POOF PIECE No. 11: The Bratnaissance

I know I’m not out of line by saying that the Bratification of Charli’s latest album has taken over and courteously placed a chokehold on all of us mere mortals. Her latest album is a delicious, provocative treat on what it means to be messy, fab, self-aware, destructive and in turn, productive when it comes to taking ownership of our own life and our choices.

To be honest with you, when it comes to pop stars I’ve never truly resonated with a “diva” the way my contemporaries have. Sure, Gaga is fab, Ariana? Stunning! Mariah…an memeable icon. But their music has never made me want to dance so much that my body is drenched in sweat and in turn my beautiful, full bangs scream “au revior” and part like the red sea. It just hasn’t been worth it. Sue me!

In saying that, I’ve been a fan of Charli’s for a good decade. I’ve loved her, I’ve adored her, her music has always resonated with me in a way that it has been the closest thing to understanding the fandom that is pop music. Her and Sophie, respectfully.

Charli’s latest album, however, has transcended the charts and fast become a lifestyle which is the most exciting thing about the evolution of HRH Charli XCX. She makes it okay to not know, to be in the middle. To be on a journey not necessarily knowing the destination so long as you stay real to yourself and be accountable for the decisions you make along the way. Sure, be a brat but don’t be clueless. Ugh, as if!

When I first listened to “I think about it all the time”, I legitimately cried in my car, then replayed the song over and over so I could re-feel those feelings once more. Yes, I was having a rough week, but it was a turning point for me where her art, helped me. Maybe it’s because we’re a similar age or maybe it’s because she made it okay for me to take a breather and relish in the moments that are happening around me as opposed to expecting everything but.

When I lived in London, someone’s “age” was the least important thing about them. It was their interests, their hobbies, their person that was the subject of conversation…not what they did or how much they have achieved by this point. Working in the industry I do whilst also living in a country where you’re expected to have reached certain “milestones” by a certain age, feels as though it’s holding a constant mirror up in front of you saying “YES, AND!?”, this isn’t in the fun improvised way but in the, “Is that it?” way. This itself is toxic as anything and would not be Charli approved. Call me a brat but why oh why should we all be doing the same thing at the same time? Ewwy! Take your time, kiss your friends, take the scenic route, go out and dance and my goodness, buy that cold brew! Savouring the small things is way more fun.

Listening to this album reinvigorated the feeling of I’m okay and that I’m exactly where I need to be. So, f*ck off everyone else, I’m doing me and I’m doing it damn well. So, if I come across as a “mean girl”… that’s not the intention, my intention is that I am at the helm of my story and you’re not meant to be front and centre [queue piano breakdown]. I’m constantly reminded in a capitalist society that I don’t have enough followers to get a certain job, or that I haven’t got enough experience, or that I need to work out more, or that I need to be more masculine to score a modelling gig. All of that is bull! And honestly, thank you Charli for helping remind me of that.

We all have something special; we all have a unique experience and voice. Sure, it may not be our “time” now, but Charli is a testament that you should never switch or change gears to ensure that you’re pleasing others in hopes of levelling up. Because eventually, people will get it, and you will get your flowers.

If someone says this is obnoxious? Well, my answer is, “who the f*ck are you, I’m a brat”. Only kidding(?). But, genuinely, the moral of the story here is to march to your own drum, sweat to whoever makes you move, respect yourself and give yourself grace when you’re feeling a wee bit vulnerable.

So ultimately, Charli has taught me that:

Brat    and   it’s

the    same  but

it’s   you  and your

fab   so   it’s    not

Mwaz love ya,

xoxo Sandy xoxo