Dua Lipa Says ‘Houdini’ Is One of 97 Songs She Wrote For Her New Album | The Breakdown

Dua Lipa had to postpone her Future Nostalgia tour three times, but once she got on the road, inspiration for new music came to her quickly. In fact, she began writing her latest song, “Houdini,” while she was on tour, she tells Rolling Stone for the latest episode of “The Breakdown.”
Lipa returned to London’s 5DB, where she wrote a lot of her upcoming third album, to tell the story of how “Houdini” was put together. She explains that she had been spending time in Los Angeles, where Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker invited her to his home studio.
“Kevin was on the computer, and he was working on the monitors…and he just played a track,” Lipa recalls. The sound was the riff that launches the single, which made her feel “instantly inspired.” The “essence” of the track was born in the first two hours of hearing that riff, and the chorus quickly took shape with the help of Caroline Ailin and Tobias Jesso Jr.
During a different session back in London with Danny L Harle, Parker had been struck with the idea for the song’s middle eight, which changes the chords and tempo before escalating into a synth solo. It helped bring together the dark, clubby euphoria that Lipa wanted out of “Houdini.” She shares that there’s a secret extended club mix that builds out the psychedelic outro that she hopes to release in the future.
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[@dr.dspoptartpool6167]

This is one of the reasons Dua is on fire. The Beatles used to write way too many songs for one record & then have fun picking which track goes where with thier producer Gerorge Martin. This interview gives me deja vibes of Anthology days. Thanks Rolling Stone

[@ac9184]

Most artists do this

[@noahsabadish3812]

i love dua but this is not a unique phenomenon

[@dr.dspoptartpool6167]

@@noahsabadish3812 Loki Dokee! I'm not actually aware of many artists these days that exist this behavior of love toward their particular craft, however, I appreciate your comment! Blessed be, friend! Mtfbwy, always

[@Zhvianna]

You would be surprised how many big Artist don’t write even half of their discography, majority actually

[@startervisions]

Beatles music is fundamental for pop songwriting

[@user-rv7ge1tc4l]

Honestly, a lot of people act like she is not involved in her music. Really cool to see her talking about it, seems like she very much has a say in the stuff she releases

[@Theyarehereyesterday]

I think it’s because she’s not involved in everything. There are some songwriters that are “buyed out” of credits and have a secrecy contract about it. Also she was not involved in making the song that made her famous, “new rules”. She is really talented, though. Much of the music industry works that way on this level.

[@isasilva4737]

Muito bom saber do trabalho da construção e vê o produto final tão bom. Parabéns!

[@NYCangel69]

​@@Theyarehereyesterday She may not have been involved in New rules but she wrote the song that got her signed to a label -Hotter then Hell. She's been in an around music her whole life. Watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYbcanSYjd95aNk And kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKm9gYVqn92Cg5Y

[@HotdogFiend69]

Most music is collaborative. Even David Bowie used teams of session musicians to write music and collaborated with John Lennon and Queen. It's only gross when some pop singer takes sole credit for his/her music even though there's like 10 people who got song writing credits on all their songs.

[@8K240hz]

which is a little concerning because she has multiple tracks where the melodies blatantly rip off other songs. (i still love her)

[@clarissadiokno]

I've been a fan of Dua Lipa since her 2017 debut studio album, and I love watching her growth and evolution. As an independent artist/singer/songwriter, this is really inspiring to see. I also loved when she talked about her confidence now vs. before when taking more of a lead in the songwriting process. It's so relatable, and I hope that I can grow in that way too. Can't wait to listen to the new album!

[@sandy.loveee]

same!! i remember going to her concert in 2018 it was still one of the best concerts ive ever been to

[@MarloAlvarez7]

Same! she's the best!!

[@lucialipland]

Really? You take your inspiration from other artists songs not from your own life experience? Just happened to me once with the smash hit by Azelia Banks "212" ...anyways: Keep on as an independent artist! One day maybe we'll make it!🦾

[@moniquerc_]

she keeps making bop after bop, this woman can truly never disappoint me.

[@suessermichi]

cough „Good in bed” cough, „cough „New rules” cough

[@suessermichi]

For me the Dua Lipa started with „Electricity”

[@NicolasCharly]

Let's not pretend she doesn't have a massive team of writters and producers to help her out.

[@joylong8897]

🎉Congratulations on new music 🎶 🎵 Never tire of Dance the Night Away ❤💃

[@chris07674]

@@NicolasCharly4 people isnt really a lot

[@jurajchobot]

I feel like this interview was the best one she has done. I don't know if it was the interviewer, but Dua really opened up and the whole interview was just so much more interesting.

[@Leorizing]

She’s so genuine and talented! She deserves all the praise and can’t wait to see what’s she does.

[@JasonB95]

The backstory to 'Houdini' I find so fascinating. Love learning about her process for making music.

[@markuserikssen]

The new album is going to be iconic! And so is Houdini!

[@MarloAlvarez7]

Houdini has been on repeat!

[@yasserhass4261]

Me too this song is iconic

[@MeradoPacheco]

I was hoping a Debut a top billboard hot 100, but didn't quite make it.

[@MarloAlvarez7]

@@MeradoPacheco I was hoping as well…. Hopefully there’s a gradual climb to the top with more AirPlay.

[@MeradoPacheco]

@@MarloAlvarez7 I doubt it. I can see it going down. Streaming services are pretty high for Mariah Carey. Or just Christmas songs in general. Everyone just needs to buy the song and stop streaming it every Christmas Holiday. 🤣😂

[@gabrielmoro3d]

This song gives me Confessions on a Dancefloor meets Thriller. Love it.

[@Theborzoiswiftie586]

the music video gives me hung up vibes though I don't know why lol

[@gabrielmoro3d]

@@Theborzoiswiftie586agree, it’s the dance studio 😄

[@SherinVevo]

TOURING = PRACTICE + VOICE DEVELOPMENT Keep the artist in you dua .. u're saving POP culture

[@VEGAS-NERVE]

Kevin Parker being amazing once again

[@nathan_gk]

She's so sharp. I love how articulate she is here

[@laars0001]

Yes that too, I forgot to mention it in my comments, she is incredibly articulate and full of creativity and expression, I am extremely proud of her but who the heck am I lol 😂❤❤

[@Dxdme1]

Her voice is mesmerizing 😍

[@ericdarmawan9504]

Her accent is also simply impeccable❤❤❤

[@demonicsweaters]

That opening bass synth in this song caught me immediately as well when I first heard this song. On headphones it sounds insane but amazing.

[@Missleahhayes]

Omg so excited to hear the rest of the album because Houdini is such a bop

[@MatthiasHamilton]

i love how she can self-analyze her talent and the way its progressing and is hyper-aware of how its evolving and can put that into words and communicate it to the interviewer I.E. recognizing that touring Made her voice stronger and recognizing that and putting it into her new album She's a sharp Cookie!

[@Kaden10]

I like that she has an actual notebook, I love that more people are going old school.

[@J23LA24]

I feel the same. There’s something special about a physical object that you can touch and feel versus something digital. It’s there but it’s not.

[@mbmd_nation]

Proof that she's so passionate in making music 😊

[@oliwiakryczek32]

And stole songs from other artists yeah 😂

[@tina7151]

I like that she seem to work hard for her craft. Singing, writting, and dancing.

[@AlanJLopez-gj5gf]

She is simply EXTRAORDINARY. Thank you Rolling Stone & DUA for this interview. I enjoy listening to the making of her songs so much! SOOO INSPIRING 💕

[@larry_ewilliams2023]

She is so engaging in interviews and super bright, I saw her at the Hay Book Festival this year discussing her life and her book review podcast - I was really impressed - saw Stormzy the following day at the same festival talking about his publishing company and he was equally impressive - this track is another sure fire winner, always love the rich tone in her vocal

[@jpanbe]

She feels different in this interview. More real. I like it!

[@relebohileramabodu]

Her voice is so therapeutic.

[@blueeses]

5:50 Extended mix? Third verse? Oh that better be released!

[@normann2]

This is giving me Mariah and her house remixes with additional verses, can’t wait!

[@flavioperez8876]

She is just on another level ❤

[@druunderwood5602]

42 and climbing

[@Theborzoiswiftie586]

its like every song she makes it's always on the charts, i can definitely see her becoming more famous than Taylor Swift

[@druunderwood5602]

@@Theborzoiswiftie586 Shes already as famous as she can only get bigger.

[@mitaelysabet]

her voice is so soothing, I hope in a few years she's able to do a trilogy tour starting with future nostalgia

[@bobbyswanson3498]

one of very few real pop stars right now. she is just so consistent and always improves on what came before

[@recollections3162]

An amazing human being ❤️ love u dua

[@tristanvillalontriss9220]

I've been here for Dua since 2017 DL1 and I will be a forever admirer of her even her albums got to DL1000. This lady is really a full package, that's my ultimate crush #dualipa❤

[@Theborzoiswiftie586]

Houdini made me a fan lol

[@ShowXTech]

I knew it! Houdini screams for an Extended Mix. Can't wait...

[@zyskoYT]

houdini will make you dance. It doesn't matter if you're in a bakery or in a club, it will physically make you dance. That's magic, get it?

[@lyn-dellwood6577]

I agree. It's a great song. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@BadBunniez]

Her music is fire 🔥

[@Rachael121]

Could listen to her speak all day, lovely speaking (and singing) voice 💖

[@pipalukpedersen]

I can listen to her talk aaaall day long

[@thetmjhealer]

So much insight into how the creative process really works. A lot of work, some luck, and lots of collaborators. She said she had to write some bad stuff before the good stuff came out. Marketing guru Seth Godin says the exact same thing about how the creative process works.

[@clevm002]

We NEED the extensed version ... I know this song is a decent lengh but i wanted more 👀👀

[@dgirl551]

I love dua so much her voice is ugh its different, i dont listen to female artists much cuz i feel they sound the same ish. But wen i heard duas voice instantly in love.

[@dannyk7226]

97 songs, I believe it. Artists are like that. I wrote 70,000 words for a 25,000 word novel and created 400 illustrations to whittle down to about 30. It’s just how the creative process works

[@Desiree-Laine]

You forget how thick her accent is! This woman is so,so, talented. And absolutely gorgeous. One of my favorite singers ever!❤🥰 Oh, and the coke, cherry,red, hair is stunning! Watch this hair color, become super popular, this holiday season.💋

[@leec6707]

She sounds like an English person. Not sure what 'thick' accent she has. I detect a yank.

[@seldjandervish2102]

Yes ! Please release the extended version 🙏

[@liscinda1230]

7:54 this is something i’ve been wanting more artists to do. when i’ve watched live versions of songs recently, the live adjustments and additions 100x better than the original but instead of enjoying both versions equally i get annoyed how the artist didn’t do live version as a studio version, so this is wonderful to hear!

[@TheUndertones559]

The extended version is absolutely incredible.

[@laars0001]

I started with a couple of Dua's songs in my Liked Songs folder including Houdini, then I heard Training Season and boom, hooked, it's a big list now ❤❤

[@lyn-dellwood6577]

I love this dancey 💃 song. It has cool psychedelic sounds for sure! ❤️ It's a great song all around! I feel like dancing to it. I have really enjoyed Duas music since the beginning. 😊🎉🎉🎉 I love this interview and hear her talking about the making of the music, song and album. Wow, loveliness that she wrote 97 songs. How cool is the "foldy" page and the one with Houdini. Fabulous!🎉🎉🎉

[@rzn_rzn]

Crazy how radical optimism will be trimmed to just 11 tracks

[@rebeccacervantes6250]

Now this is an interview that I've been waiting for.. Thank you for sharing your creative insight.. 💕

[@MassiBFL]

Houdini is a big hit, appreciate it so much

[@conundrumstages]

Calling it now: Next host/musical guest for SNL

[@Smosherx3]

She was both😊

[@officialdjfreeze8649]

Kevin parker is a real musical genius, my god 🤯❤️ Dua lipa is just awsome! Love her style 👌🔥

[@adolforodriguez6818]

The artist drop a song and people be like “flop” only listen 3 seconds, they dont understand the hard work put the singer, producers and songwriters behind that

[@anish6688]

Those people are dumb af

[@gameofleon8868]

Really excited to hear the B-Sides of the 97 Songs that didn't make it

[@duffinmedia]

I love how cool Dua is, and how cool Dua has become. I laughed out loud at the ease of describing her notebook. Just a CVS notebook. 😊 Felt great how much the book matters to her- something tangible. Really cool.

