The British pop star shares her respect for The 1975 frontman amidst the fallout from a controversial performance at a Malaysian festival, as they prepare for a musical collaboration.
British singer and Brat girl, Charli XCX, has discussed her artistic admiration for The 1975 frontman, Matty Healy, amidst the backdrop of a controversial on-stage kiss that led to significant repercussions at a Malaysian music festival last year. The singer, whose real name is Charlotte Aitchison, made these remarks during an appearance on The Zane Lowe Show on Apple Music 1, where she also announced The 1975’s collaboration on the upcoming remixed version of her album, Brat.
Healy, renowned for his candid and often provocative performances, found himself in the spotlight in July 2023 when he delivered a speech addressing homosexuality — a subject considered illegal in Malaysia — during their headline performance at the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur. Healy punctuated his speech by kissing bass player Ross MacDonald on stage. This act resulted in the festival’s premature cancellation by organisers Future Sound Asia, who later sought £1.9 million in damages from the band, citing breach of contract and financial losses.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Kuala Lumpur incident, Charli XCX appears to hold Healy in high regard both personally and professionally. She is set to include him in the remixed version of her song I Might Say Something Stupid. On Zane Lowe’s show, she said, “He’s like my brother now, and I hope he wouldn’t mind me saying this, but I have an endless amount of respect for him as a songwriter and as a person, but I sometimes want to strangle him.”
Reflecting on the events at the Malaysian performance, she remarked, “I can’t speak on his behalf at all, but all I’ll say from my perspective in terms of that show, is that I just really enjoy people who take a risk in terms of what they’re putting out there artistically. I think that show is a little divisive, but I think great art is divisive.”
Charli XCX, who is engaged to The 1975’s drummer George Daniel, has long admired the band, stating, “Even before being with George, years and years ago, I’ve always been such a fan of their work. (Healy) is thinking of the way everything is digested in terms of their work, their artwork, their font, their videos, their everything – it’s very, very holistic.”
The 32-year-old artist has also been making waves on social media with her recent “brat girl summer” trend, which has taken TikTok by storm. This movement marries grunge and hyper-feminine aesthetics, promoting self-love, positive body image, and a sultry style. It marks a stark contrast to the prior “clean girl” trend focused on minimalism and simplicity. Charli XCX associates the look with being unapologetically oneself, encapsulating an edgy, carefree summer vibe.
The remixed version of “Brat”, featuring The 1975, is set for release on Friday, October 11.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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