METAL 42 Cover story Charli xcx : the cult of Charli

Obsessively repeated tracks on the radio, in the club or in our playlists form intimate rituals in our lives – a favourite song can soundtrack a romance and later evoke heartbreak, and like addicts we keep going back for more. Charli XCX is one of those artists who consistently hits the charts, plays sell-out shows and commands an impressive online space with 3.6 million followers on Instagram. Ritual listening can lead to worship, and that’s the case for Charlotte Aitchison’s musical persona, Charli XCX, followed by her debut True Romance. We chat about her latest album Charli, the modern feminine voice and reconnecting with nature.