Since recently partnering with Artists Den, Billboard is regularly bringing live music fans behind-the-scenes looks at some of the music series’ most exciting performances. This week, fans can watch video from Charli XCX’s 2019 WorldPride NYC concert and live interview at the Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City.
Above, you can watch Charli's full performance of her song “White Mercedes" from latest album, Charli. During the show, the singer also played songs including “Boys,” her Troye Sivan collaboration "1999" and her 2014 track “Boom Clap.”
Ahead of the show, Charli sat down for a chat to discuss her foray into art school before she started releasing music. Noting that while her family was always very supportive of her and encouraged her to “be weird,” art school ended up being a “nightmare” and she left after a year-and-a-half.
“At the time, I was just so intimidated by everyone and the stuff I was making was so bad,” she confessed. “I made this video of me in a bikini, rubbing burgers on my body dancing to ‘Pon De Floor’ by Major Lazer…So, it was not great. So I left, and then when I left… that's when I released my first song ‘Stay Away,’ and that's when it felt really real.”
In another clip, the singer discussed her love and support of the LGBTQ community, noting that she feels a “very special connection” to them.
“I feel like the community alone is kind of the reason why I even have a career,” she added. “For me, every month of the year is WorldPride. I just feel so much love, and I'm so inspired by the community. It just exudes love and power and positivity, so I'm always down to support that cause.”
For those interested in learning more about the venue where the show took place, the video below takes a closer look at the history of the Rooftop at Pier 17 and what makes it such a unique concert space.