Why brat summer isn't over
Are we prepared for the first brat president?
As I watch the Ibiza PARTYGIRL Charli XCX Boiler Room set, I can't help but reflect on the concept of a 'brat summer' and how it resonates with the current scene. This idea of intertwining Charli XCX's latest album with the experience of partying and raving is compelling, especially since the rave and club scenes are distinct yet interconnected worlds. For me, embracing a brat summer—or even making it a lifestyle—is about being unapologetically authentic and loud in my self-expression. Being a party girl at heart, I never stop.
Charli XCX has ingeniously extended the life of this album beyond its initial release, weaving it into our daily lives. Unlike most albums that fade after the first week, Charli keeps surprising us, much like the spirit of Brat Summer. Her appearances on podcasts with well-known personalities like Emma Chamberlain and Brittany Broski have maintained the buzz, and her Boiler Room set in Ibiza was a tantalizing event I almost attended (obviously).
This summer, I’ve celebrated brat culture by immersing myself in the rave community, a newfound haven I discovered last year. It’s a space where I find freedom of expression through music and dance, my two greatest passions. Celebrating my boyfriend’s birthday in this vibrant community felt perfectly bratty—we partied hard, relishing each other's company, and yes, we got a bit crazy whilst partying, all I could think about was Charli XCX and Brat as we were all referencing it the night after the huge comedowns and taking it all in. The BRAT album, released on June 7th, continues to fuel this energy. It’s rare for an album to have such a lasting impact on me, reminiscent of my days growing up with True Romance and my time spent on Tumblr.
Charli’s blend of club and rave music highlights our generation’s craving for 'third spaces'—places dedicated to music, dancing, and genuine connection. Despite the negative stereotypes, partying within the rave community is a beautiful expression of joy and solidarity. Thanks to Charli XCX, this brat summer has become a celebration of being bold, vibrant, and undeniably ourselves.
There’s a buzz lately claiming that BRAT summer is officially over because Kamala Harris has been embraced by the internet’s brat culture. The surge of brat memes during the album's release took an unexpected turn, making her campaign more relevant and relatable to young people. In a strategic twist, Kamala has been reimagined as a woman who embodies the brat image: messy, smoking cigarettes, and a bit unhinged.
It makes me wonder if Kamala might be a 365 snow-sniffer or has a friend named Molly. This brat-ification raises the question: Could Kamala’s brat-curious persona lead to softer drug policies and more harm reduction education for ravers and party-goers? Our generation craves these third spaces for community and connection, and we’re facing loneliness without them.
I hope Charli XCX can leverage her influence to support Kamala in a way that enhances her brand without backlash, especially considering the current political climate with events like Gaza. Despite everything, Brat is forever.