Charli XCX to Explore Strings on Next Album, Marking Significant Sonic Departure

Charli XCX, the acclaimed pop artist, has revealed her next musical endeavor will feature a significant exploration of string arrangements, signaling a distinct departure from the sound of her critically successful 2024 album, 'Brat'. Speaking on Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop podcast, the artist shared insights into her evolving creative process and future artistic direction.

"I'm exploring a lot of stuff with strings at the moment, which I’m really enjoying. I haven’t really worked in that space before," Charli XCX stated during the podcast, as reported by Genius. This indicates a potential move towards a more orchestral or stripped-back sound, a fresh approach for the artist known for her innovative electronic pop.

The shift is a deliberate artistic choice, driven by her natural inclination for contrast in her work. "Whatever I do next will just inherently be different to 'brat' because that’s what feels natural," she explained, emphasizing her desire to avoid repetition following the high-energy electronic production that defined her previous record.

Charli XCX cited iconic musician Lou Reed as a significant personal influence, further hinting at a potentially more minimalist or raw approach to her upcoming music. Her career has consistently demonstrated a willingness to evolve, with previous statements suggesting an openness to her projects serving artistic growth over commercial expectations.

This musical evolution comes as Charli XCX also expands her creative footprint into film, with multiple acting and production roles in development. This cross-medium exploration underscores her commitment to diverse artistic expression, promising a deeply personal and sonically adventurous new chapter in her prolific career.