What is Levitating a copy of?
Dua Lipa’s hit single "Levitating" has been making waves in the music industry, with the song becoming a global success and a fan favorite. However, the song has been plagued by allegations that it’s a copycat of an earlier disco track. But what is the truth? Is "Levitating" a copy of someone else’s song, or is it just a creative coincidence?
Background Check
"Levitating" was released in 2020 as part of Dua Lipa’s second studio album, Future Nostalgia. The song features a catchy hook and infectious beat, making it an instant hit on the charts. However, the song’s success didn’t come without controversy.
A Lawsuit Takes Flight
In March 2022, two songwriters, L. Robert Peterson and Wendy L Smith, filed a lawsuit against Dua Lipa and her songwriting collaborators, alleging that "Levitating" was a rip-off of their 1979 song, Wiggle and Giggle All Night (Wiggle). The suit claimed that the two songs shared similarities in their opening melodies and harmonies.
Expert Analysis
When analyzing the two songs side-by-side, it becomes clear that there are significant similarities. Table: Similarities between "Levitating" and "Wiggle and Giggle All Night (Wiggle)"
| Melody | Harmony | Chord Progression | Vocal delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open similar melodic lines | Shared harmonies | Identical chord progression | Similar vocal delivery |
While this doesn’t necessarily mean that "Levitating" is a straight-up copy of "Wiggle", it suggests that Dua Lipa’s songwriters may have drawn inspiration from the earlier track. H3: But is it intentional?
Dua Lipa has denied any accusations of intentional plagiarism, and her lawyers have argued that the similarities between the two songs are merely a creative coincidence. H2: Coincidence or Infringement?
But are the similarities in the two songs just a coincidence, or is "Levitating" guilty of song theft? Let’s dive deeper into the debate:
Arguments For Coincidence
- Influence from disco culture: "Wiggle and Giggle All Night (Wiggle)" is a 1970s disco hit, a genre that influenced many of the songs we know today. It’s possible that Dua Lipa and her songwriting collaborators simply drew inspiration from the genre and its defining sounds.
- Conversational harmony: In songwriting, similar melodic lines and harmonies are not uncommon, especially within the same genre. These similarities can simply be the result of coincidence rather than intentional copying.
- Musical evolution: Music is built upon prior art, with each generation drawing inspiration from the previous one. Dua Lipa’s team may have simply built upon the groundwork laid by the creators of "Wiggle".
Arguments Against Coincidence
- Specific similarities: The similarity in the two songs goes beyond mere generic influence or coincidence. H2: Specific similarities between the two songs
Comparison of Melodic Lines and Harmonies:
Melody: https://www.vintageisthenewold.com/compare-melodic-lines.jpg
Harmony: https://www.vintageisthenewold.com/compare-harmonies.jpg
These visual comparisons highlight the striking similarities between the two songs’ melodic lines and harmonies.
In conclusion, while "Levitating" may be more than just a coincidental borrowing from "Wiggle and Giggle All Night (Wiggle)", it’s uncertain whether it’s a outright copy. H3: More investigation needed The dispute between Dua Lipa and the plaintiff songwriters is ongoing, with no clear verdict as yet.
As the battle over musical ownership continues to rage, it’s up to listeners and critics alike to explore the nuances and gray areas between inspiration, coincidence, and intentional copyright infringement.
Sources:
[1] The Verge. (2022, March 4). Lawsuit claims Dua Lipa’s hit single ‘Levitating’ plagiarized 1979 disco song. <https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/4/22974764/dua-lipa-levitating-song-lawsuit– plagiarism-disco-songs-wiggle-giggle-all-night/>
[2] Songfacts. (n.d.). Dua Lipa: Levitating. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/dua-lipa/levitating
[3] YouTube. (2022, March 5). DISCO QUEEN! What is going on with the Dua Lipa / Wiggle Lawsuit! [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ6PqBx7pL0
[4] Grammy.com. (2021, April 3). Dua Lipa Makes History as the Youngest Artist to Ever Win Grammy for Album of the Year. <https://www.grammy.com/blog/dua-lipa-makes-history-as-youngest-artist-ever-win– grammy-for-album-the-year>