Madonna and Charli xcx’s ‘Danceteria Afterhours’ is out now via Warner Records. The track channels the spirit of ‘Danceteria’, the latest single from Madonna’s No.1 album ‘Confessions II’. It celebrates the fearless beginnings and influences that shaped both artists. We first reported the collaboration earlier this week, and now it has finally landed.
Madonna produced Danceteria Afterhours alongside Andrew Watt, Cirkut and Stuart Price. Together, they take the origin story behind ‘Danceteria’ and carry it into the after-hours. Fans who want a physical copy can also pre-order three limited edition CDs.
The link-up did not come out of nowhere. It follows Madonna and Charli’s CLUB CONFESSIONS party with Saint Laurent during Paris Fashion Week. On top of that, a string of playful social media exchanges between the two had already fuelled speculation about a collaboration.
‘Confessions II’ itself has been one of the year’s most celebrated records. It explores love, trauma, loss, betrayal and healing, and treats the dancefloor as a lifeline for escapism, connection and survival. Rolling Stone called it “a 64-minute nonstop groove that flows like a perfect club DJ set”, while Variety hailed it as “her best album in decades.” Pitchfork, meanwhile, declared Madonna in “peak form” and called the record a “genuinely vital addition to her canon.”
Next, Madonna opens the MTV Video Music Awards this Sunday with her first performance at the show in 23 years. It will be her fifth VMAs performance, more than any other artist in the show’s history. She also leads this year’s field with a career-high 13 nominations. With ‘Danceteria Afterhours’ now out in the world, the timing could hardly be better.
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