Charli XCX, renowned for her eclectic pop sound, has taken on a new creative challenge, contributing an original song titled "House" to the soundtrack of Emerald Fennell’s anticipated adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights'. The track finds its roots in collaboration with John Cale, the legendary musician from the Velvet Underground, adding a layer of classic influence to the project.
The singer recently teased her upcoming song on social media, offering fans a glimpse into her creative process. Charli expressed her excitement over immersing herself in the unique world that Fennell has crafted for this film adaptation, which stars Margot Robbie as Catherine and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. "After being so in the depths of my previous album [Brat], I was excited to escape into something entirely new, entirely opposite," she wrote.
In her post, she elaborated on how the themes of 'Wuthering Heights', which include passion, pain, and the rugged landscape of the Moors, deeply inspired her work. These elements, she noted, were central themes as she navigated the music creation process.
While working on the music, Charli frequently reflected on a description she had previously heard John Cale use to characterize Velvet Underground's music: "elegant and brutal." This idea resonated with her as she composed the song, keeping her focused on blending beauty with raw emotion.
Charli reached out to Cale, sharing her vision and inviting him to contribute. His response was a poem that moved her to tears, marking the beginning of a collaborative journey that she described as a privilege.
The track "House" is set to release on Monday, ahead of the film's February release. It's the first new material from Charli since the release of the full Brat remix album in late 2024. Fans are eagerly anticipating not only the song but also Fennell’s fresh take on the classic gothic novel.
In the teaser, Charli is seen lying with a man's hand resting gently in her hair, setting a mood that aligns perfectly with the film's atmospheric and brooding nature. "Can I speak to you privately for a moment?" a voice intones over stark violin notes, evocative of the tension and drama that the upcoming film promises.
Fennell's adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights' adds to a rich history of cinematic interpretations of Emily Brontë’s work, each offering a new perspective on the timeless tale of star-crossed lovers. The inclusion of Charli XCX's new track is poised to add a contemporary twist to the film's haunting narrative.
See the teaser for Charli XCX's "House" here.