Even with Lollapalooza in full swing at Grant Park, some fans of British pop star Charli xcx found themselves inWicker Park yesterday for a conversation with fans ahead of the musician’s headlining Lollapalooza performance Friday.
Tickets to the sold-out event were an approachable $30 and included a copy of the artist’s new album.
While an ice cream truck-turned-merch-stand blared tracks off her new album “Music, Fashion, Film,” fans sang, sweated and met new friends as they stood in line outside of the Reckless Records on Milwaukee Avenue.
The first two groups of fans in line had traveled from Alabama, Miami, and New York for Lollapalooza. After hours of standing next to each other, they realized they knew mutual people on socials and said this meetup might lead to future hangouts.
Two 17-year-olds sitting on the sidewalk under a blue umbrella had been in line since 11:30 a.m. for the 3:30 p.m. event. “I’ve never seen Charli live, so this is my opportunity,” said Addison Davis. “She’s just going to do a Q&A, but it’s the closest thing I’m getting.” Davis couldn’t get tickets to Lollapalooza but said this was a moment to make the most of it.
Charli xcx’s new album, “Music, Fashion, Film,” is a departure from her sixth studio album, “Brat,” which topped charts with its synthy club tracks and became a social media phenomenon, even making an appearance in former Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign.
The first track released from the new album, called “Rock Music,” sparked chatter online because of its heavy guitar riffs, prompting fans to wonder if the musician was moving away from danceable electronic music. But John Norat from Miami, Florida, who was standing in line for the event, had a response to some of the backlash
“There was a whole discourse about ‘the dancefloor is dead’ thing, but I think the music she’s making now is still from the dance world, but it’s rock,” Norat opined. “The most important thing about this era is the live performances and the cadence, how she carries herself on stage. She’s a rock star, and I’m just so excited.”
Victoria Adler, who was also waiting to see the pop star in person on Thursday, said she believes this album showcases Charli xcx’s deep knowledge of music. She went to two free “Music, Fashion, Film” screenings of a related film and is loving how fan focused it all feels.
“All these secret shows she’s doing that are pop-ups, it’s just refreshing in this time to see an artist as big as she is post-‘Brat’ really giving it back to the fans.”
The sold-out event inside the record shop was closed to media, and press photography was not allowed inside. Fans who had wrist bracelets and were allowed in crowded the musician, who spent nearly 40 minutes taking questions, graciously answering everything from what kind of lip gloss was in her purse to her thoughts about public transit.
She talked about how she made the album for herself, not the fans. She added that positive reception is a bonus, not the driving force behind her creativity.
Charli xcx headlines Lollapalooza Friday in one of the most female-forward lineups in the festival’s history. Fellow women headliners include Olivia Dean and Blackpink’s Jennie on Saturday and Canadian pop queen Tate McRae, J-pop star Ado and the xx’s Romy Madley Croft on Sunday.