Dua Lipa’s ‘Don’t Start Now’: 3 Things You Never Knew

Cow Bells, The Weeknd and Other Inspirations

The first writing session for ‘Don’t Start Now’ took place after the team of writers, Warren and Kirkpatrick attended a disco night at a local dive bar in the former’s hometown, Wyoming. Kirkpatrick was extremely inspired by the music they heard that night and realised that “disco is just the most fun to dance to”.

What followed was the synthesis of the perfect chart-topper. The producers were inspired by the use of cowbells – an idiophone hand percussion instrument used in various styles of music including salsa and infrequently in popular music. It is named after the similar bell historically used by herdsmen to keep track of the whereabouts of cows. Further, The Weeknd’s ‘Can’t Feel My Face’ inspired the use of a “vocal chop”, and extra drums in the bridge.

Well, the song may be called ‘Don’t Start Now’. But, one this is clear, Dua Lipa’s just getting started on her road to global pop domination.

By: Ahalya Narayanan