Charlie xcx is known to fans for her avant-garde, innovative approach to pop music. For many, the singer-songwriter, who’s won 5 BRIT awards and 3 Grammys, is one of the most influential figures in 21st century pop. Born Charlotte Aitchison in Cambridge in 1992 and raised in Essex, she was still at school when she began posting songs on MySpace and performing at warehouse raves, eventually landing a record deal in 2010. Her stage name, Charli xcx is a nod to her MSN screen name from when she was younger. Charli xcx first had success writing and collaborating on hits for other people. Her 2024 album, Brat, became a global pop culture phenomenon and was even embraced by US Presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, for a while. Mark Coles charts her career from wannabe teenage rave DJ to major label star.

Presenter: Mark Coles
Producers: Natasha Fernandes and Sally Abrahams
Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele
Sound: David Crackles
Editor: Nick Holland

Credits:
CBS “America Decides”, July 2024. Abigail De Kosnik, associate professor for the Berkeley Center for New Media.
BBC 3 Charli XCX: Alone Together, D&Productions
Ivor Novello Awards 2025
!Franceskaar! Charli xcx, 2008
CBS News Shorts, 2024