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In a surprise drop, Charli xcx released her newest single and music video, “Rock Music,” last May 8.
Initially teased via Instagram on May 2, the “party 4 u” hitmaker posted a behind-the-scenes video of working on the newly released track. She described it in the caption, writing how the track is “‘rock music’ that is not actually rock music which is funny because I never said I was making a rock album.”
Directed by Scottish filmmaker Aidan Zamiri, the music video, released on Charli’s official YouTube channel, sees the pop star on her way to crash a rock band gig. Interchanging between black-and-white and colored scenes, the visualizer is a messy, dramatic series of events, perfectly encapsulating the track’s glitchy, disorienting sound.
Previously, the 33-year-old artist also worked with Zamiri on the mockumentary film, The Moment, wherein she plays herself, fresh off her breakout album and preparing for her arena tour debut. Distributed under A24, the movie had its world premiere during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in January. With a star-studded lineup including Alexander Skarsgård, Rachel Sennott, Kylie Jenner, and more, The Moment will be available to stream on HBO Max this coming May 29.
“Rock Music” follows Charli’s monumental run with her 2024 iconic album BRAT and her 2026 soundtrack album Wuthering Heights, as part of Emerald Fennell’s film of the same name.
Recently, the hyperpop singer has also discreetly dropped a b-side to “Rock Music” titled “i keep on thinking bout you every single day and night,” only available on vinyl and through her B-sides Instagram account.
Watch Charli xcx’s newest music video for her single “Rock Music” below:
Frequently Asked Questions
The official music video for “Rock Music” premiered on May 8, 2026, following a week of social media teasers. Directed by Aidan Zamiri, the visual features a chaotic, glitchy aesthetic that mirrors the track’s experimental hyperpop sound.
Despite the title of her new track, Charli xcx clarified on Instagram that she is not currently producing a rock-genre album. She described the song as “rock music that is not actually rock music,” maintaining her signature electronic and hyperpop style.
The Moment, a mockumentary starring Charli xcx and Alexander Skarsgård, will be available to stream on HBO Max starting May 29, 2026. The film originally debuted at the Sundance Film Festival earlier in the year to critical acclaim.
In addition to the “Rock Music” single, Charli xcx released the soundtrack for Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights film in early 2026. She also recently debuted a vinyl-exclusive B-side titled “i keep on thinking bout you every single day and night.”
Scottish filmmaker Aidan Zamiri directed the music video, marking another collaboration between the director and the pop star. The pair also worked together on the A24 film The Moment, which explores Charli’s transition into arena-tour stardom.