In this detailed analysis of the Dua Lipa hit "Levitating" I take a look at the elements that producer's Koz and Stuart Price used to craft a perfect dance-pop track.
I LOVE how this track uses simple elements to create some real complexity, both rhymically and harmonically. The simple drum groove has just enough of a hook to pull your attention, but it's real brilliance is in how it leaves space for all of the other musicians. In fact, this track is a masterclass on how to interlock the different elements of your production from a performance perspective. The drums stay sparse so that the other instruments can breath. When the guitar stop, the bass fills in. When the drums have a cool fill, everything else holds off to let it grab your ear. Even the vocals make use of great call and response with the synths in the chorus.
I recreated the track in Logic Pro in order to talk about the different elements. If you're interested in this type of thing- check out some of my other "inspired by" recreations in this playlist: • Layer By Layer
00:00 Introduction
00:22 The Groove
01:34 The Chords
05:08 The Bass
07:11 The Vocals
If you have questions about how I did it, please ask away!
For more videos analyzing pop songs: • Hot Takes - Song Break...
My series on great harmony in famous songs: • Really Cool Harmony
#musictheory #production #songanalysis