- Music
- 01 Aug 17
Charli XCX wanted to “flip the male gaze” on its head.
Charli XCX told BBC Breakfast that one of the aims of her music video ‘Boys’ was to put men in the "stereotypical scenarios that girls are often seen in."
The singer added: “Throughout my career I’ve been very vocal on my opinion about being a woman in the music industry. I get asked questions about feminism all the time … I’m not somebody who is worried about wearing revealing outfits or performing provocatively on stage – as long as that’s my choice I’m completely happy to do it.”
Charli XCX also said that she believes that contemporary female artists have more control over their career than they did in the past.
“I think a lot of females in the industry are so vocal about their opinions on feminism and their experience in the music industry and I think a lot of female artists and artists in general are so much more in control of their own career now.”
“Audiences are more intelligent, fans are cleverer, they understand the marketing and putting together of the pop star and they want somebody who is real and genuine and fun. Not somebody who is built up, so I think artists have to take control and really run their own game to be successful.”
While images of shirtless men in music videos is hardly anything new, ‘Boys’ is definitely a radio-friendly summer hit.
Still, Kesha, and several other artists, might have something to say about the belief that female singers these days have more control over their careers.