fans' dedication can be humbling, it also forces her to confront the harsh realities of her chosen profession.
A glimpse into the grueling touring schedule is likened to feeling like "a commodity inhabiting strange and soulless liminal spaces." Traveling from one gig to another leaves her reeling from a mix of fatigue and isolation.
When asked if she's changed over time, Charli reflects on how her experiences have shaped her views on fame and identity. According to Yung Lean, an old friend, Charli is still the same person she was years ago – yet surrounded by the "yes people" who constantly feed her ego.
In a refreshing twist, Charli admits that she finds her favorite artists more fascinating for their flaws than their virtues. When it comes down to it, she wants her art to be authentic, daring, and above all, entertaining.
Charli concludes her essay with an unflinching acceptance of the performance art and the blurred lines between truth and fiction in her creative process.
As she delves into the uncharted territories of being an artist, Charli takes us on a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, revealing what it's truly like to be a pop star. The enigmatic singer-songwriter begins by acknowledging that the label can be both liberating and suffocating at the same time.
For Charli, there is no one-size-fits-all answer as she describes herself as a "creative" rather than an artist. However, for this essay, she sticks to the specifics of being a pop star – a role in her life that's simultaneously exciting yet utterly ridiculous.
Charli isn't afraid to flaunt the perks of fame, from free merchandise and VIP access to performing in front of adoring fans. But beneath the glamour lies an unflinching critique of the industry's expectations and the crushing pressure to maintain a façade at all times.
In a particularly poignant moment, Charli confesses that while her fans' dedication can be humbling, it also forces her to confront the harsh realities of her chosen profession.
A glimpse into the grueling touring schedule is likened to feeling like "a commodity inhabiting strange and soulless liminal spaces." Traveling from one gig to another leaves her reeling from a mix of fatigue and isolation.
When asked if she's changed over time, Charli reflects on how her experiences have shaped her views on fame and identity. According to Yung Lean, an old friend, Charli is still the same person she was years ago – yet surrounded by the "yes people" who constantly feed her ego.
In a refreshing twist, Charli admits that she finds her favorite artists more fascinating for their flaws than their virtues. When it comes down to it, she wants her art to be authentic, daring, and above all, entertaining.
Charli concludes her essay with an unflinching acceptance of the performance art and the blurred lines between truth and fiction in her creative process.