This past summer, no one could escape “Espresso” on the radio, the “Hot to Go!” dance on TikTok or even Kamala Harris’ inclusion of “Brat Summer” in her presidential campaign. Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter were undeniably the pop “it-girls” of the summer, infiltrating for-you-pages and playlists. Their sudden popularity, however, is a culmination of years in the music industry with middling success. Here are their rocky journeys to fame.
Charli XCX:
Before the pop culture phenomenon of “Brat Summer,” Charli XCX borrowed money in 2008 to post her self-made album “14” on MySpace. Noticed by illegal warehouse raves, she began her first DJ gigs there. Eventually, Asylum Records signed her, but Charli never thought the pop sound fit her vision. Fortunately, producers Rechtshaied and Berger solved the issue.
Charli’s music is often described as experimental, hyperpop punk; a clear antithesis to mainstream pop. Despite releasing five albums and almost fifty singles before “brat”, she has never garnered the level of hype other artists have. Still, she understands internet trends superbly and prioritizes incorporating such into her visual identity and aesthetic. This plays to her favor in her biggest album yet.
In 2024, Charlie released “brat”, a confident, vulnerable album that welcomes everyone to unapologetically embrace their messy individuality (“be brat”), all packaged with a jarring lime green and basic Arial font. Because its branding is so unexpected and unique, Charlie broke into the mainstream consciousness.
Chappell Roan:
While Chappell Roan is now renowned as one of the most iconic queer pop stars, her initial journey was rocky at best. At just 17, Roan managed to land a coveted music contract at an affluent label just by releasing music on YouTube. She released her first EP “School Nights” (2017) and single “Pink Pony Club” (2020) to lukewarm success. Unfortunately, after two more underperforming singles, Atlantic Records dropped her as an artist.
Roan persisted though, spending the next two years juggling odd jobs to self-fund her future music. In 2022, she began working as an independent artist on the album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” (2023). Her promotion included the Naked in North America and Midwest Princess tours, complete with her over-the-top stage outfits and drag performer openers.
Roan’s music slowly gained traction online as she opened Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts Tour and released her hit single “Good Luck Babe!” Leela Mathur, a junior at Wilcox, instantly became a fan upon first listen. She appreciates “[Roan’s] queer representation, especially because she’s unapologetically herself.”
Sabrina Carpenter:
It’s hard to imagine Sabrina Carpenter without her distinct curtain bangs, pastel corsets and platform boots on stage. Yet, Carpenter’s career started on Disney Channel playing Maya Hart in “Girl Meets World,” where she signed with Hollywood Records at 14 years old. Unfortunately, Carpenter’s inexperience, lack of direction and the studio’s dying influence led to minimal commercial success for her first four albums.
Luckily, Carpenter signed with Island Records in 2021 where her fifth album “Emails I Can’t Send” dropped the following year. The album featured new genres, lighter instrumentals and confessional lyrics while balancing raw honesty and sassy confidence. Her new persona quickly attracted new fans.
Carpenter is regarded as an enigmatic performer, unafraid to be cheeky or unserious. Her hilarious explicit puns, iconic looks, and infectious energy on stage blew up on social media. The momentum continues with her newest record “Short n’ Sweet” along with explosive singles “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” (#1 Billboard-Hot-100 hit).
Today, these three hardworking pop icons continue to inspire fans to persevere and embrace one’s self. As John Maxwell says, “The only guarantee for failure is to stop trying.”
