Inside LISA's 'Born Again' Studio Sessions With Doja Cat, RAYE

The powerful lyrics of "Born Again" bring together three of music's most influential artists - Lisa, Doja Cat, and RAYE - in a groundbreaking collaboration released on February 6, 2025. As the fourth single from Lisa's upcoming album "Alter Ego," this disco-tinged pop anthem showcases a dynamic fusion of electro-pop elements and empowering themes.

Following an intensive 10-hour video shoot, the artists created a compelling visual narrative divided into four distinct parts, chronicling a journey from heartbreak to transformation. The song notably marks a significant milestone in Lisa's career, as she prepares for her solo Coachella debut in April 2025 and the release of her debut album "Alter Ego" on February 28, 2025. Through their combined artistry, Lisa, Doja Cat, and RAYE have crafted a breakup empowerment anthem that resonates with themes of personal transformation and self-discovery.

Artists Reveal Initial Song Concept

The origins of "Born Again" trace back to a compelling demo version created by RAYE during her time with Polydor Records in 2021. Initially leaked after RAYE's departure from her former label, the demo subsequently caught Lisa's attention, ultimately leading to this powerful collaboration.

How RAYE's Demo Sparked Collaboration

The original demo showcased RAYE's distinctive vocal style, incorporating soul influences that would later define the emotional core of the final track. The song's foundation centers on themes of personal liberation and self-assurance, specifically addressing the aftermath of a relationship. Through careful artistic development, the track evolved from its initial form into an anthem about reclaiming personal power rather than dwelling on heartbreak.

Lisa Approaches Doja Cat for Feature

During an October interview with Audacy, Lisa expressed her aspirations to work with Doja Cat, placing her at the top of her collaboration wishlist. Subsequently, in January 2025, Lisa hinted during an NRJ episode about an upcoming single featuring an artist she had previously mentioned wanting to work with. The collaboration materialized when Lisa, alongside her newly established label LLOUD, orchestrated the partnership.

The trio's first public acknowledgment of their collaboration came through a coordinated social media reveal on January 24, where they shared striking images of themselves in elegant black cocktail dresses. The visual aesthetics immediately set the tone for the project, with the artists donning dramatic hairstyles and mesh hats in concept images shared across their social platforms.

The song's structure strategically showcases each artist's strengths. While Lisa primarily focuses on singing portions, she thoughtfully cedes the rap verses to her collaborators. The arrangement demonstrates a deliberate approach to featuring each artist's unique abilities, particularly evident in Doja Cat's verse, which incorporates biblical metaphors: "Non-believer / You've bitten from the fruit but can't give back".

Studio Magic Unfolds During Recording

Inside the studio, the creative synergy between Lisa, Doja Cat, and RAYE manifested into a dynamic musical experience. The trio's collaborative spirit emerged through their distinct approaches to the track's themes of empowerment and personal transformation.

Artists Exchange Lyrical Ideas

Each artist brought unique perspectives to the song's narrative. Lisa crafted verses about speeding away from failed relationships, incorporating metaphors of freedom and independence. Doja Cat enhanced the track with clever wordplay, delivering lines like "You played the game smart, lettin' lil' me pass go". Meanwhile, RAYE contributed powerful religious imagery, penning the impactful bridge about finding salvation through self-discovery.

Andrew Wells Crafts Disco-Pop Production

Producer Andrew Wells, alongside RAYE, shaped the song's distinctive sound profile. The production team created a disco-tinged arrangement that seamlessly blends electro-pop elements. Wells' influence resonates throughout the track, drawing from his experience producing similar 70's disco-inspired energy for other artists. The production team skillfully balanced multiple vocal styles, ensuring each artist's unique delivery complemented the others.

Vocal Chemistry Creates Magic

The recording sessions showcased remarkable vocal interplay between the three artists. Lisa demonstrated her versatility by alternating between singing and her signature rap style. Doja Cat surprised listeners by exploring new melodic territories, attempting runs not typical of her past work. RAYE's soulful delivery added depth to the chorus without overshadowing Lisa's initial interpretation.

The nearly four-minute track exemplifies masterful production choices. Lisa's traditional technique of transitioning between singing and rap mirrors her work with BLACKPINK, nevertheless standing distinctly as her own. Doja Cat's strategic entry, beginning with singing before transitioning to rap, creates a seamless bridge between different sections. The production team carefully orchestrated these elements, ensuring each artist maintained their authentic style furthermore contributing to the track's cohesive sound.

Production Team Transforms Born Again

Under the expert guidance of producer Andrew Wells and vocal producer Kuk Harrell, "Born Again" underwent a meticulous transformation from demo to polished masterpiece. The production team crafted a sophisticated soundscape that seamlessly blends multiple musical elements.

Wells and RAYE Shape Sound Direction

The production showcases a crisp, vibrant arrangement anchored by a rich, funky bassline that adds remarkable depth to the track. Wells and RAYE collaborated to create a lithe synth-funk beat reminiscent of The Weeknd's signature sound. The nearly four-minute composition takes a deliberate approach to development, incorporating often-overlooked elements like intros and outros to create a full, satisfying structure.

At its core, the track maintains a classic approach to production, focusing on momentum and clarity instead of experimental techniques. The infectious rhythm generates an irresistible energy that serves both dance floor appeal and artistic expression. Through careful arrangement, the production team preserved space for each artist to showcase their distinct abilities.

Engineers Mix Multiple Vocal Styles

A skilled engineering team, led by mixing engineer Serban Ghenea and vocal engineers Jelli Angelica Dorman and Fermin Suero Jr., expertly balanced the diverse vocal performances. Their work ensured seamless transitions between Lisa's dynamic delivery, RAYE's soulful richness, and Doja Cat's signature style.

The mixing process carefully preserves each artist's unique vocal character. Lisa's portions showcase her versatility through sustained notes and rapid-fire delivery. Doja Cat's verse received particular attention in the mix, allowing her distinctive half-sung, half-rapped approach to stand out effectively. Additionally, RAYE's soul-influenced vocals add emotional depth through precise engineering choices.

The final mix demonstrates remarkable attention to detail, with assistant mixing engineer Bryce Bordone and mastering engineer Randy Merrill providing additional refinement. Through their combined expertise, the production team created a track that honors each artist's individual strengths moreover crafting a cohesive sonic experience.

Religious Metaphors Shape Final Version

Religious symbolism emerges as a central theme throughout "Born Again," with each artist contributing unique metaphorical elements that enhance the song's narrative depth. The track's spiritual undertones interweave seamlessly with its message of personal transformation and empowerment.

RAYE Writes Empowerment Bridge

RAYE's bridge introduces powerful religious imagery through carefully crafted lyrics that blend spiritual awakening with personal growth. Her verse, "I'm only gonna make you need religion at the minimum," establishes a compelling connection between romantic experience and sacred devotion. The bridge further explores themes of spiritual salvation, culminating in the revelation "I learned the hard way to let go now to save my soul".

Through metaphorical language, RAYE incorporates references to prayer and spiritual cleansing. Her lyrics emphasize the necessity of breaking free from toxic relationships for spiritual preservation. The bridge's structure builds gradually, starting with subtle religious undertones before reaching its powerful conclusion about spiritual salvation.

Doja Adds Garden of Eden References

Doja Cat's contribution enriches the religious narrative by incorporating biblical allegories, especially from the Garden of Eden story. Her verse opens with "Non-believer / You've bitten from the fruit but can't give back," directly referencing the biblical tale of forbidden knowledge. This metaphorical framework adds layers of meaning to the song's exploration of relationships and consequences.

The religious imagery continues throughout her verse as she questions, "Do your words seem gospel to ya now?". These references serve a dual purpose, addressing both spiritual awakening and relationship dynamics. The Garden of Eden metaphor appears visually in the music video, reinforcing the song's themes of temptation and transformation.

The combination of RAYE's emphasis on spiritual salvation alongside Doja Cat's biblical references creates a cohesive narrative about personal redemption. Their verses complement each other thematically, with religious metaphors serving as a vehicle for expressing complex emotions about relationship dynamics and self-discovery. The repeated allusions to belief, gospel, and salvation transcend mere metaphor, tapping into universal themes of renewal and transformation.

FAQS

Questions surrounding the collaboration between LISA, Doja Cat, and RAYE have sparked significant interest among fans worldwide. Here are the most frequently asked questions about "Born Again":

Q: What inspired RAYE to write "Born Again"? The song originated in 2014 after RAYE signed with Polydor Records at age 16. Despite creative differences with the label regarding genre direction, RAYE maintained ownership of her R&B roots throughout the songwriting process.

Q: How did LISA acquire the rights to "Born Again"? After learning about RAYE's situation with Polydor Records, LISA's team approached the label to secure the rights. Upon acquisition, they invited RAYE to collaborate, offering her full producer credits as a gesture of artistic respect.

Q: What makes this collaboration historically significant? RAYE holds the record for most Brit Awards won in a single year, securing six trophies including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist. This achievement surpasses previous records held by artists like Adele, Harry Styles, and Blur.

Q: Why did LISA choose to work with Doja Cat? LISA has been a longtime admirer of Doja Cat's artistry, even before Doja's rise to prominence. This admiration extends beyond personal preference, as numerous K-pop artists, including BABYMONSTER member ASA, consider Doja Cat a role model.

Q: How has the collaboration been received in different markets? The song achieved record-breaking streaming numbers on Spotify in the UK market. The collaboration successfully bridges K-pop, Western pop, and UK music scenes, earning the trio the nickname "Holy Trinity" among fans and critics.

Q: What role did language barriers play in the creative process? Professional translators facilitated communication between the artists, ensuring smooth creative exchanges despite language differences. This approach allowed each artist to maintain their authentic style while contributing to the track's cohesive sound.

The collaboration represents a groundbreaking fusion of musical styles, bringing together three distinct artists at the height of their creative powers. Through careful planning and mutual respect, they overcame potential barriers to create a universally appealing track that resonates across cultural boundaries.