The 'slinky disco' track that became the biggest female lead song of the century
In short: Dua Lipa’s global hit was built on a seven-year hunt for a specific vintage synthesizer. From Tarot card readings to sugar rushes, the making of this electro-disco anthem reveals how high-concept production meets playful, human moments to create a modern pop masterpiece.
The sonic foundation of 'Levitating' began with producer Stephen Kozmeniuk’s obsession with an analog Roland VP-330 synthesizer. He spent seven to eight years searching for the instrument before finally shipping it from Tokyo to Toronto. Upon plugging it in, he played a "synthetic choir sound" that became the song's core synth line. This served as the primary building block for a "slinky disco track" that blended 1970s, 80s, and 90s pop styles with modern nu-disco and electro-house elements.
The creative process was intentionally unconventional. On August 28, 2018, the writing team at Sarm West Studios began the session with a Tarot card reading to "change the energy in the room." To establish a visual mood, they imagined themselves in an Austin Powers movie featuring Mike Myers. The group eventually entered a flow state fueled by a sugar rush from doughnuts, leading them to write lyrics like "sugarboo" as an inside joke about their friendship and include a rap section to highlight Lipa's British identity.
Production was further refined by Stuart Price, who added a high drone synth, disco strings, and a more pronounced bass groove. The final result is a complex tapestry of sounds: funky guitars, talk box vocals, "squelchy" basslines, and syncopated handclaps. Lyrically, the track uses an exaggerated outer space metaphor to describe the euphoria of falling in love, aiming for a sound that felt "smart" and "bubbly" rather than typical dance music.
The song's impact is historic. Occupying the second spot on the US Billboard Hot 100, it secured a position as the premier track of the 2021 year-end list—marking the initial single to achieve this since 2001. By 2023, it achieved Diamond certification from the RIAA. Its success is attributed to its ability to balance "future" production with "nostalgia," effectively serving as the blueprint for Lipa's entire second studio album.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Levitating (song)
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