BUMPIN’ THAT

Your Exclusive Look Inside Our Charli xcx and Troye Sivan SWEAT Tour Afterparty

Since Charli xcx and Troye Sivan kicked off SWEAT, their joint tour of North America, in September, the live shows have become part of the cultural canon. Together, the longtime friends and occasional collaborators take pop music to new heights, transforming arenas into full-on raves. And on Tuesday, after Charli and Troye took the stage at the Kia Forum for the first of two shows in Los Angeles, Spotify teamed up with the pair for a SWEAT tour afterparty.

The co-headliners kept the night going and celebrated with their teams and friends at the Forum Club. It was a star-studded affair with artists like JENNIE, Halsey, Benny Blanco, Fergie, Dom Dolla, and The Dare in attendance, plus Kesha, who made an appearance after her surprise performance at the show.

Meanwhile, Charli helped provide the soundtrack for the event while DJing with her fiancé (and The 1975 drummer) George Daniel and Zoe Gitter.

For Spotify, it was an opportunity to celebrate the two artists, their creative visions, and the fandoms they inspire. We set out to create a vibe that captured the essence of the SWEAT tour, immersing guests in the incredible synergy between Charli and Troye.

For the Record caught up with Ashley Graver, Spotify’s Head of Pop, Dance, and Indie, Artist Partnerships, to hear about how it all came together.

How do events like this help artists build deeper relationships with their fans?

An afterparty is such a natural way for artists to unwind and celebrate with their team and fans, as well as participate in the energy of the night after they come offstage. It’s a chance to foster connections and keep the good vibes rolling! We make sure to listen closely to what the artists want and create an atmosphere that reflects their style, ensuring it’s a memorable experience for everyone.

How closely did your team work with Charli, Troye, and their teams? Is there a lot of collaborative energy on something like this?

We worked hand in hand with both artists and their teams throughout the planning process. There was strong collaboration and energy poured in—lots of brainstorming sessions and shared ideas for creative details and content. It’s always fun to see everyone come together to make something special happen! We ensured to balance the needs of both artists so ultimately the space felt like an equal representation of them.

Charli and Troye are seeing major streaming bumps on Spotify after each tour date. Why do you think the live show is connecting so much with fans in each city?

The show is where the magic truly unfolds. Charli and Troye bring an electric energy and genuine connection to their performances that really shine through—they’re clearly besties! Fans can feel that authenticity and it’s absolutely contagious. It’s no wonder that after experiencing them live, people are eager to dive back into their music and relive the unforgettable set list.

Pop music is having a moment this year. What’s your take and what are you most excited about for 2025?

This year, we’ve seen pop music evolve in some really exciting ways, especially with artists like Charli, Troye, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter leading the charge. Their innovative approaches to storytelling and sound are redefining what pop can be.

Looking ahead to 2025, I believe we’ll see even more artists embracing this engaging digital landscape, experimenting with genre blending, and crafting songs that resonate on both personal and communal levels. The future of pop is going to be about diversity—both in sound and in the voices we hear. It’s an exciting time, and we can’t wait to see how these trends continue to unfold!

Last question: Which moment is the moment of the SWEAT tour?

Honestly, there are so many standout moments, but if I had to choose one, it’s definitely when Charli and Troye perform together. Their chemistry is electric, and watching the crowd go wild is pure magic—it really captures the essence of the tour. Plus, having Kesha join them for this stop was such a special highlight!

Hit play on the SWEAT tour setlist to experience the show for yourself.