Charli XCX’s “Elegant and Brutal” New Single ‘House’ Featuring Velvet Underground Legend John Cale

Experience Charli XCX’s haunting new single 'House' with John Cale, blending gothic vibes and industrial rock for Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ soundtrack.

A Dark and Daring Collaboration

There’s something utterly captivating about when two bold artists from different generations come together. Charli XCX’s latest single, ‘House’, featuring the legendary John Cale of The Velvet Underground, is a prime example. This track isn’t just a song—it’s an atmospheric journey into eerie, gothic, and industrial rock realms, perfectly fitting the mood for Emerald Fennell’s upcoming film adaptation of Wuthering Heights.

From the moment you hit play, Charli’s dynamic vocals weave through Cale’s chilling spoken word, setting a foreboding tone. “I’m a prisoner / To live for eternity,” Cale intones, his voice thick with gravitas. Later, together they echo, “I think I’m gonna die in this house,” over roaring guitars—an echo of despair and entrapment that resonates deeply.

Cinematic and Sinister: The ‘House’ Video

If the song alone doesn’t send shivers down your spine, wait until you see the accompanying video. Directed by Mitch Ryan, the visuals match the track’s dark essence spot-on. Charli and Cale appear amid shadowy figures and flickering candlelight, with Charli even pouring candle wax on her skin—a striking visual metaphor for pain and endurance.

Watch the official video here to soak in the mood:
Charli XCX - House featuring John Cale (Official Video)

The Birth of ‘House’: Inspiration from a Timeless Classic

So, how did this unusual yet thrilling collaboration take shape? Charli explains it started with a Christmas call from director Emerald Fennell, who invited her to write music for her film adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Inspired by the gothic novel’s rugged moors and passionate turmoil, Charli dove headfirst into crafting songs that echoed that raw emotion.

“When I think of Wuthering Heights, I think of many things—passion, pain, England, the moors, mud, cold, determination, and grit,” she says. With her collaborator Finn Keane, she created a suite of songs capturing those very feelings.

Then, Charli reached out to John Cale himself after recalling his quote from a Velvet Underground documentary that any song by the band must be both “elegant and brutal.” That phrase stuck with her as she shaped the music for the film.

She reflects, “After the summer ended, I was still ruminating on John’s words. So I reached out to him to get his opinion on the songs that his phrase had so deeply inspired, and to see if he wanted to collaborate. We connected, spoke on the phone, and wow… that voice, so elegant, so brutal.”

From ‘Brat’ to Strings: Charli’s Musical Evolution

Fans of Charli XCX know how adventurous she can be. After her critically acclaimed 2024 album Brat, she’s now exploring new musical territory. On Gwenyth Paltrow’s Goop podcast, Charli shared she’s “exploring a lot of stuff with strings,” signaling a shift toward more textured, orchestral sounds.

Her love for The Velvet Underground runs deep. She’s mentioned wanting to create a “Lou Reed era” style album with Clairo, featuring guitars and strings, and has called the band’s debut album The Velvet Underground & Nico the “apex of fine art.” So this collaboration with John Cale feels like a full-circle moment—a merging of her pop roots with a raw, classic rock lineage.

Anticipating ‘Wuthering Heights’ and More

Wuthering Heights hits UK theaters on February 11, 2026, with the US release following two days later. Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, respectively, the film promises to bring new life to Emily Brontë’s timeless story. And with Charli XCX’s soundtrack contribution, it’s bound to be a haunting, unforgettable experience.

But that’s not all from Charli next year! She’s also stepping into the film world with The Moment, a drama based on her original idea, directed by Aidan Zamiri. This project marks the first co-production from her own studio, studio365, signaling her expanding artistic vision beyond music.

“When working on music for this film, ‘elegant and brutal’ was a phrase I kept coming back to.”
— Charli XCX

FAQ

• What is the musical style of Charli XCX’s ‘House’?
  The track blends gothic and industrial rock with cinematic and eerie elements, highlighted by John Cale’s spoken word.
• Who is John Cale and why is he significant to this song?
  John Cale is a founding member of The Velvet Underground, a legendary band known for their raw and avant-garde sound. His presence brings a sense of gravitas and history to ‘House.’
• What inspired Charli XCX to write the song ‘House’?
  The song was inspired by Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, as well as John Cale’s phrase “elegant and brutal,” which deeply influenced Charli’s songwriting.
• When will ‘Wuthering Heights’ be released?
  The movie is set to release on February 11, 2026, in the UK and February 13 in the US.
• What other projects is Charli XCX working on?
  Besides the Wuthering Heights soundtrack, Charli will appear in the drama The Moment, directed by Aidan Zamiri, marking her debut as a film producer.

For fans drawn to the powerful imagery and emotion of Charli XCX’s work, why not bring that energy home? Shop your favorite album cover posters and immerse yourself in the music’s vibe every day at Architeg Prints. A perfect way to celebrate artistry that’s both elegant and brutal.