'It's part of my DNA': Charli XCX and the fight to save club culture

Charli XCX, a well-known pop artist, is currently performing in large arenas across the UK. Her journey in music began when she was a teenager sneaking into raves, and now she is captivating audiences with her talent. Recently, she took the stage at the Glastonbury Festival alongside other popular artists like Romy and Robyn. The atmosphere was electric as they stood behind the DJ decks, illuminated by a vibrant red light, with Charli sporting her iconic sunglasses. The Brat arena tour, which has just kicked off in Manchester, aims to keep the excitement of summer alive as the colder months approach. However, there is a pressing question: can this massive tour provide the much-needed support to the struggling club scene in the UK? London DJ Moxie shared her concerns with BBC Newsbeat, stating that the current state of clubbing is quite alarming. According to the Music Venue Trust, over 100 music venues in the UK have closed, with more than half of them shutting down completely. Moxie explained that many students, who are typically the backbone of club attendance, are opting to stay in due to financial constraints. The rising costs of living have made it difficult for them to enjoy nights out, which has had a significant impact on local venues. Moxie expressed her worries about the future of the clubs where Charli XCX honed her skills. She reminisced about the days when Charli was just starting out, performing at warehouse gigs. Moxie recalled attending raves where Charli was present at the young age of 15. She believes that Charli is opening up a vital conversation about the venues that have shaped her career. As these beloved spaces begin to vanish, Moxie hopes that Charli's fanbase will develop a renewed appreciation for club music, which has been on the decline. 'Especially if someone like Charli XCX is telling them: 'This is where I've come from, the clubs have made me, it's part of my DNA',' she said. Charli is not the only artist bringing club music to the forefront; Fred Again headlined the Reading and Leeds festival this summer, and Peggy Gou has also enjoyed a series of sold-out shows. Charli's latest album, Brat, is up for several prestigious awards, including the Mercury Prize. During her performance on Saturday Night Live, Charli showcased her unique style, kneeling on stage and singing passionately into the microphone, her long black hair flowing behind her. Brat is Charli's sixth album and has garnered attention for its innovative sound, earning nominations for three Grammys and the Mercury Prize. Following the success of Brat, she released a remix album titled Brat And It's Completely Different But Also Still Brat, and now she is on tour. Fans attending Charli's show in Manchester were pleasantly surprised by the ticket prices. Friends Niamh and Freya mentioned that they only paid £40 each, which they found to be quite reasonable. They had expected the tickets to be more expensive, especially when compared to other major artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, whose tickets can cost significantly more. In recent years, many people in the UK have reported that going out has become increasingly expensive, with two-thirds of individuals under 34 stating that they have reduced their outings. Niamh and Freya were thrilled to see Charli and expressed hope that her music would help revitalize the club scene. They traveled from Chester, where the club scene is limited, but they enjoy supporting artists and venues in other towns. Tasha and Lucas, who also spent £40 on their tickets, are optimistic that Charli XCX will contribute to the growth of the clubbing culture. Tasha remarked, 'She's the first in our generation to make that crossover,' while Lucas added, 'She's breaking boundaries. ' Other concertgoers shared that they were new to clubbing and that Charli's music had introduced them to this vibrant culture. Amara, a fan, noted, 'Party culture died out a bit. I hope this revives it. ' Music journalist Shaad D'Souza expressed his hope that many of Charli's fans would be as enthusiastic about clubbing as Amara. He is particularly excited about the potential impact of Brat on the future of club music and the importance of people going out to dance and support local venues. Shaad believes it is refreshing to see an artist like Charli exploring underground sounds. He pointed out that many pop musicians today often reference the history of pop music, but Charli is doing something different by drawing inspiration from various styles. He believes that when pop music only looks inward, it loses something essential. Shaad is optimistic about what the Brat tour could mean for the clubbing scene, suggesting that while there is a growing market for large events like festivals, smaller clubs can still thrive alongside them. He stated, 'I don't think the big pop tour is eating the small club landscape. ' He emphasized that the real reasons for club closures are property development and strict council regulations, rather than the influence of any single pop star.