Breaking news — Zara Larsson and Charli xcx have both escaped the Khia Asylum with their newfound freedom in accordance with their burgeoning success on the charts.
Their shackles are unchained, but only in a metaphorical sense. The Khia Asylum exists simply online; the internet meme pokes fun at fading pop stars and one-hit wonders.
The meme, named after rapper Khia, grew in popularity in early 2026, mainly referencing artists who some believe had major success before falling in the scales of relevance. Opinions on who is inside the asylum are subjective, but the common understanding is that if you're even considered, it's a sign you're not current with the times.
One of the ways in which artists like Charli xcx and Zara Larsson have broken free is their recent shift in creative direction.
"They completely rebranded, and now they are super recognizable, and they have a really specific style," Camila Nunez, a junior studying marketing, said.
Nunez said they are both artists who have been in the industry for a while, but now have recognition beyond their names. Charli xcx has her iconic "brat" green, and Zara Larsson has her colorful beach motifs in "Midnight Sun".
The Khia Asylum itself is so popular that artists like Zara Larsson are aware of its presence online, even being asked about the meme in interviews. But what is a simple joke to the general public could be flipped around to reveal some of the real, working fears music artists and creatives have about passion versus monetization and the need to stay relevant.
Ian Elder, a sophomore studying music learning and teaching, said measuring artists by the virality of their work is counterproductive. He said it's a feat to even make one hit that resonates with people.
"I don't love thinking that artists fall off," Elder said. "It's just like, they made this thing, and it really works, and then some of the other things they made didn't (work) as much, and maybe they'll make something that will really work again, they're just figuring it out."
Dania Urena, a senior studying theory and composition, shares Elder's beliefs, even highlighting how a meme like the Khia Asylum can be discouraging for young musicians.
Urena is a musician herself and understands the pressure and the need to market yourself as a brand to gain recognition. She doesn't mind playing into the marketing side of the business because it can be another creative outlet, but not all artists share the same opinion.
"As an artist, that can be a lot of pressure and very difficult, because some artists just want to make art and they just want to post it online for people to listen to," Urena said. "They're not necessarily thinking about the marketing aspect, or how can I get a billion streams on this?"
But even with all the pressure to perform, Urena can't emphasize enough just how much passion triumphs. She said she finds it in her songwriting and in her collaborations with friends, and wants to remind other artists to keep pushing forward.
"Focus on your artistry as much as you can, but also, little by little, you'll find out your artist's identity, build those communities, and eventually, something will come of those projects," Urena said.
Elder, a collaborative pianist, echoes that same prayer, most of whose music is in support of other artists. But he still believes in the fine line that is enriching your artistry and passion while also occasionally playing on the safe side for the sake of job security, or to gain traction.
"You can put out your experimental stuff and do the interesting, cool things that are authentically you," Elder said. "And then also put out something that you think is a little safer and might land well with people, because that's more reliably going to help you earn something, and getting more eyes on you helps more people find the cooler stuff."
Edited by Henry Smardo, Jack McCarthy and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporter at jagon128@asu.edu.
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Jazlyn Gonzales is a senior studying Journalism and Mass Communication. This is her fourth semester with The State Press. She has also interned at KJZZ and worked for Blaze Radio
