In a candid interview with i-D, Charli XCX and Troye Sivan shared their thoughts on the evolution of pop music, spotlighting rising star Chappell Roan as part of a new wave of queer artists making their mark on the genre.
Charli, who recently wrapped up her ‘Crash’ world tour, emphasised how pop music is now embracing niche artists.
“I think it’s a really interesting time in pop music, where [being] niche is being rewarded in a way that we haven’t seen for a while,” she explained.
“It feels like there’s this new wave of artists with different ambitions and cultural touchpoints who are really thriving in mainstream culture. And I think that’s myself, that’s Troye, that’s Chappell [Roan].”
Roan, who stormed the scene with her viral hit “Pink Pony Club,” has quickly become a symbol of queer empowerment in pop. “When I think about the three of us, that’s a lot of music that either is inherently a part of queer culture or is very much inspired by it,” Charli said, noting how queer representation in pop is no longer rare.
“You have so many artists being outwardly gay and talking about drag culture. It’s cool that this is not an anomaly anymore.”
Sivan, whose 2023 single “Rush” became a TikTok sensation with over 250 million streams, agreed with Charli’s take.
He pointed out that artists like Charli and Roan have stuck to their unique sound, which is now resonating with larger audiences. “It’s not like you guys have changed your approach. It doesn’t feel like you’re actively striving to get the masses or anything like that,” he said.
“To me, it comes across as the most authentic, real vulnerable version of you, and that’s the one that’s connected.”
Chappell Roan’s 2022 breakout single “Casual” showcased her ability to blend emotionally raw lyrics with infectious pop hooks, and with the growing popularity of her latest EP The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, her influence in the genre is undeniable.
Meanwhile, Troye Sivan is preparing to kick off his Australia and New Zealand tour, as well as performances at Spilt Milk’s House Parties in Perth, Newcastle and Gold Coast.
The pop superstar will be touring in Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney this November, performing at some of the country’s most iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House Forecourt. He’ll also cross the water to perform at Auckland’s Spark Arena on December 2nd.
Charli XCX, whose latest album Brat became the staple of the summer, also hinted at the spectacular staging for their upcoming Sweat Tour this September, saying, “The staging is fucking crazy. I mean, not to hype it up too much, but it’s great.”
The Sweat tour kicks off in Detroit on September 14th.
