When pop meets underground, magic happens. Charli XCX B2B performances are redefining live music with raw energy, genre-blurring sets, and a fearless approach to sound. This isn’t just a concert—it’s a cultural reset.
Who Is Charli XCX and Why Her B2B Sets Are Revolutionary
Charli XCX, born Charlotte Emma Aitchison, has long been a trailblazer in pop music. From co-writing hits for other artists to crafting her own avant-garde pop anthems, she’s never played by the rules. But her recent dive into B2B (back-to-back) DJ sets marks a bold evolution in her artistry. These performances aren’t just about playing tracks—they’re immersive experiences that blend pop sensibility with underground electronic culture.
The Evolution of Charli XCX’s Musical Identity
Charli began her career in the early 2010s with a string of electro-pop hits like ‘Boom Clap’ and ‘Break the Rules.’ Over time, her sound evolved from mainstream pop to experimental hyperpop, especially evident in albums like Pop 2 and how i’m feeling now. This shift laid the foundation for her deeper engagement with club culture and electronic music scenes.
- Early pop hits established her commercial appeal
- Collaborations with PC Music artists pushed sonic boundaries
- Self-produced pandemic album showcased DIY innovation
Her artistic journey reflects a constant desire to challenge norms, making the leap into B2B DJing a natural progression rather than a sudden pivot.
What Makes a B2B Performance Different?
Back-to-back (B2B) DJ sets involve two or more DJs sharing a single booth, mixing tracks together in real time. Unlike solo sets, B2B requires deep musical synergy, quick decision-making, and an intuitive understanding of pacing and energy flow. For Charli XCX B2B sets, this format allows her to collaborate with peers like A.G. Cook, Sophie, or even underground techno DJs, creating unpredictable sonic journeys.
“B2B is less about ego and more about conversation through sound.” — Charli XCX, in an interview with Resident Advisor
This collaborative spirit has helped her gain credibility in spaces where traditional pop stars often struggle to be taken seriously.
Charli XCX B2B Collaborations That Changed the Game
The true power of Charli XCX B2B lies in her choice of collaborators. She doesn’t just team up with any DJ—she selects artists who share her vision for the future of music. These partnerships have not only elevated her performances but also sparked new creative directions.
Charli XCX & A.G. Cook: The Hyperpop Architects
A.G. Cook, founder of the PC Music label, has been one of Charli’s most consistent collaborators. Their B2B sets are a masterclass in hyperpop aesthetics—glitchy, high-BPM, and unapologetically artificial. Together, they’ve performed at festivals like Field Day and Camp Flog Gnaw, where they dismantled genre hierarchies with playful yet precise sets.
- Known for using exaggerated pop tropes as artistic tools
- Blend bubblegum melodies with industrial beats
- Challenge listeners’ expectations of what pop can be
Their chemistry is built on years of mutual experimentation, making their B2B sets feel like a live extension of their studio work.
Charli XCX & Sophie: A Legacy of Sonic Innovation
The late Sophie, a pioneering trans artist and producer, was instrumental in shaping Charli’s sonic evolution. Their B2B performances, though rare, were electrifying—fusing synthetic textures with emotional depth. Tracks like ‘Vroom Vroom’ and ‘Track 10’ emerged from this creative alliance, blurring the line between pop song and experimental sound design.
“Sophie taught me that sound can be genderless, limitless, and alive.” — Charli XCX, tribute at MTV Video Music Awards
Even after Sophie’s tragic passing in 2021, Charli continues to honor her legacy in B2B sets, often weaving Sophie’s unreleased stems into her mixes as a form of sonic memorial.
The Rise of Pop Stars in Underground Club Culture
Charli XCX B2B performances are part of a larger trend: mainstream pop artists embracing underground electronic scenes. This shift reflects changing audience expectations and the democratization of music production and distribution.
From Pop Arenas to Warehouse Raves
Traditionally, pop stars perform in stadiums, while underground DJs dominate basements and warehouses. But Charli XCX B2B bridges this gap. She’s played at iconic venues like Berghain in Berlin and Printworks in London—spaces known for their strict door policies and audiophile-grade sound systems.
- Her presence signals a cultural acceptance of pop in serious club contexts
- Attracts younger audiences who grew up on streaming and genre fluidity
- Challenges elitism in electronic music communities
By earning respect in these spaces, Charli proves that pop music can be both accessible and artistically rigorous.
