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Charli XCX is preparing to take her music in a bold new direction with her upcoming eighth studio album, signaling a shift away from the sound that defined her recent era.
In a new interview with British Vogue, the 33-year-old artist revealed that her next project will lean into rock music. While working on the still unfinished album with longtime collaborators A. G. Cook and Finn Keane described the move as both intentional and refreshing. She suggested that the energy she once drew from dance music has changed, pushing her to explore a different sonic space.
Despite the genre shift, Charli said her creative process still thrives on nightlife and real world experiences. She explained that being out, observing people, and living in the moment continues to shape how she writes and develops ideas.
She also made it clear that she had no interest in creating a follow up that mirrors the success of her previous album. Repeating the same formula, she said, would have felt limiting and emotionally draining. Instead, she is focused on redefining what rock music can look and sound like through her own artistic lens.
The new album is expected to include a mix of themes, from playful and self aware tracks about identity to more personal reflections. Some songs reportedly touch on her relationship with her husband, George Daniel, while others explore how her life has evolved following the success of her last project.
Charli also spoke candidly about her long career in music, noting that after nearly two decades in the industry, it can be harder to find excitement in familiar sounds. This has partly driven her decision to experiment more boldly. The new record is said to move away from heavy use of Auto Tune and instead incorporate more guitar driven production, giving it a rawer feel.
Even as she embraces this change, she remains aware that not everyone will respond positively. She acknowledged that some listeners may be uncomfortable with the shift, but said she is comfortable with that reaction.
Following the success of her previous work, Charli explained that she felt a strong pull to do something different. Moving toward a more introspective and restrained style has allowed her to reconnect with her creativity in a quieter, more personal way as she shapes this next chapter.
