who Charli XCX

where The Ready Room

when Tuesday, Oct. 14, 8 p.m.

price $16-$18

If you want to feel particularly “Fancy” this Tuesday night, head on down to The Ready Room in the colorful Grove neighborhood to see Charli XCX hit the stage and wow the crowd with her trademark live show. The English-born singer-songwriter, real name Charlotte Aitchison, may be best known for her collaborations, from joining forces with Icona Pop (our future WILD headliner!) for its hit “I Love It,” or her track with Iggy Azalea, “Fancy,” and the single’s much-talked-about “Clueless”-inspired video. Alternatively, you may recognize her most successful solo outing to date, her song “Boom Clap,” the lead single for the “The Fault in Our Stars” soundtrack, which peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

But really, Charli XCX is so much more than her chart hits, and a quick look into her musical background will quickly reveal a past full of a huge range of experience, both in songwriting and performance. She began playing in bands at the tender age of 7, inspired by a unique form of synesthesia where she professes to see certain melodies or tones as specific colors. After releasing her early tracks online, Charli XCX started playing warehouse raves at the young age of 14 and cites influences as vast as Britney Spears, Eminem and A$AP Rocky. Her single “Stay Away” earned her a coveted spot on Pitchfork’s Top 100 Tracks list in 2011.

Charli XCX’s style has been clear and focused since her early days, with the songs from her album “True Romance” typifying her idiosyncratic brand of grunge pop that is both catchy and dark at the same time. Although some may characterize her as superficial straight pop, her lyrics can deal with issues ranging from the simplistic yet irresistible “boy likes girl” scenario to real, raw emotions (a cursory look at her 2013 album “True Romance” reveals that Charli XCX isn’t afraid to let everything out). Combine her songwriting prowess with the goth-tinged ’80s synth-pop melodies and her arrestingly deep vocals, and Charli XCX has a winning formula that both allows her to operate within today’s “pop-diva” niche while still distancing herself from her peers. Musically, she is more complex and worlds away from the likes of Katy Perry and Rihanna, but her year so far suggests she soon may be as big as them. Best to go witness her colorful and arresting live show now, while she is still in a venue as intimate as The Ready Room, and not filling thousands of seats at the Scottrade Center.

Charli XCX will be supported by a strong female lineup tomorrow night, including art-pop singer FEMME and Swedish wild-child dance musician Elliphant. Tickets range from $16 to $18. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.

Travis Perkins

Charli XCX sings in March 2014. She will perform at the Ready Room on Tuesday in support of her upcoming album ‘Sucker’.