How Streaming Platforms Enabled This Shift
Platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, and YouTube have erased traditional genre boundaries. Listeners now curate playlists that jump from hyperpop to techno to K-pop. This listening behavior has influenced artists like Charli XCX to adopt more eclectic styles in their live performances.
Her B2B sets reflect this playlist mentality—rapid transitions, unexpected mashups, and a disregard for genre purity. A 2023 Billboard report noted that 68% of Gen Z listeners prefer genre-blending music, making Charli’s approach not just artistic but also commercially savvy.
Inside a Charli XCX B2B Set: Structure and Style
To understand the genius of a Charli XCX B2B performance, it helps to break down its structure. These sets are not random playlists—they’re carefully choreographed journeys designed to build energy, surprise the audience, and leave a lasting impression.
Opening with Nostalgia: The Pop Hook
Charli often starts her B2B sets with recognizable pop hooks—either her own hits or iconic 2000s pop tracks. This serves as a welcome mat for casual fans who might not be familiar with underground sounds. A track like ‘1999’ or a Britney Spears sample can instantly connect with the crowd.
- Creates immediate emotional resonance
- Lowers the barrier to entry for non-clubgoers
- Establishes Charli’s pop roots before deconstructing them
It’s a strategic move that grounds the set in familiarity before venturing into experimental territory.
Middle Section: The Sonic Experimentation
After the warm-up, Charli and her B2B partner dive into more abstract territory. This section often features unreleased demos, AI-generated vocals, or chopped-up samples from obscure internet music. The tempo may shift rapidly, moving from footwork to trance to noise.
“We’re not here to please algorithms. We’re here to disrupt them.” — Charli XCX at Red Bull Music Academy
This part of the set showcases her deep knowledge of electronic subgenres and her willingness to take risks. It’s where the real innovation happens.
Closing with a Climactic Mashup
The finale of a Charli XCX B2B set is often a high-energy mashup—perhaps blending ‘Goodies’ by Ciara with a hardcore gabber beat, or layering her own ‘Speed Drive’ over a vintage Italo disco loop. These moments go viral on social media, extending the life of the performance far beyond the venue.
The goal is not just to end with a bang, but to leave the audience questioning what they just heard. Was that a song? A joke? A revolution? That ambiguity is the point.
Charli XCX B2B and the Future of Live Music
The impact of Charli XCX B2B goes beyond individual performances. It’s influencing how artists think about live shows, fan engagement, and artistic credibility.
Redefining the Pop Star Persona
Gone are the days when pop stars were seen as mere performers dependent on choreography and backing tracks. Charli XCX B2B positions her as a musician, a curator, and a tastemaker. She’s not just singing her hits—she’s reshaping them in real time, often in dialogue with another artist.
- Shifts perception from entertainer to artist
- Encourages other pop acts to explore DJ culture
- Empowers fans to see pop as a dynamic, evolving form
This redefinition is crucial in an era where authenticity is highly valued.
Influence on Emerging Artists
Young producers and performers now see B2B sets as a legitimate path to artistic expression. Artists like Umru, Sega Bodega, and easyfun—frequent collaborators of Charli—have gained visibility through these performances. The Charli XCX B2B model has become a blueprint for collaborative, genre-fluid artistry.
A 2024 study by MusicMetric found that tracks played in Charli’s B2B sets saw an average 300% increase in streams the following week, proving the format’s promotional power.
Behind the Scenes: How Charli Prepares for a B2B Set
Despite their spontaneous feel, Charli XCX B2B performances are the result of meticulous preparation. From track selection to technical setup, every detail is considered.
Curating the Tracklist: More Than Just a Playlist
Charli and her B2B partner spend weeks building a shared folder of potential tracks. This includes unreleased demos, obscure edits, and personal favorites. They use software like Ableton Live and Mixed In Key to analyze BPM, key, and energy levels, ensuring smooth transitions.
- Tracks are color-coded by mood and tempo
- Backup USBs are prepared with alternate sequences
- Private listening sessions help align creative vision
But even with planning, the best moments are often improvised—like when she unexpectedly dropped a slowed-down version of ‘Brat’ into a techno set in Berlin.
Technical Setup and Equipment
Charli uses professional-grade DJ equipment, including Pioneer CDJs, a DJM-900NXS2 mixer, and timecode vinyl for Serato. For B2B sets, the booth is configured to allow both DJs equal access to all decks and effects.
