A booming bass and slithering synth have never led a song astray, and they immediately establish an aggressively joyful tone on “Girls,” Rita Ora’s stacked collaboration with pop stars Cardi B, Charli XCX, and Bebe Rexha.
Released as the days are getting warmer and the final memories of winter hibernation slip away, “Girls” is primed to be a summer jam. It details hazy summer nights spent sipping red wine and rolling Js over skittering drums, layered, echoing vocals, and an unrelenting synth line.
Ora also establishes the song as an exploration of bisexuality early on when she sings, “I’m 50-50 and I’m never gonna hide it.” Throughout the song, the pop powerhouses further the celebration of queerness, singing, “Sometimes I just wanna kiss girls, girls, girls/ Red wine, I just wanna kiss girls, girls, girls.”
PAPER caught up with Ora to chat about writing and producing the song.
There are so many amazing women on this track. How did you decide to work with Cardi B, Bebe Rexha, and Charli XCX?
I wrote the song like two years ago and just put it in my back pocket. When I brought it back out, Cardi was the first person to jump on it. It really turned into its own thing and became a powerful message that I really believed in. I played it for Charli XCX because I’ve known her for so long. I said “Listen to this!” And she said, “Rita, I’ve got to be a part of this. This is so powerful. This is such a great message for right now!” And then I messaged Bebe and she was also on board. I’ve wanted to work with Bebe for ages because we’re from the same country. I feel like all these girls wanted to be part of something they knew was very important, so I’m very proud of the support I have from my fellow collaborators.
How do you think this song is culturally relevant, right now?
It’s like the perfect time. People are going to take what they take to the song, but all I wanted to do is show freedom and a sense of individuality. [It’s also about] me as an artist being able to build confidence to be at this point of my career. It has taken me a while to get to this point. I’m very proud of who I am and who I’ve become I am as a woman and as a person.
Do you feel like it’s a queer feminist anthem?
I think this song is not about gender or even sexuality for that matter. This song really is about telling and showing people that you can be what you want to be and that was the message I had in the mind. When I wrote it that’s how I felt. It really represented freedom to me.
What do you hope listeners take away from “Girls” when they listen to it?
I just want them to feel a sense of acceptance in whatever it is they’re going through. And I think that’s what this song is. It’s for everyone and it’s an open door of good vibes and positivity, and having the ability to still speak on this crazy world we live in. Even if you don’t agree with what the message is. The fact that we were able to do that is beautiful on it’s own.
What was your writing process like?
It was actually done pretty quickly, it was me and a few other writers in the room and I just [said]. “Can you imagine if you made like a crazy anthem for pop stars?”
And you said you wrote it a few years ago. How did you decide to come back to it?
It was just because every time [I would go out] I would play it for my friends. Usually when I know to do things like that’s how I know there’s something special. Sometimes, when I’m wasted that’s how I test my songs. I play it to my friends or if I feel like I want to dance to it when I’m wasted, it’s a good sign.
Do you feel like this song is a good song for partying and going out to?
Definitely, 100%.
It’s prime time for summer anthem.
That was also my goal to make it a summer anthem, and it is sort of.
I’m also interested in the production behind it. It’s very intense and layered. What your rationale was behind making it so sonically full and textured?
It started so minimal to be honest. It was just on a guitar, and then it built into this chant. Then it really just turned into this almost like pop-hip-hop kind of back beat and it took on a life in its own really.
You said the writing process was quick. What about the recording process?
That was quick too. I did mine first and the girls knew what they were doing and they just went in. Everyone kind of got their stuff in and out.
What were their thoughts on the final product?
They love it. They keep messaging me. Everybody is just really excited. I think that’s a good place to be.
And you’ve been working on the music video too, right?
Yes, definitely. We’ve been filming it over the past two weeks. Whenever the girls are free it’s very hard working with such busy females I can assure you.
Who’s directing it?
The video is so fun. His name is Helmi. He’s a French director. The film is just really cool the video is like something I’ve never done before.
Source: Paper Magazine
Not only Rita released her new single “Girls” with Bebe Rexha, Cardi B and Charli XCX (listen to it below) but she also visited Capital FM studios to promote the new single.
After being seen all fancy at the Met Gala 2018 Rita was seen arriving back home in London (9 May). Today she was seen visiting KISS FM Studios in London.
Rita attended the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala (MET 2018 Gala) in New York on Monday (May 7th) and she looked absolutely stunning!
After performing at 538 Kingsday 2018 in Breda, Netherlands Rita headed back to the UK. She was seen out and about in Battersea on Friday (27 April).
On Friday (27 April) Rita performed at 538 Kingsday 2018 in Breda, Netherlands. She payed tribute to her recently passed away friend Avichii by performing their song Lonely Together.
Aha! Yep, Rita has shared the name of her upcoming tour: The Girls Tour! All dates can be found below, some shows are not sold out yet, but do sell pretty fast. If you want to attend not sold out shows hurry up.
- Saturday 12 May – O2 Academy Leeds in Leeds, UK – Sold Out
- Sunday 13 May – O2 Academy Newcastle in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK – Sold Out
- Tuesday 15 May – Manchester Academy in Manchester, UK – Sold Out
- Wednesday 16 May – O2 Academy Birmingham in Birmingham, UK – Sold Out
- Friday 16 May – O2 Academy Brixton in London, UK – Sold Out
- Saturday 19 May – O2 Academy Bristol in Bristol, UK – Sold Out
- Monday 21 May – Melkweg Oude Zaal in Amsterdam, Netherlands – Sold Out
- Tuesday 22 May – Trix Centrum Voor Muziek in Borgerhout, Belgium – Sold Out
- Wednesday 23 May – Élysée Montmartre in Paris, France – Tickets
- Friday 25 May – Tonhalle Kulfabrik in Munich, Germany – Tickets
- Saturday 26 May – Grosse Freiheit 26 in Hamburg, Germany – Sold Out
- Sunday 27 May – Vega Musikkens Hus Store Vega (Main Hall) in Copenhagen, Denmark – Sold Out
On Friday (20 April) Rita was seen out and about in London, England. She was probably out for dinner and looked gorgeous as always.
Only last September Rita and Avicii released their song Lonely Together, two days ago the DJ was found dead. Via Twitter Rita shared:
I have no words. I remember how amazing it was to make Lonely Together and it felt like just yesterday we were talking. Condolences to Avicii’s family, friends, and the fans who supported him. May he rest in peace. Gone too soon. I’m devastated. Heartbroken.
The team of Rita Ora Central is devasted about the news and wishes Tim’s family, friends and fans lots of strength and love as well as privacy during this hard time. To pay tribute to Avicii and his amazing work we’d like to share the music video for Lonely Together with you once again. Rest in Peace.
Rita performing a medley of her songs Your Song, Anywhere and a duet with Liam Payne For You.