Charli xcx and John Cale Collaborate on ‘Wuthering Heights’ Soundtrack

Charli xcx teams up with Velvet Underground legend John Cale for the ‘Wuthering Heights’ album, blending elegance and raw emotion in a fresh musical take.

A New Chapter for Charli xcx

When a beloved classic like Wuthering Heights gets remade, it's always exciting to see how music will shape its mood and tone. For Charli xcx, this project is more than just a soundtrack—it's a whole new album inspired by Emerald Fennell’s cinematic vision. The first taste of this sonic adventure is the single “House,” featuring none other than 83-year-old Velvet Underground co-founder John Cale, which dropped on November 10. With Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi headlining the film, hitting theaters on Valentine’s Day, fans are already buzzing.

Charli xcx lighting up the stage in Columbus, Ohio, 2024 (photo: Henry Redcliffe).

From Script to Song: The Spark Behind the Music

Charli shared the backstory on Instagram, describing how Emerald Fennell approached her last Christmas with an invitation to contribute musically. “I read the script and immediately felt inspired,” she explained, revealing that she and producer Finn Keane dove into writing not just one, but a whole collection of songs tailored to the film’s world.

It’s fascinating to hear how this project served as a creative escape for Charli, especially after the deep dive into her previous album brat in 2024. The shift to this new, contrasting soundscape must have felt like stepping into a different universe—one filled with gothic romance and emotional rawness.

Wisdom from a Legend

The collaboration with John Cale wasn’t just a lucky coincidence. Charli had been deeply moved by Todd Haynes’ 2021 documentary on The Velvet Underground, which spotlighted a phrase from Cale that stuck with her: “any song has to be both elegant and brutal.”

“I got really stuck on that phrase. I wrote it down in my Notes app and would pull it up from time to time and think about what he meant,” she reflected.

This poetic duality perfectly mirrors Wuthering Heights itself—a story bursting with both delicate passion and savage intensity.

The Birth of “House” in Austin

In late April, while touring in Austin, Texas, Charli and Finn hit the studio to lay down the base for what would become “House.” The creative process was fueled by Cale’s words, and later, Charli reached out to him, hoping to get his thoughts and possibly collaborate.

Their phone call was electric—Charli described Cale’s voice as “so elegant, so brutal.” After exchanging ideas and music files, Cale added a unique touch to “House” that moved Charli to tears. This collaboration, blending Charli’s contemporary edge with Cale’s timeless artistry, is truly a standout moment.

More on Charli’s Expanding Creative Universe

Wuthering Heights isn’t the only film project on Charli’s horizon. She’s also the creative force behind A24’s The Moment, based on her original idea, where she will star alongside an eclectic cast, including Alexander Skarsgård, Kylie Jenner, and Rosanna Arquette. Scheduled for release next year, this film promises to showcase her multifaceted talent beyond music.

Additionally, Charli’s acting credits are growing with roles in Cathy Yan’s The Gallerist, Gregg Araki’s I Want Your Sex, and a remake of the cult horror flick Faces of Death. It’s inspiring to see her evolving as an artist, seamlessly crossing between music and film.

Why This Collaboration Matters

This project highlights something special: the meeting of two worlds—Charli’s fresh, fearless pop sensibility with John Cale’s legendary, avant-garde legacy. It’s a beautiful reminder of how artists inspire and elevate each other across generations.

If you’re curious about the magic behind this collaboration, here’s the single “House” to dive into:

Single “House” on YouTube (Note: Please replace with the actual video link if available.)

Wrapping Up the Musical Tale

Charli xcx’s Wuthering Heights album is shaping up to be a compelling soundtrack and a bold artistic statement. From intimate studio sessions in Austin to pairing up with a Velvet Underground icon, this project captures the elegant brutality at the heart of both the novel and the music.

Are you excited to hear the full album? How do you think Charli’s modern pop style will blend with the gothic tones of Wuthering Heights? Let’s chat!

FAQ

• What is the significance of John Cale’s involvement?
  John Cale, a founding member of The Velvet Underground, brings a legendary and raw aura that perfectly complements Charli xcx's modern pop sound, enriching the project’s emotional depth.
• When is the Wuthering Heights movie releasing?
  The film will premiere in theaters on Valentine’s Day, February 14.
• Is “House” the only song Charli wrote for the film?
  No, Charli and Finn Keane wrote multiple songs inspired by the film’s world, with “House” being the first single released.
• What other film projects is Charli xcx involved in?
  Besides Wuthering Heights, Charli stars in A24’s The Moment and has acting roles in The Gallerist, I Want Your Sex, and the Faces of Death remake.
• What inspired Charli’s songwriting approach for this album?
  Charli was inspired by a phrase from John Cale about songs needing to be “both elegant and brutal,” which resonated deeply with the themes of Wuthering Heights.

Dive deeper into the art and spirit of Wuthering Heights through music—why not bring that vibe home? Shop your favorite album cover poster today at Architeg Prints and let the soundtrack’s emotion decorate your space with style.