Dua Lipa’s hit single, ‘Don’t Start Now’, just completed a year of charting on the all-important Billboard Hot 100 chart. The nu-disco pop track that served as the first single form the star’s early 2020 album, “Future Nostalgia”, was released on the 31st of October, 2019. Upon release, the track peaked at No. 2 on the singles chart. And, today, a year later, it continues it reign as one of the 100 best selling singles of the times.
And, while this year-long stay is an impressive achievement in itself, we’re diving into some of the lesser-known facts about the single. From facts and figures to behind the scenes facts about the making of the song, we’re taking a look at it all. So, dive in.
1. “Make a bigger hit than New Rules”, They Said…
The synthesis of this disco-pop hit single began with a challenge. Dua Lipa’s team of writers; the same team behind the 2017 hit single, ‘New Rules’, were challenged by Dua’s A&R head, Joe Kentish to “recreate the success of New Rules”. And, so, writers – Caroline Ailin, Emily Warren and Ian Kirkpatrick began crafting demos and samples for a new song. The team created 10 samples, out of which the demo for ‘Don’t Start Now’ struck a chord with Dua herself.
The ‘One Kiss’ hitmaker then joined hands with the writers and completed the track. And, now, we’ve got one of the grooviest break up anthems of 2020. Further, the track kicked off Dua Lipa’s neo-disco pop sound; one that struck the perfect balance between 80s disco and current pop, and presented as the perfect gateway to her “Future Nostalgia” era.
Numbers Don’t Lie
While the essence of music lies in the truth of expression, commercial pop music encourages the accommodation of sales records, streaming numbers, and such. And, well, in this case, the numbers don’t lie. Dua Lipa’s ‘Don’t Start Now’ went on to debut on the Hot 100 singles chart at No. 38. Eventually, it peaked at No. 2, surpassing her previous smash hit, ‘New Rules’. Further, it served as her highest charting single in the US.
And, in prophetic fashion, ‘Don’t Start Now’, stayed within the Top 10 of the Billboard survey for 20 weeks, totally. In addition, it gave Dua the fourth longest stay within the Top 10 of the UK Singles chart. Are we surprised? Not really.
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