The Rise of Charli XCX and the Brat Phenomenon
Pop star Charli XCX has revealed how her parents drove her to raves where she was performing, at the age of just 15. She added that she managed to persuade them to do that by telling them she had “swim practice… At 2:00 A.M.”
Charli XCX’s Musical Journey
The British singer, who is now 32, delivered an opening monologue while hosting Saturday Night Live (SNL) on NBC in the US. In it, Charli, whose real name is Charlotte Aitchison, told viewers how she got to where she is now. “I actually started performing when I was really young, and I played at my first rave when I was 15 years old,” she said.
She went on to joke that she has come “a long way” and now considers herself “a triple threat, which in England means I sing, I drink, and I smoke”. Charli’s sixth studio album inspired millions of posts on social media, plenty of dance moves and even reached the heights of American politics, with US presidential candidate Kamala Harris giving her social media a brat rebrand in an attempt to attract younger voters.
Defining the Brat Phenomenon
During her appearance on SNL, the British pop star defined exactly what brat means to her. “So many people have asked me, what is brat, and honestly, it’s just like an attitude, it’s a vibe,” she said. “I have to say brat summer has been a crazy experience,” she added.
In attempting to define the word on SNL, she cited an incident where US businesswoman Martha Stewart had mistakenly claimed a journalist who covered her legal proceedings was dead. “Martha gets mad about an old magazine article and she says that she’s glad the journalist who wrote it is dead – that is brat,” she said.
Charli has previously defined brat as a girl who “has a breakdown, but kind of like parties through it”, who is honest, blunt, “a little bit volatile”. She told the BBC’s Sidetracked podcast that someone brat might have “a pack of cigs, a Bic lighter and a strappy white top with no bra”.
The Brat Aesthetic and Cultural Impact
Creating an aesthetic has been something popularized on TikTok, with Charli’s brat girl summer seen as a rejection of other trends such as the “clean girl” who looks feminine and well kept. Brat was crowned Collins Dictionary word of the year earlier this month, with lexicographers defining it as someone with a “confident, independent and hedonistic attitude”.
Conclusion
Charli XCX’s journey from performing at raves at the age of 15 to becoming a cultural phenomenon with her album Brat has captivated audiences worldwide. The brat phenomenon and aesthetic have resonated with many, influencing social media, dance moves, and even political campaigns. Charli’s definition of brat as an attitude and vibe has sparked discussions and celebrations of individuality and confidence.
FAQs
What is the significance of Charli XCX’s album Brat?
Charli XCX’s album Brat has inspired a cultural phenomenon known as the brat way of life, with its impact felt in music, social media, and even politics. The album’s success has led to a rebranding of social media accounts and a celebration of confident, independent attitudes.
How has Charli XCX defined the term brat?
Charli XCX has defined brat as an attitude and vibe characterized by honesty, bluntness, and a bit of volatility. She describes a brat as someone who parties through breakdowns and embraces vulnerability, rejecting traditional standards of femininity and appearance.