Charli XCX and Addison Rae first crossed paths several years ago when the TikTok sensation was venturing into songwriting. Since then, they’ve lent their voices to each other’s tracks: Charli featured on Rae’s breakout single “2 Die 4,” and Rae later appeared on the remix of Charli’s “Von Dutch.” Beyond their collaborations, the pair have cultivated a genuine friendship founded on mutual respect.
On Wednesday, August 13, Rae joined forces with producers Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser for Billboard’s annual Producers Issue, offering an inside look at the making of her debut album, Addison. Reflecting on her experience contributing to Charli’s album brat, Rae observed, “What I admired most about Charli’s brat was its authenticity and how it defied easy categorization. I aimed to approach my own work with that same blend of intention and spontaneity, though balancing those two elements is no simple feat.”
Charli also shared her admiration in the cover story, naming “Fame Is A Gun” and “Money Is Everything” as her favorite tracks. “I’m fascinated by how she chronicles her journey—her narrative is so singular,” Charli noted. “She effortlessly reshaped public perception, and that’s enviable. Her insights on fame, voyeurism, and wealth are conveyed with a compelling, potent authenticity.”
In the interview, Rae discussed the challenge of discovering her voice amid intense public scrutiny. Her debut single “Obsessed,” released in 2021, was met with mixed reactions. “I held myself to such high standards that the initial feedback felt disheartening,” Rae admitted. “But over time, I released that tension and allowed the song to stand on its own.”
Rae went on to describe how her collaboration with Anderfjärd and Kloser produced “Diet Pepsi,” the lead single from Addison. Launched in August 2024, the song shifted perceptions despite early skepticism from Rae’s inner circle. “Some said, ‘I’m not sure this is what listeners expect from you,’” she recalled. “I replied, ‘Perhaps they just don’t know what to expect from me yet.’”
“Diet Pepsi” emerged as a turning point, peaking at No. 54 on the Billboard Hot 100 and firmly establishing Rae as a pop artist to watch. Rae credits her work on “Von Dutch” with catalyzing her confidence. “During most writing sessions, I relied heavily on co-writers,” she explained. “Charli, however, prompted me to trust my instincts, and that moment marked a significant shift in my songwriting journey.”
Charli has witnessed Rae’s evolution firsthand. “Each time we write together, her self-assurance grows,” Charli observed. “Her artistic maturation feels accelerated because she stays true to herself and isn’t swayed by outside opinion. She creates from her own world, and that authenticity drives her evolution.”
When asked why she believes she’s achieved such rapid success, Rae credited her fearlessness and impeccable timing. Charli agreed, adding that Rae’s “joie de vivre” is equally crucial. “She lives boldly and experiments without reservation,” Charli praised. “In an era where everyone’s preoccupied with being relevant, her unfiltered creativity shines. It’s a rare and exhilarating quality.”
