Charli XCX has released a short studio clip offering insight into the creation of a forthcoming track titled Rock Music, which forms part of work on her next studio album.
The black-and-white footage, filmed in October, shows Charli XCX in a Paris recording studio working with producer A. G. Cook and Finn Keane. Both collaborators also contributed to her 2024 studio album Brat. In the clip, she is seen discussing the concept for the track, saying: “It would be cool if we could have a song that was called ‘Rock Music’,” before the group explore early sonic ideas in the studio.
The video also includes a brief view of an iPhone Notes document in which she drafts early lyrical material. The notes read: “Me and my friends / We go out / We take pictures together / We sometimes cry / We kiss each other incestous vibes.” The accompanying caption from Charli XCX clarifies the concept of the track, stating: “a video of me making a song called ‘rock music’ that is not actually rock music which is funny because i never said i was making a rock album. love you xx”.
The preview follows confirmation from her team that she has been finalising work on her upcoming album. In a Vogue interview, Charli XCX said: “I think the dance floor is dead, so now we’re making rock music.” She also addressed her creative direction, explaining that she did not intend to replicate her previous record, adding: “If I’d made another album that felt more dance-leaning, it would have felt really hard, really sad. What’s interesting for me is to bend the possibilities of what my perspective on that could be.”
Her 2024 release Brat became a widely discussed cultural moment, often associated with the so-called “Brat Summer” phenomenon, and marked a significant stage in her international profile. Since that release, Charli XCX has expanded her work across music, film, and television projects.
Selected Projects and Recent Work
| Category | Project | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Music | Brat (2024) | Studio album |
| Music | Wuthering Heights | Soundtrack album |
| Film | Mother Mary | Music contributor (A24 production) |
| Film | Erupcja | Acting role |
| Film | 100 Nights of Hero | Cast member |
| Television | Overcompensating | Appeared as a comedic version of herself |
| Film | Untitled horror film | Cast alongside Milly Alcock |
In addition to these projects, she has also worked on the mockumentary The Moment. She has been announced for a new horror film directed by Takashi Miike, in which she will appear alongside actor Milly Alcock.
Looking ahead, Charli XCX is scheduled to make her headline debut at Reading & Leeds Festival in August, sharing top billing with acts including Fontaines D.C., Raye, Florence + The Machine, Dave, and Chase & Status.
She has also announced a Conversations event in New York City, where fans will be able to ask questions about her songwriting approach and creative process.