Dua Lipa "Levitating" infringement lawsuit

[friskinator]

Netflix Song Exploder did an episode on Dua. You can get a good idea of her creative process by watching it.

There’s also an ep of the Song Exploder podcast devoted to Levitating. No mention of sampling or inspiration from other specific songs.

 

[friskinator]

That was the sense I got. Similar enough that a reasonable person would think, "Ha, I get it, that's cool," while someone else, perhaps looking for some quick cash, would hear an opportunity.

From what I remember, there was no mention of infringement with Blurred Lines until Robin Thicke and Pharrell said publicly that they were trying to create a track with that same vibe. Would there have been a lawsuit if they’d never discussed it publicly? I don’t know, but it might have been tougher to prove.

 

[funkinbottom]

Nothing against an obscure bottom market cracker "reggae" band

This is just hilarious. Still laughing. Above quote for the win.....thread over.

 

[Shepsdad]

And you can't assume Dua Lipa or one of her producers heard that song unless you are arguing that everyone hears every song simply because it is available on the internet. Have you heard every song? No? Then how would she?

I’m not assuming her or her people heard it at all. I’m saying that you can’t say they didn’t hear it.

I do “get” what you’re saying, I’m simply saying that it’s plausible that someone connected to the defendant actually DID hear the song, and regardless of whatever the band in Florida may be, if their work was wrongfully used, they should be compensated.

 

[yodedude2]

thanks for clearing up the 'never heard it' but 'it was accessible' stuff for me, y'all. i appreciate it.

 

[SirMjac28]

 

[Chickenwheels]

My kids listen to the latest pop stuff. I’m constantly hearing “borrowed” ideas.
Dua’s “Break My Heart” also rips of an INXS tune.

 

[E2942]

This is one of only a few pop songs that I will Crank! when it comes on the radio.

others:

Genie in a Bottle (Aguilera)

No Tears Left to Cry (Ariana)

 

[NobodyImportant]

One thing that's a certainty, nobody on DL's team ever heard that band or that song.

Reason um-teenth not to listen to DL, haha!

 

[Chickenwheels]

One thing that's a certainty, nobody on DL's team ever heard that band or that song

I dunno about that personally. This sort of appropriation of ideas isn’t uncommon.

 

[jimmydean]

After hearing the two tunes the only thing to be said is the following ...where do I wire the funds ?

 

[Wood and Wire]

There’s also an ep of the Song Exploder podcast devoted to Levitating. No mention of sampling or inspiration from other specific songs.

The podcast, and the Netflix show always cover different songs, by any given artist.

 

[friskinator]

My kids listen to the latest pop stuff. I’m constantly hearing “borrowed” ideas.
Dua’s “Break My Heart” also rips of an INXS tune.

I know what part you’re referring to. Those 3 punches in the chorus do not equal a rip-off or infringement, IMO.

 

[Grapevine921]

So they both bought the same sample pack?

 

[Chickenwheels]

I know what part you’re referring to

Exactly.

 

[Sparkl]

You see that's the problem with these 3 chord tunes - everything basically sounds the same. I'm amazed there aren't more lawsuits on the table honestly.

Even if I assume that the producer never heard that reggae song, it is like walking a minefield - there's not much going on in the song anyways - simple beat, bass line follows the kick with a 8th note as a filler in between, and the rest is mostly vocals, harmony is basic I V IV degree-wise. It is very easy to produce a 3 chord song and find a predecessor that sounds very similar. Adam Neely once argued you can't own harmony... And I would agree with that - and the melody ostinato is different. Not much, but enough I guess. It sounds exactly the same to the average ear though I wouldn't be surprised if they somehow pull it off at the court. Like, what are you going to sue them for? Harmony? No. Beat? It's a simple 1&3 kick 2&4 snare... Melody? It's different. Articulation? Yeah right. Timbre? Not the same.

This above is the main reason why producers of pop music continually manage to pull it off by stamping generic pop hits by borrowing pieces of previously successful music on billboard and manipulate it just to the point where it cannot be legally considered a straight plagiate - even though it basically sounds the same.

 

[Ulf Buck]

Every song is It's My Life by Bon Jovi.

 

[mapadofu]

I think part of the problem is the lack of melody in these songs — to my ear neither moves much at all. The primary musical feature of the vocal line is rhythmic, and the rhythm pattern is constrained by English prosody.

i am suspicious though that the old school “melody +lyrics “ criterion has gone away with the Blurred Lines case, and that all the lawyers will need to do is show that you can do a clean mashup of one into the other to convince the jury.

 

[GodsLove66]

MORE IMPORTANTLY!!!!! Chris Stapleton needs to be nailed to the wall for ripping off the WONDERFUL Ms Etta James with ZERO CREDIT!!!! {Tennesee Whiskey/I'd Rather Go Blind}

 

[DJ Bebop]

Someone’s gonna get paid.