Charli XCX Unveils “Wink Wink” Video
In a surprise move that needed only a brief flutter of eyelashes, Charli XCX dropped the music video for her fresh track “Wink Wink” on short notice. Directed by Aidan Zamiri, the clip finds the pop icon declaring she’s “not a bad girl anymore” while weaving through whimsical scenes: she savoring ripe strawberries in an open field, scrubbing glass panes on a sunlit window, slipping onto a rooftop, and ultimately letting loose in a solo dance that feels both liberating and mischievous. The visual blends pastel visuals with a kinetic energy that reinforces Charli’s reputation for playful, genre‑bending pop.
How the New Track Fits Into the Album’s Creative Vision
“Wink Wink” serves as the third preview of Charli’s forthcoming full‑length project, “Music, Fashion, Film”. The single follows the headline‑grabbing “Rock Music” and the more conventionally pop‑oriented “SS26”. While those earlier releases hinted at a shift away from the electronic dance‑floor sounds that defined her earlier work, “Wink Wink” cements a direction that is equal parts cheeky and experimental. The song’s lyricism—centered on self‑reflection and playful defiance—offers a glimpse into the thematic breadth of the upcoming record, suggesting that the album will traverse emotional territories beyond the club‑centric vibe of “Brat”.
Rock Influences and Guest Features on “Music, Fashion, Film”
Although Charli has publicly dismissed the idea that “Music, Fashion, Film” is a rock album, the record clearly draws inspiration from a spectrum of genres beyond pure dance pop. Notably, the cover art features three high‑profile collaborators: John Cale, fashion mogul Marc Jacobs, and filmmaker Martin Scorsese. Their inclusion signals a cross‑disciplinary approach to the album’s aesthetic, blending musical legacy with visual and cinematic storytelling. The presence of rock‑influenced instrumentation on “Rock Music” further illustrates Charli’s intent to step outside the conventional pop box, even if the final product remains firmly rooted in her signature electronic palette.
Tour and Festival Schedule Supporting the Release
To celebrate the upcoming release, Charli XCX has mapped out a concise arena tour that will bring the new material to live audiences across major markets. The itinerary includes a series of headlining sets at some of the world’s most prominent festivals: Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, and Austin City Limits. These dates are expected to serve as a launchpad for the “Music, Fashion, Film” era, giving fans a chance to experience the album’s tracks—including “Wink Wink”—in a live setting well before the July release.
