DNA (Little Mix song) "DNA" is a song by British girl group Little Mix from their 2012 debut studio album of the same name. The song was written by the group members, production team TMS and songwriter Iain James, and was inspired by the band's performance of Katy Perry's 2010 single "E.T." as contestants on the eighth UK series of the British television talent show The X Factor. "DNA" is a mid-tempo electropop and techno-pop track featuring eerie synths, a music box introduction, spoken-word middle eight and elements of dubstep. The lyrics stem from the group members' experiences with love, and have a theme of obsession. Released as the album's second single on 9 November 2012, "DNA" debuted at number three on the UK Singles Chart, making it the band's third successive single to chart in the top three. It also reached the top 10 in Ireland and Hungary, and charted at number 14 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, who complimented its synth production and choral interlude. The track's accompanying music video, which was directed by Sarah Chatfield, portrays the group as assassins who stalk and kidnap a man, and was inspired by the comic books Sin City and Watchmen. Little Mix promoted "DNA" with televised performances on Loose Women, T4, and the ninth UK series of The X Factor. The song was performed as part of four of the group's concert tours, including The Glory Days Tour in 2017. Background Little Mix co-wrote "DNA" with production team TMS, and songwriter Iain James. The song was inspired by the group members' personal experiences with love; Perrie Edwards said the group "perform better when the lyrics mean something to [them] when [they] sing them." The song was intended as a darker and more mature contrast to the group's previous single "Wings", in a style akin to their 2011 performance of Katy Perry's "E.T." on the eighth UK series of the British television talent show The X Factor. Jesy Nelson said, "'Wings' was very upbeat and fun and colourful, and we wanted to show how versatile we were". According to Jade Thirlwall, the group "just wanted to write about a boy, but without making it typical. We came up with the scientific idea and then started matching science words with love." It was one of two songs being considered for release as the album's second single; the group chose "DNA" believing it better showcased their vocals and a more serious side to their personalities. Composition "DNA" is composed in the key of E minor using time and a tempo of 70 beats per minute. Little Mix's vocal range spans from E3 to C5. The verses follow a chord progression of Em–C–G–Bm/F. It is a midtempo, electropop and techno-pop song, with a pronounced, grinding beat and elements of dubstep. The track is led by spooky synthesizers and features drums and guitar. The first verse is introduced by a tinkling music box and pumping heart rate monitor, and is performed by Edwards in a low vocal register. After a pre-chorus by Thirlwall, all four group members harmonise the pounding refrain, which is backed by slamming and smashing noises. After Nelson's second verse, Thirlwall's second pre-chorus and the second chorus, the song nearly stops. It then enters into a spoken-word middle eight performed by Leigh-Anne Pinnock in a modulated, robotic style, which is followed by a choral interlude. The third and final chorus is preceded by brief rave klaxons and a high note sung by Edwards. According to Pinnock, "DNA" is "not just a