Dua Lipa is ready to ditch the disco and embrace raw vulnerability for her third album, inspired by late nights, freedom, and navigating love in your mid-20s. In a Rolling Stone cover story, the 28-year-old songstress opens up about the psychedelic-pop record, her love life, and why she uses her platform to call for peace in Gaza.
A New Kind of Sound: This album promises a departure from the synth-heavy “Future Nostalgia.” Lipa cites influences like Primal Scream and Massive Attack, aiming to capture the essence of youthful freedom and unfiltered experience. Collaborators like Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker add a fresh psychedelic twist.
Dating Adventures: The songs offer glimpses into Lipa’s own dating world, with one track even celebrating an ex’s new partner. Reflecting on past “nice” breakups, she shares, “It taught me a lot… I’m an evolved human being that I can see my ex move on and feel good about it.”
Finding Love: While romance with Anwar Hadid and Romain Gavras is rumored, recent photos suggest a new spark with British actor Callum Turner. Despite public scrutiny, Lipa acknowledges the challenges of dating as a public figure, often relying on trusted friends for introductions.
Breaking the Silence: While hesitant to discuss personal relationships, Lipa is vocal about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Her own history as a refugee child of the Kosovo War fuels her empathy for displaced people. “My existence is kind of political,” she explains.
Calling for Peace: Despite not condoning Hamas’ actions, Lipa highlights the disproportionate loss of life in Gaza and urges world leaders to prioritize a humanitarian ceasefire. “There is a world where you can feel for all lives that are being lost,” she emphasizes.
The Power of Solidarity: Acknowledging the limitations of music as a political tool, Lipa believes even expressing solidarity holds value. “Just showing solidarity, which is sometimes all you feel like you can do, is important.”
With a raw new album on the horizon and a growing voice on social issues, Dua Lipa proves herself to be more than just a pop star. She’s a complex, evolving artist unafraid to embrace vulnerability, share her experiences, and advocate for what she believes in.