Charli xcx feared Brat would get her dropped by her record label

November 5, 2025 – Radio 854 Music News:

The Moment of Truth

Pop-dynamo Charli XCX recently revealed that while making her sixth studio album Brat she genuinely believed that her record label might drop her. She said:

“Okay, I’m just going to do this one for me. Maybe I’m going to get dropped by my label and that’s fine.”
Despite the fear, the album launched in June 2024 and soared—topping charts and becoming a cultural moment.

What Was Going On Behind the Scenes

• Charli was in a headspace where she stopped worrying about pleasing others and instead created music just for herself.

• She admitted she was ready to accept “the worst case” (being dropped) if it came. Tiny voices of anxiety, giant creative risk.

• The label risk paid off: Brat became not only successful, but it connected widely with listeners and emerged as a defining album in her career.

Why It Matters for Pop & for Us at Radio 854

At Radio 854 (Pop / Oldies / Top 40) this story is gold:

• Authenticity wins: Charli’s shift from chasing hits to making what she felt shows how artists are valuing truth over trends.

• Risk + reward: She risked her deal—but got rewarded. It’s a reminder that the most interesting pop often comes when artists step off the “safe” path.

• Link to our listeners: Many in our audience love pop stars who defy expectations. Charli does that. We can highlight this story when we play a track from Brat or a throwback where she teamed up with other stars.

• Potential talking point: Use this for a segment like “Behind the Hit” or “Pop Risk Takers” where we discuss how an album came to be and the gamble artists take.

Suggested Article Text for the Website

Headline: “Charli XCX: ‘I made Brat for myself – I was ready to get dropped by my label’”

Lead: British pop powerhouse Charli XCX has opened up about the making of her sixth album Brat, admitting she believed it might cost her her record deal.

Body: In a candid interview, Charli revealed that while creating Brat she shifted her mindset away from chasing hits or label approval, instead focusing purely on her own creative vision. She told how she entered the studio with the thought: “Maybe I’m going to get dropped by my label and that’s fine.” Yet, when Brat launched in June 2024 it became a phenomenon—topping charts and resonating with fans in a big way.

She explained this outcome was partly due to timing and culture shifting in favour of rawer, more personal pop. Ahead lies her next chapter: she has already teased new music that will “inherently be different” to Brat.

Why it’s important: The story highlights one of pop’s most dynamic patterns right now—artists embracing vulnerability, aesthetic risks, and defining success on their own terms. For listeners of Radio 854 who love both chart-toppers and the stories behind them, Charli’s journey offers a fresh reminder that the biggest hits sometimes come from the boldest moves.

Call to action: Tune in for a special moment when we play “Guess” or other selections from Brat and stay tuned to hear the next evolution of Charli’s sound. And don’t forget: share your favourite “risky pop” moment with us on socials using #Radio854PopStories.