This article introduces an in-depth music-production analysis of Dua Lipa's hit song "Don't Start Now," from an artist attracting considerable attention at the time. The YouTube livestream announced for March 8, 2020 at 8 p.m. explores the song's chords, rhythm, sound-design techniques, and structure from multiple angles. It offers practical production insights into blending disco with a contemporary feel, meticulously programmed drums, and a minimal yet three-dimensional bass line. For beginners and experienced producers alike, it is an opportunity to learn professional-level music-production techniques.
Learn Production Techniques by Analyzing Songs by Current Artists
In this series, we analyze the chords, rhythm, sound-design techniques, and structure of songs by current artists from a variety of angles, discussing the production methods and techniques they use in a relaxed livestream on our YouTube channel.
This time, we analyze Dua Lipa's "Don't Start Now."
The livestream was announced for March 8, 2020 at 8 p.m.!
Dua Lipa – Don't Start Now
Dua Lipa was a singer with truly unstoppable momentum.
Her songs set an exceptionally high standard across their polished production, vocal tone, singing ability, visual presentation, and concepts.
"Don't Start Now" was released on November 1, 2019 and quickly became a huge hit.
The track features disco sounds while expertly blending in a contemporary feel.
There is a wealth of instructive technique here: simple yet meticulously planned drum sounds and processing; the bass tone and phrases; the interplay between tracks using as few notes as possible; and a sense of depth created by the spaces between sounds.
Dua Lipa "Don't Start Now" — Song Analysis Video Livestream announced for March 8, 2020 at 8 p.m.!
Products Featured in the Video
Here are the products introduced and explained in the video.
DAW Used: Cubase 10.5
Described in the original article as Japan's most popular DAW, Cubase offers a well-balanced workflow for MIDI programming, recording, mixing, and more.
Product URL: https://bit.ly/2PoXJye
Cubase Tutorials for Beginners
This collection brings together beginner-friendly Cubase content, with videos explaining the basics and essential operations. It also covers Cubase 9, described as the latest version in the original introduction. Whether you use Pro, Artist, or Elements, these introductory tutorials are for anyone new to composing music with a computer.
Advanced Cubase Tutorials
This content is ideal for intermediate and advanced Cubase users. It also covers Cubase 9, described as the latest version in the original introduction. Once you have mastered the basics, use these tutorials to develop your skills further.
SonicAcademy Kick 2
For the kick track, we used a dedicated kick instrument that can create a variety of sounds from basic waveforms.
You can quickly edit the kick's pitch, attack character, length, and more.
It is a product we recommend: once you experience its convenience and sound, it is hard to go back.
Product URL: https://bit.ly/2Txvm3V
XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2
For the snare and hi-hat, we used the popular acoustic drum instrument Addictive Drums 2.
It is light on system resources and packed with ready-to-use sounds. Here, we used the volume envelope to control the snare length precisely.
Product URL: https://bit.ly/2PS3wNN
IK Multimedia MODO BASS
An outstanding acoustic bass instrument built on physical modeling technology.
It is light on system resources and lets you freely switch playing techniques.
Here, we recreated the bass riff that could well be called the song's central theme.
Product URL: https://bit.ly/2Ivoi1t
VENGEANCE SOUND AVENGER
A versatile software synthesizer with an extensive collection of presets.
Here, we used it for acoustic-instrument parts such as piano and strings.
The included rhythm sounds are excellent, too.
Product URL: https://bit.ly/2TQvudJ
U-he Repro-5
A software synthesizer that even recreates the subtle fluctuations characteristic of analog instruments.
We used it for the pad and backing synth parts in the song's instrumental section.
Product URL: https://bit.ly/3aEHg1W
Xfer LFO Tool Modulator Effect
A very useful editing tool that lets you freely control volume and frequency curves.
We applied it to the bass track's volume to shape its relationship with the kick and add a pulsing movement to the groove.
Product URL: https://bit.ly/2Rzl2b1
fabfilter Pro-Q 3 / Pro-C 2
FabFilter plugins deliver high-quality sound processing.
We used their EQ and compressor in the video. These dependable, feature-rich products work across a wide range of genres.
Product URL: https://bit.ly/2Ty4hxL
Valhalla VintageVerb
A high-performance reverb with numerous vintage models.
It blends well into a mix and is easy to operate, so you can shape sounds with confidence.
Its reasonable price was another welcome point in the original article.
Product URL: https://bit.ly/2PWn5oc
TAL-Chorus-LX
A recommended plugin that offers a simple yet characterful chorus effect.
The original article notes that it is available free of charge and encourages you to try it.
Product URL: https://bit.ly/39AQfkp
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What level of knowledge do I need to watch this analysis video?
Basic knowledge of DAW operation will make it easier to follow, but the video also includes explanations for beginners. You can learn from a producer's actual workflow through relaxed discussion, making it useful even if you are just getting started with computer-based music production.
Q2. Do I need to buy the plugins used in the video?
The video introduces many high-quality plugins, but it also includes free plugins such as TAL-Chorus-LX. Similar free tools can also produce comparable effects.
Q3. What are the musical characteristics of Dua Lipa's "Don't Start Now"?
It combines classic disco sounds with contemporary trends. The simple, carefully planned arrangement of the individual tracks, detailed processing, and three-dimensional sound are particularly impressive, making it an excellent resource for studying production techniques.
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