Dua Lipa says she’s lucky to experience Manila

Artist Dua Lipa

When the final lineup for the coming “In the Mix” show, which will feature six acts from the pop and indie-rock scenes, was announced a few months ago, it looked like most eyes would be on Joe Jonas’ funky dance-rock band, DNCE, and the fangirl magnet of a band from Australia, 5 Seconds of Summer.

But with how things are coming along for the young artist Dua Lipa as of late, it’s safe to say that she, too, will be a big crowd-puller.

The British singer, who’s of Albanian descent, recently flew to Manila to do some promotional work for her self-titled debut album.

Her itinerary included an intimate acoustic showcase—organized by Warner Music Philippines—where she gave the press and fans a taste of what to expect from her on a live stage.

Dua performed only three songs. But as it turned out, she didn’t need anything more than that to prove her mettle.

Wearing a satin night dress and an oversized long-sleeved shirt thrown over it, Dua dished out what were, arguably, the strongest cuts from her new record: “Blow Your Mind (Mwah),” “Be the One” and “Lost in Your Light,” which already have millions of plays on music streaming services.

Because the bed of electronic beats on which the tracks were laid were replaced by the lone strumming of a guitar, Dua’s vocals ultimately became the focus.

While some young female singers are bent on hitting high notes, Dua embraces her mid and lower range—distinctively deep, with a little huskiness and just enough heft. At some moments, her inflections sound similar to that of one of her idols, Pink.

Dua Lipa during an acoustic showcase

Dua who, like many artists today, got her start by doing covers on YouTube, described her sound as “essentially pop,” influenced by singers she loved growing up, such as Nelly Furtado, Destiny’s Child and Christina Aguilera, as well as acts her parents listened to, like Radiohead and Stereophonics.

Her songwriting, on the other hand, is hinged, more than anything, on “sad feelings.”

“Those are the things that linger in my mind the longest. When you’re sad or heartbroken, it helps you make good pop tunes,” pointed out Dua, who cowrote 15 of the 17 songs in the deluxe version of her album.

One of the most memorable experiences so far in her career, she said, was collaborating with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in the midtempo piano ballad, “Homesick.”

“When you meet someone who inspires you, someone you appreciate, of course, you will get really nervous! And especially so when I had to play the songs from my album [for him]. But I was also excited at the same time. He was so lovely and kind,” related Dua, who hopes to work with The Weeknd and Sia someday.

Her EDM song, “Scared to Be Lonely,” being covered by former One Direction member Niall Horan was another “flattering” moment for Dua.

“It was very lovely of him to cover the song. It means a lot to me. Obviously, it’s nice to know that he liked the song enough,” the 21-year-old singer-model said.

Other acts joining MMI Live’s “In the Mix” event—set on Aug. 17 at SM Mall of Asia Arena—are Zara Larsson, Daya and Two Door Cinema Club (Call 470-2222).

“I’m so lucky I got to experience a place like Manila and meet all of you,” said Dua, who was looking forward to performing for a bigger crowd here.

“I can’t thank you enough for listening to my music,” she said.