Charli XCX, how i’m feeling now
Charli XCX’s new album how i’m feeling now is one of the first albums that has been entirely written, produced and released in lockdown. How i’m feeling now is an ambitious project that Charli launched on 6th April telling fans:
“for me staying positive goes hand in hand with being creative”
How i’m feeling now has become my lockdown soundtrack but I know it’s an album that will still be there for my party/love song/electro-pop needs when we are all together again.
Charli is in lockdown with her previously long-distance boyfriend and how i’m feeling now has plenty of lockdown love inspired songs (forever, 7 years, enemy & i finally understand). As well as, of course, the party tracks we know her for (pink diamond, party 4 u, visions) all taking on new meanings in lockdown. On pink diamond, Charli sings; “I'm online and I'm feeling so glamorous (Ah) / Watch me shine for the boys and the cameras (Hey) / In real life, could the club even handle us?”
While life shuts down, this music bursts out. - Pitchfork Anna Gaca
A truly digital popstar Charli held zoom meetings and Instagram lives which fans could join and give their opinions on artworks, collaborate on lyrics and listen to demos together.
The music video for ‘Forever’ featured submissions from fans of their homes, loved ones, pets, favourite memories etc. Charli received over 5000 submissions which were edited by Dan Streit into the finished video below;
Creating an album from scratch is no mean feat and ‘how i’m feeling now’ is a testament to Charli’s work ethic. In an IGTV update on the album Charli told her fans;
“Yesterday I cried. Frustrated that I am so obsessed with working. I was feeling like I was asking too much of people. Pushing everyone during quarantine to make stuff when maybe some people just wanna chill. And I felt frustrated at myself that I hadn’t done everything that I wanted to do . Yesterday was a non-day and I guess you just get days like that. But today is a new day.”
Charli’s ability to push herself to create art in lockdown has blessed us with a great pop album. But since the release of her album Charli has shared her struggle with feeling ‘lost, overwhelmed and fragile’. In an honest update Charli wrote:
“I’m updating you on how i’m feeling because i want to be open and honest with you and i want to let you know that if you’re feeling emotionally volatile or a bit lost and confused right now - it’s ok. It happens to everyone and you should not feel weak or guilty or wrong, and you should definitely not start comparing yourself to others.”
As we examine productivity and what that looks like in a pandemic this month at The Yes List we can be inspired by Charli’s creativity and work ethic while keeping in mind her advice that it’s ok to feel lost right now.
You can follow Charli on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube or check out the album on Spotify.