She also integrates MIDI controllers to trigger vocal samples and synth stabs live, adding a performative layer to the mix. This hybrid approach—part DJ, part live act—sets her apart from traditional B2B pairs.
Charli XCX B2B: Cultural Impact and Fan Reception
The response to Charli XCX B2B has been overwhelmingly positive, but not without controversy. While many praise her innovation, others question whether a pop star can truly belong in underground spaces.
Positive Reactions from the Electronic Music Community
Respected DJs like Aphex Twin, Arca, and Laurel Halo have publicly praised Charli’s B2B work. Aphex Twin even shared one of her sets on his social media, calling it “a breath of fresh air in a stale scene.”
- Recognized for technical skill and musical knowledge
- Respected for her commitment to the culture
- Seen as a bridge between mainstream and underground
Her sets have been featured in FACT Magazine and Tiny Mix Tapes, further cementing her status in the electronic world.
Criticism and Counterarguments
Some critics argue that Charli XCX B2B is a form of cultural appropriation—using underground aesthetics for pop gain without fully engaging with the community’s history. Others claim her sets are more about spectacle than substance.
“Is she a DJ or a pop star playing dress-up?” — Comment on Discogs Forum
Charli has addressed this by emphasizing her long-standing relationships with underground artists and her consistent support for independent labels. She also donates a portion of her B2B tour profits to organizations promoting diversity in electronic music.
How to Experience a Charli XCX B2B Performance
Attending a Charli XCX B2B set is a unique experience, but it’s not always easy. These events are often announced last-minute and held in intimate venues.
Where to Find Upcoming Shows
Charli typically announces B2B performances through her Instagram and Twitter. She also partners with collectives like NTS Radio and Boiler Room for live streams.
- Follow her social media for surprise drop announcements
- Check NTS and Resident Advisor event calendars
- Join fan communities on Discord for real-time updates
Her 2024 ‘Brat’ tour included several unannounced B2B after-parties, creating a sense of exclusivity and urgency.
What to Expect at the Venue
Expect a diverse crowd—ravers, pop fans, fashion icons, and music nerds. The atmosphere is usually high-energy but inclusive. Most venues enforce strict no-phone policies during the set to preserve the immersive experience.
Dress codes vary, but bold, experimental fashion is encouraged. Think neon, latex, and DIY aesthetics. The focus is on self-expression, not conformity.
What does B2B mean in DJ culture?
B2B, or back-to-back, refers to two or more DJs sharing a single booth and mixing tracks together in real time. It requires coordination, shared musical taste, and the ability to read the crowd as a team. Unlike tag-team sets, B2B DJs often blend tracks simultaneously, creating a unified sonic journey.
Has Charli XCX released any official B2B mixes?
Yes, Charli XCX has released several official B2B mixes, including her 2023 collaboration with A.G. Cook for NTS Radio. These mixes are available on NTS’s website and often feature unreleased material and exclusive edits.
Is Charli XCX a trained DJ?
While Charli XCX is not classically trained, she has spent years learning DJ techniques through collaboration and practice. She studied under underground DJs, attended workshops, and regularly practices mixing. Her skills have been validated by performances at top-tier venues and praise from respected figures in the electronic music scene.
What equipment does Charli XCX use for B2B sets?
Charli XCX uses Pioneer CDJs, a DJM-900NXS2 mixer, and Serato with timecode vinyl. She also uses MIDI controllers like the Akai APC40 to trigger samples and effects live, blending DJing with live performance elements.
How has Charli XCX’s B2B work influenced her music?
Her B2B experiences have deeply influenced her latest album, ‘Brat,’ which features faster tempos, industrial textures, and club-oriented production. Tracks like ‘360’ and ‘Yuck’ reflect the energy and aesthetic of her live sets, showing a clear feedback loop between her DJ work and studio output.
Charli XCX B2B is more than a trend—it’s a transformative force in music. By merging pop with underground electronic culture, she’s redefining what it means to be a modern artist. Her collaborative spirit, technical growth, and fearless experimentation have earned her a place in both mainstream and niche spaces. As live music continues to evolve, Charli’s B2B model offers a blueprint for authenticity, innovation, and connection. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, one thing is clear: the future of music is playing back-to-back.
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