UK singer Charli XCX has unveiled a new collaboration with John Cale, the former multi-instrumentalist of the iconic band Velvet Underground. The track, titled “House,” marks the first release from Charli’s score for the film adaptation of Emily Brontë‘s classic novel, Wuthering Heights.
“House” features a poignant spoken word segment from Cale, accompanied by his distinctive viola, leading into a powerful chorus where Charli passionately expresses, “I think I’m gonna die in this house.” The song blends Cale’s artistic influence with Charli’s vibrant style, creating a unique sound that resonates with the themes of the source material.
Creative Inspiration and Connection
In a recent Instagram post, the 33-year-old Charli XCX shared her excitement about working with Cale, revealing her long-standing admiration for his music. She cited being inspired by Todd Haynes‘ 2021 documentary that focused on Velvet Underground, particularly Cale’s remarks about their artistic drive to create music that is both “elegant and brutal.”
“We got connected, we spoke on the phone and wow… that voice, so elegant, so brutal,” Charli wrote. “I sent him some songs, and we started discussing ‘House.’ We explored the idea of a poem, and he recorded something that only John could do. It made me cry.”
Visual Presentation and Themes
The release is accompanied by a visually striking video, which depicts Charli lying in a bed within a forest setting, while the 83-year-old Cale recites his lines. The imagery culminates with Cale placing his hand on Charli’s head as a raven takes flight, symbolizing freedom and transformation.
In her post, Charli emphasized the contrast between her previous album, Brat, and this new project, expressing a desire to explore different emotional landscapes. “When I think of Wuthering Heights, I think of many things. I think of passion and pain. I think of England, the Moors, the mud and the cold. I think of determination and grit,” she reflected.
This collaboration not only highlights Charli XCX’s versatility as an artist but also pays homage to the rich musical legacy of John Cale and Velvet Underground. As the film adaptation of Wuthering Heights approaches, fans can anticipate further musical explorations from both artists.
