Mastering the Nu-Disco Anthem
Dua Lipa's "Don't Start Now" kicked off the Future Nostalgia era, blending retro disco vibes with modern pop production. Unlike many pop divas who live in the high belt register, Dua Lipa shines in her lower, warmer register. This song is a masterclass in attitude, rhythm, and tone control.
To sing this well, you need to be comfortable in your lower chest voice while maintaining enough agility to handle the rapid-fire pre-chorus. Let's break down exactly how to tackle the groove, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Breathing
The rhythm is relentless. Because the verses are sung in a lower register (E3), singers often run out of air trying to push the sound out. Keep your core engaged and take quick "sip" breaths between phrases to stay on the beat.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Warm)
The song starts in B Minor. The opening lines "If you don't wanna see me dancing with somebody" sit right at the bottom of the average female range (around E3). The challenge here is volume and clarity.
The Trap: Many singers "fry" their voice here or lose pitch because they are too relaxed. You need to speak-sing these lines with forward resonance to ensure they cut through the heavy bassline.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus (The Lift)
The energy shifts at "If you don't wanna see me..." where the melody jumps up. You need to switch seamlessly from that heavy chest voice into a lighter mix or head voice.
- Falsetto Flips: The transition needs to be smooth. Don't carry the heavy weight of the verse up here or you will sound flat.
- Articulation: The words come fast. Practice the lyrics slowly to ensure you aren't mumbling the consonants.
Phase 3: The Chorus (The Groove)
The chorus ("Don't show up, don't come out") relies on rhythmic staccato. You aren't sustaining long notes here; you are punching the rhythm. This is percussive singing.
Towards the end of the song, Dua adds ad-libs that reach up to a belted D5 and a falsetto G5. These are the "show off" moments. Ensure your throat is open and you are using your diaphragm to support these high notes, rather than squeezing your throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lowest note is an E3, found in the verses. It requires a solid chest voice to project clearly.
Yes, but the verses might feel very low. Singing Coach AI allows you to transpose the track up +2 semitones to make the verses more comfortable for higher voices.
Dua Lipa uses a technique called "vocal fry" sparingly at the ends of phrases, but mostly relies on a relaxed, lowered larynx position in the verses to create that dark, rich color.
