With the release of her highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Charli’ only less than a month away, Charli XCX is in full promotional mode. Spending some time down under to chat to different radio, TV, print, online media and to have the now infamous tea debate on Sunrise, the UK singer-songwriter is making sure to touch all bases.
But while she was in Australia, she wanted to have a little fun too and interact with her hardcore Angels, with some who have been following her since 2011. Announcing a secret show in Sydney, fans had to pre-order her album to go into the draw to win tickets to the intimate show at Oxford Art Factory. With the venue at full capacity, the crowd was in heavy anticipation to see the pop icon take to the stage. Perto and Ninajirachi hit the decks in the lead up to Charli’s arrival and had everyone dancing and screaming along to all their pop faves.
With moody neon lights soaking the stage, Charli XCX finally emerged wearing a ski jacket ensemble which seemed way to hot for the packed venue. Opening with the fan favourite ‘Track 10’ she transitioned into ‘Blame It On Your Love’ with the crowd screaming Lizzo’s verse with ease for her. “Sydney, you ready or what?” she screamed to the ecstatic crowd as she launched into a setlist of fan favourites and hits including ‘Lucky’, ‘I Love It’, ‘Vroom Vroom’ and ‘Focus’.
In typical Charli fashion, she admitted she was a little fucked up but so excited to be spending the night with the fans. “I’m a little fucked up and I know that’s apart of my brand, but I had two espresso martinis at dinner and I feel so weird”.
The setlist was really well curated as she tackled a lot of favourites like ‘Boys’, ‘Gone’, ‘Unlock It’ and her recent Spice girls tribute with Diplo ‘Spicy’. With the album less than a month away she was meant to perform the unreleased ‘Cross You Out’ as a little surprise but due to a lack of time to soundcheck properly she pulled the song last minute. Closing out the set with ‘Girls Night Out’ and the ultra tune ‘1999’, she lived up to expectations and exceeded her crazy nostalgic pop vibes in this intimate and fun show that was exclusively for her fans.
‘Charli’ will be released on 13 September. You can pre order a physical copy from Sanity HERE; https://www.sanity.com.au/products/2427768/Charli