An Instagram post from Dua Lipa contains a code that reveals the title of the song.
Dua Lipa teased a new single to her fans on Instagram. The singer released a song video in which a series of numbers fade in at the end: 4 8 9 9 14 15 21. These numbers, when translated into their corresponding letters of the alphabet, make up the name Houdini.
Dua Lipa’s references to “Houdini”
The October 31st that Dua Lipa posted this also marked the anniversary of the eponymous magician and escape artist’s death in 1926.
The abstract references to Houdini seem to continue as Dua Lipa is shown with a gold key chain in her mouth. During his performances, one of Houdini’s methods was to obtain the key to his handcuffs from his wife by putting it in her mouth while kissing.
The imagery has a tradition in pop music history: in 1982, Kate Bush’s album THE DREAMING had a cover on which the singer was holding a key in her mouth – ready to pass it on to someone. There is also a song called “Houdini” on this album.
More about Dua Lipa
The British-Albanian singer and songwriter has repeatedly teased new music in recent weeks. In an interview in August, the 28-year-old confirmed that a new album is expected in 2024. The current one, FUTURE NOSTALGIA, was published in 2020.