An audience made up of nearly 100,000 people rang in a new era in Charli XCX's career: music, fashion, and film. On Friday, July 31st, Charli XCX performed to her biggest crowd yet. Stretched out across Grant Park in Chicago, an audience made up of nearly 100,000 people rang in a new era in her career: music, fashion, and film. 

The album, titled “Music, Fashion, and Film”, features somewhat of a holy trinity of cultural icons on its cover: John Cale (music), Marc Jacobs (fashion), and Martin Scorsese (film). While “Brat” had a dinner table seated with It Girls of 2024, “Music, Fashion, and Film” takes a more understated approach. But both prove Charli XCX’s vision for being an artist: paying tribute to the figures who have shaped your own creative perspective.

The album is documented on film, introduced by a tousled Charli speaking directly into the camera, letting curious viewers into the elusive life of what it's like to be famous and make art in this current moment. She’s ironic and honest at the same time, speaking the same language that we do, and knows how to articulate exactly what fame is really like.

In a different interview this summer, she forecasted a movement of "anti-marketing," with less promotions shaped by big labels and traditional tactics, and more of a DIY approach. Other artists are catching on. 

“Secret shows” have been popping up by musicians like Phoebe Bridgers and Gracie Abrams, due in part to Charli XCX, who has used them in attempt to harness the fame that often feels like an untameable beast. She wants to connect with her art, and with those who consume it, conscious that it is all part of one bigger unit.

I was fourteen years old when "I Love It" by Icona Pop featuring Charli XCX came out, and the feeling it evoked is what the best pop music always does: it let me take things less seriously, nuances and all. She offers permission to roll your eyes and let things go, promising you that you can be many things at once.