When English popstar Dua Lipa announced her virtual Studio 2054 experience, it was clear that we were going to get a different live-stream experience to what we've had in the past. We're now a world away from the early days of pandemic live streams, and Studio 2054 promised special guests, high-level production and a catalogue of hits.
Dua Lipa has released three huge albums now - Dua Lipa, Future Nostalgia and Club Future Nostalgia (curated by The Blessed Madonna, one of the special guests for the night). No matter which album is your favourite, or which of Dua's eras is your favourite, Studio 2054 delivered on every level. We watched the live stream, and here's what we thought.
Everything A Live Gig Couldn't Be
If the Studio 2054 experience proved anything, it's that live streams belong in their own genre, rather than as a replacement for live gigs. Studio 2054 made the most of the space available at the iconic Printworks venue in London, transitioning from a range of sets. There was a club set, a lounge room (acting as a dressing room) set, and even a roller derby set.
In between the tightly choreographed dance numbers were times where the dancers supporting Dua Lipa would just break into relaxed boogieing reminiscent of a big night out. It was easy to forget just how much work had gone into Studio 2054, because much of it seemed like a group of friends together to perform, rather than one of the biggest musicians on the planet being beamed into our living rooms.
More Than Just A Backing Track
Live streams have never felt more organic than with Studio 2054. The decision to have Dua backed by a band worked wonders, as did Dua's live vocals. Hearing Levitating with a live guitar solo gave the song a whole new life, while the bass lines jumped out of the speakers and into the real world.
Of course, not every track involved a live band, with The Blessed Madonna behind the DJ booth in the nightclub set. It's another string to Dua's bow to be able to perform with a live band, and it gave Studio 2054 a more natural feel - there's something about replacing a backing track with live instrumentation that brings pop songs to life.
Guess The Guest
While we had an idea of who'd be showing up as a special guest before the live stream, it was still a surprise to see Dua perform alongside her fellow popstars. An un-released duet with FKA Twigs is set to be a huge hit whenever it comes out, while Dua's performance Fever with Angle worked seamlessly.
However, the highlight of the night might just be when Australian icon Kylie Minogue appeared to perform her own Real Groove with Dua, as well as Dua's track Electricity. It felt like a way to represent multiple generations of pop in the one performance.
This idea was pushed even further when Elton John appeared to perform his iconic track Rocket Man (which holds special meaning for the English - including Dua). It felt like a celebration of Dua's personal icons, and indeed, the whole stream was a celebration of the personal power that music holds for each of us.
2020 Has New Rules - But Some Things Stay The Same
Dua opened Studio 2054 with Future Nostalgia, and her performance didn't waver at all. If you'd forgotten any of the big moments off Future Nostalgia, or indeed her self-titled album, then this was a great time to be reminded.
Dua Lipa's stage presence has never been better than during Studio 2054, and her performances of her old songs, including New Rules, have given the songs a new lease on life. However, it's closing track Don't Start Now that stole the show.
It was a moment of adrenaline-inducing joy that we really needed in 2020, and Studio 2054 was the shot in the arm that many people needed. If you weren't grinning from ear to ear by the end of the stream, then we're not quite sure if you were watching the same thing as us.
Making The Past Cool Again
Dua Lipa's album title, Future Nostalgia, signalled her intention for her current era. Everything she's done recently has made us look forward to the future, and indeed, Studio 2054 feels like a view into the future.
However, including sets like a roller disco and a nightclub that plays songs from the past, including Daft Punk's Technologic, meant that not everything was futuristic. Dua Lipa did away with special effects and felt like it could have been filmed in another time.
Of course, that's not entirely true, but it's a testament to Dua's commitment to mixing the slick and the sappy. Dua has the stage presence of a superstar, and the relatability of someone you could be best friends with - and a jubilant “Yeahhhhhh!” shouted at the end of the show highlighted what we at home already knew - Dua had absolutely nailed it.
READ MORE: How Dua Lipa Shines Brighter Than Ever On The Confident & Poised 'Future Nostalgia'
Check out the full setlist for Studio 2054 below. It was a great reminder of the magic of music, and Dua has become one of the world's best performers.
We can't wait to see her perform on the live stage for real sometime soon - but for now, Studio 2054 proved that Dua Lipa is a star on a global scale, and she's got the moves to match.
Dua Lipa Studio 2054 Setlist
Future Nostalgia
Levitating
Pretty Please
Break My Heart
FKA Twigs collab preview
Physical (ft The Blessed Madonna) Cool (ft, The Blessed Madonna)
New Rules
Prisoner interlude (music video only)
Un Día
Fever (ft. Angéle)
One Kiss
Real Groove (ft Kylie Minogue)
Electricity (ft Kylie Minogue)
Rocket Man interlude (Elton John only)
Hallucinate
Don't Start Now