[@_cherly5097]

Wow. Big fan here. This video is the first time letting me know how Dua is involved in the process. Didn’t know she is that involved. I like all albums she puts so far. So excited to be able to listen to her new album. Just moved to Toronto. Please have a show here!

[@npnbrsec110]

She's freaking amaziiiing!! Her dedication passion positive energy... everything transpires through the songs!

[@aadasad2485]

Thanks for this interview! You got ONE more Plus in My Book with this Dua! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😘🌹❤️😎🇫🇮

[@claire6258]

I bloody love this woman and her talent. ❤ So fantastic to watch her grow as an artist. Plus Houdini is a straight up banger.

[@Theborzoiswiftie586]

don't even mention that bridge though 😍😍😍😍

[@garcyuh]

What a team to work together on these songs and make them excellent.

[@Tityretupatulae]

So sad Kevin Parker’s monstrous talent is wasted on this music

[@thebatmanwhoposts9600]

7:31 this is random but I LOVE the way she says "um" so much lol.

[@tom7914]

I am beyond excited , I love love tame impala and So the collab with Kevin will be out of this world I feel it 🔥

[@weath1881]

Thank god you found that beat because the track Houdini is fantastic especially the extended version.

[@LAVISHING]

Love this Dua! Hope you’re doing well my friend!

[@valentinobb293]

We need the extended version now 🙂

[@meritback5861]

We are so here for the extended club mix!

[@Theborzoiswiftie586]

she said that it's the most vibest song on the album, that kinda concerns me because I really want more upbeat songs from Dua Lipa, but like again after listening to Houdini, I believe her thrid album will still be great!!! I can't wait any longer for the album, I need the tracklist, the album title & the most IMPORTANT thing, the Release Date cuz I want to see what Dua Lipa has to offer. But I am going to wait for her 2nd single cuz Houdini is too much for me to leave alone cuz It's so timeless, makes me more exicted for her new record!!! GO DUA LIPA!!! Love From Australia

[@helenharris9698]

So loved hearing her say the word ' tea'. In my mind, I associate her with that word.

[@daniel_arrudaa]

esse cabelo ta tao lindo e combinou tanto com ela to ansioso pro dl3 houdini msc do ano!!

[@TheTylerRobison]

Nobody else is noticing that?!?!? I could listen to her talk forever, I love her so much!

[@Kahayuman]

Shes an all around artist. She writes, she sings, she dances. Shes an overall great package!

[@smerlick29]

Woah 98 songs I’ll have to be on one ❤

[@melissa4332]

Love love the concept of this song. Self worth will keep you from never just settling for the way it may be with one person love❤

[@dianaf4047]

i bet these new songs in the album will be more like the last melody with the guitar at the end of Houdini.

[@myriamtouil3347]

SHE IS SO TALENTED ❤❤❤❤

[@clashofclaws1332]

I NEED PURPLE DISCO MASCHINE X HOUDINI (EXTENDED VERSION) !!!!!

[@byronhayes86]

So cool this way of filming and giving us a chance to look behind the scenes 🙌🏻🙌🏻🔥

[@rmannayr2129]

DUA LOOKS GOOD WITH THE RED HAIR!

[@BrianCarnevaleB26]

Brilliant writing. Thank you! WE LOVE YOU HERE IN THE NORTHEAST! USA NEW ENGLAND

[@FrankMitolo]

She's a force to be reckoned with - love her creativity!!

[@TheMariothedude]

she is amazing!

[@VegasValentineMusic]

3:30 i love that she says she "lived with" the song for a bit. As a songwriter this speaks to me. Sometimes you pour your heart out onto the page in a single five minute sitting, and sometimes you have to walk away from your work to know what it needs or to get a fresh perspective.

[@roncee5310]

Very excited for her next project. She is a talent beyond compare. Love her , she is so unique. She will be the next generation artist like a new Madonna.

[@Theborzoiswiftie586]

she definitely will be a new madonna that's for sure!!!

