Charli XCX & John Cale – “Wuthering Heights” Collaboration

Charli XCX to Score ‘Wuthering Heights’ Remake, Announces Collaboration with Velvet Underground’s John Cale

A new musical adaptation of Emily brontë’s classic novel, Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, will feature an original score by pop artist Charli XCX, with her forthcoming album serving as the soundtrack. The project marks a significant foray into film scoring for the U.K. musician, and her first single, “House,” featuring a collaboration with Velvet Underground co-founder John Cale, is set for release on Monday, November 10.

The artist revealed on instagram that she received a call from director Emerald Fennell last Christmas, requesting her involvement in the film. “I read the script and immediatly felt inspired,” Charli wrote, adding that she and Finn Keane began developing multiple songs to capture the film’s atmosphere. “after being so in the depths of my previous album[2024’s[2024’sbrat], I was excited to escape into something entirely new, entirely opposite.”

The collaboration with Cale stemmed from Charli’s admiration for the 2021 documentary The velvet Underground, directed by Todd Haynes. she became particularly captivated by a phrase Cale uttered in the film: “any song has to be both elegant and brutal.” According to Charli, she repeatedly revisited this concept, pondering it’s meaning and ultimately seeking Cale’s direct input.

Did you know? – Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights was initially met with mixed reviews upon its 1847 publication, with some critics finding it too unconventional for its time. It gained recognition as a classic later.

The prospect to translate this idea into music arose during a tour stop in Austin, Texas, in late April. “Finn and I went to the studio and wrote the bones for a song that would eventually become ‘House,'” she explained. After completing initial work on the songs over the summer, Charli reached out to Cale, hoping for feedback and potential collaboration.

Their initial phone conversation left a lasting impression. “Wow… that voice, so elegant, so brutal,” she recalled. After sending Cale a selection of her work, the pair focused on “House,” discussing its potential as a “poem” set to music. Cale ultimately contributed a recording that charli described as deeply moving. “He recorded something and sent it to me. Something that only John could do. And it was… well,it made me cry.”

Pro tip: – Film scoring often involves a close collaboration between the composer and director to ensure the music complements the narrative and emotional tone of the film.

Wuthering Heights is just the first of several ambitious film projects for Charli XCX. She is also leading the progress of The Moment, an A24 film based on her original concept, where she will also star. The cast includes Alexander Skarsgård, Rosann