Is Brat Summer over? This is a question that has left all pop music fans wondering whether it is or isn’t. According to Charli XCX, it has come to an end. Yet what’s coming next may not be what you expect. 

The term “Brat Summer” started when English singer-songwriter Charli XCX released her sixth studio album titled “BRAT” in June of 2024. The album represents club-rave music, women in modern pop, rebellion, and more.

But how has this impacted women in modern pop music and the internet? Or maybe even politics? Being a so-called “brat” doesn’t exactly mean obnoxious, mean, and whiny. It means being your true and unique self. Since the album’s release, it has set a huge cultural movement to the color neon green (which happens to be the color of the album cover.) It also brings people together online and offline, from TikTok dance trends to DJ sets and raves hosted by XCX herself. 

Her career didn’t start from “BRAT.” In 2008, she started posting music on MySpace. At 14-16 years old, her parents would drive her to raves around London so she could perform her music. This led her to get a record deal. Through 2011, she posted mix tapes, and then in 2012, she rose to fame after being featured in the hit song “I Love It,” by the pop duo “Icona Pop.”  She was then recognized by the public from then on.

This album and term are branded as being cool, iconic, and empowering women. XCX sings about being out with friends all night and just always having fun. The term “brat” has also been seen in politics as well. On July 21, the same day that President Biden pulled out of the election, Charli XCX tweeted “Kamala IS brat.” This is a reference to the brat summer essence and caused many edits and memes of Kamala Harris with neon green as the background. This political endorsement was covered in most news outlets.

While summer may be over, the energy, mindset, and spirit of having a “brat summer” or being a “brat” may not come to an end for a while. With fall just right around the corner, people have started to call it “Brat Autumn.” Charli XCX is going on a huge tour called the “SWEAT” tour with fellow friend and musician Troye Sivan and headlining arenas in the UK. She is also excitedly waiting for fans for her reprise- a remix version of “BRAT,” which releases on October 11, 2024. This remix includes 13 new songs and collabs featuring Lorde, Troye Sivan, Ariana Grande, The 1975, Billie Eilish, A.G. Cook, etc. Fans and critics just can’t wait for more.

“Brat summer is only just beginning.” – Charli XCX.