[@emp116]

@@Theborzoiswiftie586 madonna was making statements, she has made no statements. She is just a good basic popstart with good songs. Let's calm down. The new Madonna was Lady Gaga and we haven't seen a new one pop up yet.

[@glampingo]

dua lipa is always talking about politics and politicians @@emp116

[@roncee5310]

@@emp116 no pun intended, that is understandable. But it’s time to pave the way to other artists like her and Lady Gaga. Although Lady Gaga has been a little dismal these days , we haven’t heard from her in a couple years. Don’t get me wrong , she is also great. But we need to hear more from her. You are right. If she doesn’t catch up others will beat her to it.

[@ramakrishnamurthyyeleswara1292]

I love Houdini song 🎵

[@jepjep216]

Can't wait for the extended club version💃🕺💃🕺

[@alialgammodi4713]

She is amazing one word thats it ❤❤❤

[@nildakovacs-colon5892]

I agree 24 hours after making a decision is a perfect gage for your authentic feedback. DUA IS THE BEST

[@anish6688]

OBSESSED with Houdini…her best song ever so far!!!

[@frozen_78]

I thought the middle-eight was a sample (maybe from a movie about Houdini). It sounds mysterious, magical and is a very important part of the song (IMHO). Can't wait for the remixes, maybe an extended version, and new album.

[@sebastianblake1127]

Houdini is so good, I can't imagine it not being the pinnacle of her career.

[@osielescalante2785]

one thing about dua lipa... she's gonna make a hit

[@MoeMenti]

I think her special power is in dialing in the creative chemistry she finds with collaborators. She's found a handful of producers and others she meshes really well with, and they know where all their artistic strengths intersect. And so she's found her particular niche and sound. The result is numerous hits that will be remembered as definitive of our time.

[@CarlosEnriqueAmaro]

That iconic beat that sounds like a guitar on Dua Lipa's "Houdini" soundtrack reminds me of "Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson." That electric piano melody is very that era similar to intro theme song for the "Stranger Things" TV drama series. The title, "Houdini" is proof that training season is completely over when it comes to Dua Lipa's ability to create telepathic music, productions, writings, amongst other skills and abilities; along with the audio-visual music video storylines, print media, radio, and commercial side of things. Her red carpet appearances and taste in clothing lines and jewelry are out of this world. Her storylines, though, whether they be storylines on headline news, media outlets and album titles, keep morphing and evolving into a bigger and higher stage in life as seen and heard from similar iconic music artists of Dua's caliber. Completely grasping a broader reach of audiences and finding a middle ground for worldwide listeners and streamers to connect with Dua mentally, spiritually, and emotionally with her voice, lyrics, and talent. Keep up the amazing work Dua. I'm looking forward to listening more of your music and to watch more of you actress capabilities on TV screen taking on iconic film roles. 🙌🏻 #IAmNotArgylle

[@amcdoll]

I LOVE HER VOICE

[@joeferris5086]

That moog in the verse sounds so good.

[@rinowx5]

Beautiful talented AND a good human being ❤❤❤

[@becauseisaidso92]

she says how she wrote Houdini but the credits say she only wrote the lyrics, there are 7 other people who have credit on melody and lyric writing

[@MPCHustle]

Love this girl All of her music is just magical, :)

[@ponygirl6669]

dua siempre seras famosa

[@mikkiboflove]

No wonder it’s a bop. Dua and Caroline is a perfect match.

[@Rjhs001]

What an engaging, talented, smart young woman she is. Thanks Dua, great work and great songs.

[@yeungeddie]

Dua pls tour Asia 😫

[@yasserhass4261]

Maybe next year she have a lot of fans in asia love her❤❤❤❤

[@ARVINDYADAV-es6qk]

She performed ICC men cricket world cup in 19 November 2023 india

[@yasserhass4261]

@@ARVINDYADAV-es6qk really ??

[@yasserhass4261]

@@ARVINDYADAV-es6qk is she really performance in india this year

[@officechair22]

Dua lipa is a charmer and her songs are so original ♥

[@7thNoteOfficial]

This song Houdini reminds me of Michael Jackson type artistry its a huge song