Background

I’m obsessing, I must confess it, I’m putting my hands up. “Von Dutch” by Charli XCX is my number one.

“Von Dutch” was released on February 2024 as the lead single from Charli XCX’s album brat. The song was written by Charli XCX and Finn Keane, with the latter being credit as the sole producer for the track.

It’s Okay to Just Admit That You’re Jealous of Me

I was surprised when I heard Charli XCX went on record stating that there’s only one diss track on brat. Just based on the album title and the vibe, I assumed the persona she’s taken was that of a spoiled, misbehaved and annoying adult. While she did not lean in on the drama, and avoided being constantly messy for the whole record, part of that persona came out in “Von Dutch”.

She’s not beating around the bush. Someone is obsessed and that person is taking their frustrations out on Charli. But she’s clapping back, and throwing shade endlessly. She’s basically calling the other party broke, irrelevant, and bitter, while loud and unapologetic Charli is living her best life.

Charli is the main character. Her confidence is through the roof. And she’s basically owning her status within the indie and pop scene.

It’s Alright to Just Admit That I’m the Fantasy

There’s a reason this track won Best Dance Recording at the 2025 Grammy Awards. The song doesn’t ask the listener to dance, but rather, it demands them to.

The main sound is a high-pitched, growling electronic noise that sounds like tires screeching on pavement. The vibe is speed and danger, and the melody feels like it’s accelerating, even though the beat stays the same for almost the whole song. The repetition creates a trance vibe, and it’s hypnotising. It’s a pumping heart moving too fast, forcing my body to keep up with the energy. The music sounds like it’s breaking or skipping and these production tricks make the song feel futuristic and high-tech.

The track is a bit too short for my taste. And with such a rhythm, I need to play it repeatedly and the cycle never ends.

Do That Littlе Dance, Without It, You’d be Namelеss

Without speculation and gossip, what would the pop kingdom be like? Given that Charli has only one diss track, who has she chosen as its object?

I researched online, and saw insinuations that it could be a jab against Azealia Banks, whose criticism of Charli is apparently no secret. (For the record, I didn’t know). There’s also a rumour that this was inspired by a 2023 feud with FKA Twigs, sparked by a tweet from Charli telling someone not to be “fake” to her at parties. (I also didn’t know about this until now).

Whoever Charli’s referring to, the mystery and the lore keep the fans fed. And I’m sure we all have that one person in our lives we can dedicate this track to (although hopefully those days where one would need this anthem should hopefully be rare).

Conclusion

When Charli gets messy, she does it well. I’ve left most of my sass and angst in the past. But for the days I need to channel it, there’s no better track to jam to than “Von Dutch”.