Dua Lipa Says Buying Back Publishing Rights to Her Music Is ‘Something I’ve Always Wanted’

Dua Lipa is back in the driver’s seat when it comes to control of her music, and that’s just how she likes it. The pop star discussed for the first time buying back the publishing rights to her music catalog in a new interview with Audacy Check In Thursday (Nov. 16).

“I think it’s just something I’ve always wanted — to be in control of my own music,” the three-time Grammy winner told host Bru. “And I think all young artists should really understand the business behind music, especially in the beginning — I think it’s incredibly important. And so, to be able to have all the rights back to my songs feels really good. It’s my life’s work, so it’s good to be the person to say what happens with it.”

As for whether Taylor Swift served as an example for Lipa regaining control of her music, the “Houdini” singer said it wasn’t necessarily so. “I think what had happened to Taylor obviously was something that completely started getting people to understand that they should have a lawyer, and understand the business of music, for sure!” she explained. “I think owning your publishing was just something that I really wanted to have.”

“I think a lot of artists go, like, independent, or do their own thing,” she added. “I just wanted to have my whole catalog under my own company, which is something I started this year, which is like, publishing, and a production company. I just wanted to have everything under one umbrella. It just felt like a new chapter!”

TaP Music Publishing announced on Nov. 2 that it had sold Dua Lipa back her publishing rights. The artist signed with TaP management in 2013, and parted ways in 2022. She is now managed by her dad, Dukagjin Lipa.

Dua Lipa is nominated for two 2024 Grammy awards, both for “Dance the Night,” her song for the Barbie soundtrack. She’s competing for song of the year, as well as best song written for visual media. The Grammys will be presented Feb. 4.

Watch her interview below: