Charli XCX has released ‘Camera’, the fourth and final single ahead of her seventh studio album, ‘Music, Fashion, Film’, which arrived Friday, July 24th, via Atlantic Records. The track was originally to be replaced by third single ‘Wink Wink’, and Charli performed it live at Scala in London on July 14th, just a week before its official release.
Produced by A.G. Cook and Finn Keane, ‘Camera’ is described as a restrained, mid-tempo track built around guitar-led electronic pop, marking a shift from the club-driven sound of her 2024 album ‘Brat’. Lyrically, the song explores her growing acting career and the tension between music and film, as she questions whether pursuing screen work at 34 years old makes sense for someone who built her identity as a pop star.
The song fits into the broader structure of the album, where each single has represented one part of its title: “Rock Music” explored the music theme, ‘SS26′ covered fashion, and ‘Camera’ turns to focus on film.
The accompanying music video, directed by longtime collaborator Aidan Zamiri, stars French actor Vincent Cassel, known for roles in La Haine, Black Swan, and the Ocean’s franchise. Shot in black and white, the video follows a satirical one-take sequence set on a desert film production, with Charli directing the chaotic scene while Cassel’s character absorbs the brunt of the drama, complete with fake blood and theatrical gunfire. Zamiri has directed several of Charli’s previous videos, including “360,” “Guess” with Billie Eilish, and “Wink Wink,” and also directed Eilish’s ‘Birds of a Feather’.
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Charli hosted intimate pop-up shows in New York and London featuring guests including Clairo, Kim Petras, and Jane Remover, with proceeds benefiting music charities in both countries, and held global listening events at independent cinemas.
Following the album’s release, Charli continues her exploration into film with a starring role in I Want Your Sex, opening July 31st. She’s also set to perform at Reading and Leeds festivals in August before launching a North American arena tour in September, with stops including Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and Los Angeles’ Kia Forum.
