I never set out to be a cult cool artist. I always made music

"I never set out to be a cult cool artist. I always made music that I thought was pop." These words, spoken by Charli XCX, offer a profound reflection on the nature of art, ambition, and identity. Charli, a musician whose work straddles the boundary between the avant-garde and mainstream, challenges the conventional notion of what it means to be a “cool artist” or an “underground figure.” She reveals that her goal was never to cultivate a cult following or to be admired for her niche appeal. Instead, she sought to create music that was pop—widely accessible, resonant with the masses, and, perhaps most importantly, authentic to her own creative desires.

To truly understand the depth of Charli’s words, we must first examine what it means to be a "cool artist". In modern culture, the term often carries connotations of rebellion, nonconformity, and an intentional distance from mainstream success. Coolness in art is sometimes equated with being underground, often celebrated for its ability to push boundaries while distancing itself from popular tastes. Yet, Charli’s approach reflects a different vision. She embraced the mainstream without sacrificing authenticity, showing us that pop music—often seen as formulaic or commercial—can still be a vehicle for innovation, expression, and personal truth.

Charli XCX’s journey is a testament to the idea that art does not need to be obscure to be meaningful. Consider the career of David Bowie, another artist who blurred the lines between commercial success and artistic exploration. Bowie’s music transcended genre, and while he certainly challenged norms, his work remained deeply connected to popular culture. His innovation within pop music did not come from rejecting it but from reshaping it, constantly evolving his sound and identity. Charli XCX similarly approaches pop music not as a space for compromise, but as a platform for pushing boundaries and expressing her truest self. Her creativity is not diminished by her commercial appeal; rather, it is amplified by it.

This idea challenges the notion that true artistry must always be difficult to access, that the best art must remain exclusive. Pop music, in Charli’s view, is not shallow or formulaic; rather, it is an art form that can hold depth, originality, and complexity. To make music that resonates with a wide audience and yet maintains artistic integrity is no small feat. Charli’s stance invites us to reconsider the distinction between “high art” and “pop art,” reminding us that creativity can flourish in any form, regardless of its commercial potential. Her work suggests that the world of pop music is not inherently limiting; it is a space where new ideas can thrive, provided the artist remains true to their vision.

Charli’s refusal to set out as a cult artist also speaks to the importance of purpose in creativity. Her goal was not to fit into any preconceived mold but to make the music that felt right to her. Ambition here is not about seeking recognition or adopting a “cool” persona; it is about staying true to one’s artistic calling, regardless of external validation. It is a reflection of the eternal truth that art is most powerful when it arises from an artist's inner voice rather than from a desire to be loved or admired. Just as the ancient poets and bards created works not to win praise but to tell the stories that needed to be told, Charli’s music is a modern expression of this same ethos—creating to communicate, to express, and to share something personal with the world.

The lesson from Charli XCX’s words is clear: the path to success is not about conforming to expectations or embracing a predetermined identity. It is about the courage to follow one’s own instincts and create with honesty. Whether we are artists, entrepreneurs, or individuals striving to make our mark, we must remember that authenticity is the truest form of success. The world may try to place us in a box or dictate the way we should express ourselves, but the power of our work lies in its truthfulness to our own vision. True artistry—whether in music, art, or any form of self-expression—comes from the freedom to explore, create, and evolve.

In practical terms, this means that each of us, regardless of our field, must resist the temptation to conform to external pressures or to make choices based on the fleeting desire for acceptance or "coolness." Instead, we must nurture our own creativity and trust our own instincts, creating work that reflects who we are, rather than what others expect us to be. Like Charli, we must learn to embrace popularity not as a compromise but as a powerful platform for self-expression and impact. It is through this balance of authenticity and engagement with the wider world that we can make the most meaningful contributions, not just to our own growth but to the communities we touch.