In an exciting shift from the vibrant energy of her recent projects, Charli XCX is set to release a hauntingly innovative soundtrack for the film adaptation of *Wuthering Heights*. Collaborating once again with esteemed songwriter Finn Keane, known for his Grammy-winning work on her hit “Von Dutch,” the duo is diving into the darker realms of Emily Brontë’s classic novel. This fresh creative direction follows the cultural phenomenon of *Brat*, which captivated audiences in 2024, heralding a new chapter in Charli’s illustrious career.
From Brat to Brontë
Finn Keane, a long-time collaborator with Charli, describes their latest venture as a “perfect pivot” from the summer of *Brat*. With its infectious beats and danceable tracks, *Brat* dominated the charts, but as the season drew to a close, Charli was already envisioning a departure from that sound. “We were ready to do something completely different, not in the dance world,” Keane explains. The duo’s discovery of Emerald Fennell’s script for the movie sparked a creative partnership infused with passion and a shared excitement for the project’s gothic themes.
Keane reflects on the exhilarating moment they decided to expand their initial idea for a single track into a full album. While touring the *Brat* remix album, the pair seized fleeting moments to craft songs, turning hotel rooms into makeshift studios. “Charli was feeling really inspired, and it just blossomed from there,” he shares.
Embracing the Gothic
The sound of *Wuthering Heights* deliberately channels the dark, brooding atmosphere of Brontë’s narrative. Keane and Charli opted for orchestral elements recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, a decision that underscores their commitment to creating an emotionally resonant score. Keane even ventured to play the violin himself, albeit with little proficiency. “There’s a lot of me playing a really cheap, small violin,” he admits. “If you hear some really bad raspy playing, that’s going to be me.” This rawness contributes to the soundtrack’s authentic feel, combining professional artistry with a touch of personal grit.
During the film’s UK premiere, Charli cited influences from iconic artists like The Cure and Kate Bush, the latter of whom achieved her own success with a single titled *Wuthering Heights*. Keane further highlighted their collaboration with Welsh music legend John Cale, who lends his voice to the album’s first single, “House.” “When John Cale sends you this amazing spoken-word poem over music you’ve made, that’s just unreal,” he enthused, describing the moment as a “pinch me” experience.
A New Dimension to Charli’s Artistry
The forthcoming soundtrack features 12 tracks, including a collaboration with Tumblr darling Sky Ferreira. Keane emphasises that this project diverges significantly from their previous work on *Brat*, where Charli’s vision was unapologetically her own. “We aimed to create something that felt like a proper film score while still being distinctly Charli XCX,” he elaborates. The challenge lay in balancing the emotional depth of a cinematic piece with the catchiness of a pop song.
Keane expresses his anticipation for audiences to witness the film’s “visually stunning” elements, which he describes as “dark and just so beautiful.” He hopes that the soundtrack will evoke strong emotions that resonate with viewers. “I also hope they feel it’s a different part of Charli’s artistry, to see that she can make this kind of music as well as do something as incredible as *Brat*.”
As the film prepares for its UK release on 13 February, Keane offers a cheeky piece of advice for prospective viewers: “Go see it in the cinema, just don’t go with your parents, take a date.”
Why it Matters
The collaboration between Charli XCX and Finn Keane for the *Wuthering Heights* soundtrack signifies a bold artistic leap, inviting audiences to explore an unexpected dimension of Charli’s music. As she transitions from pop phenomenon to a versatile artist capable of tackling complex themes, this project not only broadens her repertoire but also enriches the contemporary landscape of film soundtracks. In a world where boundaries in art continue to blur, Charli’s journey exemplifies the power of reinvention and the impact of embracing one’s creative instincts.
