Dua Lipa On Finding Bliss With ‘Radical Optimism’: “I feel like I’m really in my power.”

Dua Lipa isn’t as elusive as one might think.

While the 29-year-old pop superstar often finds herself shying away from the public eye, it isn’t because she’s avoiding the immense level of fame that she’s built up over close to a decade on the scene; nor is it because there’s an inherent effort to disappear from the responsibilities of being a world-renowned musician. 

In fact, Lipa finds herself closer to embracing the nitty-gritty aspects of her craft even further in recent years. All the time spent away from the limelight has led her to delve deeper into becoming a better performer and a better songwriter –– leading to a preference for her to let the art speak for itself. 

Such is the case with her recently released album, Radical Optimism –– which sees the “Don’t Star Now” hitmaker embracing a new set of sounds and styles (ranging from neo-psychedelia to euro-pop) that veer away from the disco-pop sheen that’s become signature to her caliber. Yet with what listeners have taken away from the record, it’s surely a step forward towards the next chapter of Lipa’s artistry and sonic capabilities moving forward –– while ultimately remaining truthful to where the multi-Grammy Award winner is at this point of her career.

When I meet with the English-Albanian pop star, she finds herself in between rehearsals for a special performance for the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. Being in her element, she opens up to me about her excitement about taking the stage so soon, and what it entails for her forthcoming Radical Optimism World Tour scheduled to commence within the next few months.

“I honestly love being on tour and I love performing. And I think a lot of that is because I love going to shows and festivals myself, so I know what it’s like to be in the audience,” she shares with a slight chuckle. “From that perspective, I think I know what I would want from someone on stage, so I try to recreate that for the fans and for the audience. I try to make it as fun as possible.”

With the result of Radical Optimism, it doesn’t seem like Lipa is going to have any difficulty translating the record into one joyous, energetic, and euphoric indoor dance party. As she herself mentions, “It feels absolutely amazing and really, really good” to have put out such an album as this.

“Radical Optimism is an album that I’m just so proud of, and it means so much to me. I’m just really grateful for what it’s taught me, and you know, I think it’s made me a better songwriter. And the more that I’m in rehearsals and getting ready for this next tour for the album, I feel like I’m really in my power,” she states.

Beyond the ferociously catchy nature of its lead single “Houdini”, the boppy yet rousing “Training Season,” or the Ibiza-fit club backdrop of “Illusion,” the rest of the album encompasses a wide range of emotions that follow soon after the end of a relationship. From the bittersweet aspects of relief, melancholy, angst, and the titular optimism, Lipa’s songwriting and vocal prowess have never been more freeing in their approach until this project. 

“I went through so much change in the process of writing this album. It’s all about what I felt in the moment, and all of those were the feelings I was experiencing at that given point in time. It’s exactly what I was conveying when I was going into the studio to write, and all of those themes just felt very natural, yet it was also very personal to my experience,” she mentions. 

Without getting into the specifics of what led to such a cathartic release for the pop superstar, she opens up about how her songwriting focus has always been on finding ways in which her listeners can resonate with her experiences –– even as they don’t delve into the quintessential parts of her life. 

“That’s the goal, you know. I think for me, it’s really important that people take these songs and they kind of live with them. So that people can understand that we all go through the same things in one way or another. And I just hope that the songs get to find a home with people and they’re there to soundtrack a moment in their lives –– whatever that may be.”

Lipa further adds, “With the wide variety of emotions from all these songs, there are so many moments wherein all of these tracks can fit into a particular moment of someone’s life. I’m glad to have been able to craft universal and anthemic tracks that people either cry or dance to, even if they do it simultaneously.”

Having worked with such an esteemed group of collaborators on the album (such as Kevin Parker, Danny Harle, Caroline Ailin, Ian Kirkpatrick, and Andrew Wyatt), the pop star describes the experience as one that was “absolutely incredible.” “I’m so grateful for the journey that music has taken me on and for me to have had the opportunity to make this album with such prolific and incredibly talented artists in their own right. It’s just been a dream.” 

“You know, it’s something that I’ve always wanted [having been familiar with their prior work], and I feel lucky to have been sharing the space and been in the room with them, just creating together.“

With the team’s effort in building up Radical Optimism’s sonic landscape, Lipa describes their creative process as one that came easily for everyone involved. “I think it just kind of came naturally, just from experimenting in the studio while also kind of seeing where the music takes us. That was really what it was,” she notes.

Still, there was one unalterable factor that the multi-Grammy Award winner considered when it came to the final result of their collective efforts. “I wanted this album to be something that we could easily adapt into the live setting, to make it some sort of experience. Everything about this album was inspired by the live experience, and I considered all aspects of what it would be like to translate these songs with my performances, whether it was vocally or dance-wise. That was kind of the main inspiration behind it.” 

Moreover, she notes; “The opportunity of being able to bring these songs on the road and on tour across several parts of the world, –– that’s what I’m most excited about with what I’ve been able to do with this album.” 

As Lipa looks towards her Radical Optimism World Tour, she notes her excitement at the opportunity of returning to several countries she’s long wanted to visit –– including the Philippines. “I’m so, so excited to come back. You know, I would have come back with the Future Nostalgia Tour [for the Philippines], but we were all going through such collective shifts post-pandemic, and everybody was trying to find their feet again and finding out what that new normal was looking like. So it just wasn’t possible for us to bring the show during that time,” she says with a slight note of sadness. 

“With that, I’m hoping to do a good mix of both Future Nostalgia and Radical Optimism for the audiences in the Philippines and make sure that they have the best time ever at the show. I’m so excited to come down, to see you all, and to spend some time in your beautiful country. I’m very much looking forward to putting on a good show for you guys –– as it’s been a long time coming!”

Yet while she keeps herself busy with plans and scheduled dates of a year’s worth of shows across the globe, she reflects upon what this new era of her life entails –– and what Radical Optimism has brought for her, both artistically and personally. 

“Right now, I would say it feels amazing. You know, I’m so grateful [with where I’m at], and living life on the road –– traveling, touring, and writing –– I’ve come to realize that the more I do it, the more I learn, and hopefully, the better I’m getting. I’m constantly just trying to evolve [as an artist] and get better at my craft really, and that’s all I can ask for with what this album has taught me.”

The sense of bliss that comes with such realizations is one that reflects a deeper sense of peace and purpose in her artistry — choosing to pour her energy into creating music that resonates on a more profound level. As with Radical Optimism, Lipa has not only embraced her evolution as a songwriter and performer but she’s also discovered a blissful balance, one where she can let the music speak for itself. 

Now, it’s about being fully present in the moments that truly matter to her, both on stage and in the studio –– as Lipa stands as an artist who has not just honed her craft but found her joy in the process.

“I’ve got a whole year of tour, and for sure there’s always going to be more music and more fun. Yet you never know, things might just pop up along the way,” she cheekily teases.

Get tickets to Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism World Tour showcase at the Philippine Arena this November 13, 2024 here.

As we anticipate Dua Lipa’s long-awaited return to the Philippines, listen to Radical Optimism below: