Charli XCX has unveiled her new single 'House,' a collaboration with The Velvet Underground's John Cale, serving as the first preview of her upcoming album for Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights adaptation. The dark, haunting track includes Cale's spoken word contribution and ties into the film's themes of passion and pain. Directed by Mitch Ryan, the song's video accompanies the release ahead of the movie's February premiere.
Song Details
The single 'House' is described as dark and haunting, blending dramatic elements with Cale's distinctive spoken word. It marks the initial taste of Charli XCX's forthcoming album, specifically written for Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. The video, directed by Mitch Ryan—who previously helmed Charli's 'Party 4 U' video—was released alongside the track.
Collaboration Background
In a personal note shared online, Charli XCX detailed the song's origins. She received a call from Fennell last Christmas to contribute music for the film, inspiring her and collaborator Finn Keane to create multiple tracks evoking the story's world of passion, pain, and the English moors. Drawing from Todd Haynes' Velvet Underground documentary, Charli was struck by Cale's description of the band's sound as 'elegant and brutal,' a phrase that shaped 'House.'
She reached out to Cale during a tour stop in Austin, leading to phone discussions and his recording of poetic elements for the track. 'I feel so lucky to have been able to work with John on this song,' Charli wrote. 'I’ve been so excited to share it with you all, sitting quietly in anticipation.'
Film Context
Fennell, known for directing Saltburn, stars Margot Robbie as Catherine and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff in this adaptation. The film arrives in UK cinemas on February 11 and US theaters on February 13.
Charli's recent work includes her 2024 album 'Brat,' followed by deluxe and remix editions. John Cale released 'Poptical Illusion' the same year.