Yung Lean and Charli XCX are set to make waves with their latest music releases, capturing intrigue among fans and critics alike.
Starting with Charli XCX, the British pop star appears ready to pivot her sound significantly following the success of her latest project, ‘Brat’. At the recent Australian Laneway Festival, Charli expressed her admiration for Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground, stating, "What if we made a record with guitars or strings … or both? The Era Lou Reed maybe, I don’t know, there I leave it.” This bold reflection hints at her willingness to explore new sonic territories, departing from the electronic-pop blend she is known for.
Fans will recall Charli announced her music direction shift last July, confessing she longed to create music akin to Reed's innovative style—something she described as potentially huge. This wasn’t lip service; during her SNL debut, she made waves by wearing a t-shirt from Reed’s ‘New York’ album, signaling her artistic intentions clearly.
"It would definitely be a rather large turn," Charli said about this potential change. Her collaborator Finn Keane has hinted at this longing for noticeable changes. He stated, "The conversations we have had and the music we have touched these two months have been Anti-Brat.” With multiple references to Reed’s iconic work, Charli seems poised to marry modern aesthetics with classic rock influences, showcasing the iconic ‘60s guitar sound, which starkly contrasts with her previous work. One might wonder if this shift will resonate strongly with her audience.
Meanwhile, Yung Lean makes headlines with his new single, "Forever Yung," marking his return to the music scene since he hinted at his upcoming album. Set to launch his much-anticipated project titled "Jonatan" on May 2nd, Lean has already begun creating buzz around his new material. Featuring production by Rami Dawod, known for his work with artists such as Frank Ocean and Dua Lipa, there’s high expectation around this latest release.
Yung Lean, known for his diverse artistic expressions, also include influences from graffiti art to leading the seemingly viral Sad Boys movement. Currently only 28, he has forged a path as not just a rapper but also as an actor and visual artist. Describing his continuous evolution, Lean intriguingly conveys, "Like a phoenix, I will come up and rise" through this new project.
His upcoming show at the Avicii Arena on March 1st is set to be his biggest yet and reflects his growing legacy within the music industry. Notably, the artist has been flexing his acting chops as well, appearing alongside talents like Chris Evans and Anya Taylor-Joy, which broadens his artistic purview beyond just music.
The music video for "Forever Yung," directed by Aidan Zamiri—who has previously worked with other notable musicians like Billie Eilish—features fans and family members, adding layers of personal significance to the piece as Lean reflects on his life and career through new music.
Yung Lean’s unique artistic explorations extend through collaborations with the likes of Travis Scott and avant-garde musicians like Dean Blunt, marking him as someone who constantly pushes the envelope. The new single is indicative of his intention to synthesize his body of work, making it one of his most powerful artistic statements yet.
It’s fascinating to see how both artists are choosing to embrace change at pivotal points—Charli XCX hinting at influences from classic rock and layering new elements along with Yung Lean’s return to the scene with aspirations of self-identification through his art. How will Charli’s nod to the past and Lean’s resurgence define their next steps?
Both artists clearly show the brave leap of introspection and innovation, encouraging their respective fans to eagerly await what’s next. After all, what defines their artistry today might lead to completely unexpected sonic territories tomorrow!