Charli XCX: I stare way too much

You already know that Charli XCX is one of 2011′s hottest young things. But did you know she once saw a man pull a jar out of his arse? Or that she’s crap at telling jokes? Kara Simsek asked her 10 random questions – and quite frankly, got some pretty good answers.

Notion: If you could live someone else’s life for a day (anyone at all, even a dead person) who would it be and why?
Charli XCX: I think I would live Leigh Bowery’s life for a day. I think he is incredible. I love how much he warped his body and how he used it as a piece of art. Everything about him was so performative, especially his clothes. I love that he pushed boundaries so much and the fact that he was painted by Freud is amazing too.

Notion: What kind of bird do you connect with most on an aesthetic or emotional level?
Charli XCX: An eagle. Aesthetically, they’re so creepy and dark and weird. I love that they stare so much. I stare way too much because I like looking at people I find interesting. But I think I’m more of a cat than a bird anyway.

Notion: What’s the worst song in your collection?
Charli XCX: Probably Jedward’s version of Under Pressure. It’s fine though, I’m not ashamed.

Notion: Have you ever broken any bones?
Charli XCX: No but I sprained my wrist once when I punched the sofa when I was younger. I had just seen the Karate Kid and I wanted to be like Daniel.

Notion: Would you prefer to have gils or wings?
Charli XCX: Definitely wings. It would be amazing and magical to be able to fly at night.

Notion: What’s the grossest thing you’ve ever seen?
Charli XCX: I once watched a man putting a glass jar up his arse. He got it all the way up and then it cracked and he had to pull out bits of glass and he was bleeding everywhere. It was on the internet (thank god).

Notion: What’s your favourite joke?
Charli XCX: Um, I don’t really know, I’m a bit awkward when I tell jokes… I’m one of those people who tells the punch line first and forgets the joke half way. Not talented in the joke telling area to be honest.

Notion: What would be on your Death Row menu?
Charli XCX: Everything Mexican. Everyday. With loads of guacamole. And bloody marys.

Notion: Who’s your guilty celebrity crush?
Charli XCX: I don’t really think it’s that guilty – but Simon Amstell. I used to sigh whenever I saw him on the TV. It got a bit much. And also Frank Butcher.

Notion: What Disney film has the best songs?
Charli XCX: Alice in Wonderland. That whole film is incredible. There is this guy Pogo who puts together sections of audio and visuals from Disney films and makes songs out of it – he has done one for Alice in Wonderland and it’s really melancholic and reminds me of the Postal Service. Shame the Tim Burton remake was a bit crap.

Charli’s single ‘Stay Away’ is out now. Keep your eyes peeled for a more indepth interview and amazing photoshoot in Notion 52.