An Interview With The South African Pop Singer, FILIPA!

South African pop artist FILIPA recently debuted the official music video for her new song “I’d Rather Be Single.” As with her previous single releases, including 2018’s “Good Behavior” ( here ), the 23-year-old singer-songwriter is owning her femininity, strength and intelligence without apologies for who she is, what she stands for and what she wants to say. The new video first premiered on Popdust and is now streaming worldwide on YouTube; watch here.

 “‘I’d Rather Be Single’ is an anthem for being independent, single and self-assured,” FILIPA explains. “The dating world is so strange and demanding these days, which makes it hard to find that special someone who understands you, supports you and treats you right.”

“I’d Rather Be Single” is available now on all digital platforms: http://smarturl.it/IdRatherBeSingle

 FILIPA first earned international attention when she won a RyanSeacrest.com cover song competition for her rendition of One Direction’s “Story Of My Life” ( here ). The contest capitulated her popularity in South Africa and provided her a platform to focus on releasing her own original music. She released her debut single “Chills” in 2014 to rave reviews and later the song “Little White Lie,” which quickly climbed the iTunes and South African radio charts, landing in the top five on 5FM and Jacaranda FM in 2016.

With the success of her releases in South Africa, FILIPA is now setting her sights on the U.S. market. She’s been traveling to New York and Los Angeles to work with accomplished producers and songwriters, including platinum-selling songwriter Pam Sheyne, best known for Christina Aguilera’s global hit “Genie in a Bottle.”

Driven and determined, FILIPA is not only an artist but a student as well; she is currently enrolled in Harvard’s extension online platform.

For more information about FILIPA:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Learn more about FILIPA in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you?

It’s such a pleasure! I’m currently in Pretoria, South Africa.

Now that we are into the 6th month of the new year, how has 2019 been treating you so far? What are some goals that you have for yourself this year? How are those New Year’s Resolutions going?

2019 has been a roller coaster so far. So much has been happening and I’m super grateful for it all. I’ve been working to get an EP together and that’s definitely been my main goal for the year. My only New Year’s resolution for 2019 is to be more mindful and patient. I think it’s so important to be patient and thoughtful when pursuing a career in music. It’s easy to feel demotivated and stuck at times but being mindful and having patience keeps your head in the right place and keeps you going. I’m excited for what’s to come!

Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?

Music was always super important in my life growing up. Since I can remember, music has been the biggest part of my life. I was 8 years old when I first performed on a stage and ever since then, I knew it’s what I wanted. It was the easiest choice I’ve ever made and I am so fortunate to have parents that supported my dream.

Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? Would you be as fulfilled in life?

I guess the one thing I can see myself doing if I wasn’t a musician would be Psychology. I’ve always found that to be super interesting. I think that I would be fulfilled in life as long as I am still doing what made me happy. Music will always be a part of my life and will always make me feel fulfilled. I’ll always be a musician, even if I have a different occupation.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?

I think the biggest surprise is how much I’ve grown. I keep learning and growing through this journey and it’s amazing to feel that confidence in who I am as an artist expand. Of course, it’s been a challenge, but sticking true to my voice as an artist has proven to be worth it all.

What has it been like breaking into the music industry in South Africa? How would you say that it compares to it over here in the US?

The industry in South Africa is vastly different and more so because of the fact that it’s my home. Establishing yourself in your home country is something special. It was an amazing experience to have support in my home territory and I feel so humbled. The US is a completely new territory, but one that I’m excited to enter. I think it’s important to challenge yourself and I’d love nothing more than to share my music with as many people possible in all parts of the world.

I’d love to know more about what it was like winning the RyanSeacrest.com cover song competition? How did you go about choosing One Direction’s “Story Of My Life” to cover for the contest?

It was honestly the best experience. I was so humbled and amazed at the public support. Since the competition was solely based on public vote, I only won because of that vote and it was so special. I chose “Story Of My Life” because it was a song that I really connected to at that time. I just loved the song and wanted to share my own spin on it. I had no idea that the contest existed when I put the video on YouTube, so when I got contacted by RyanSeacrest.com asking if I’d like to enter the competition, I couldn’t believe it!

Let’s talk about your new single, “I’d Rather Be Single.” What was the inspiration for this track? How did this song compare to your debut tracks, “Chills” and “Little White Lie”?

“I’d Rather Be Single” was inspired by a fun conversation I had with the other writers of the song in the studio about the dating world these days. I made a comment that “I’d rather be single” and we all knew that had to be the title of the track. I think that it’s so hard to date in a world where everything is so readily available and there’s an overflow of option. A lot of people are also afraid to be single and alone, which is why I really wanted to write this song. I wanted to bring across the idea that being single is okay and far better than being in the wrong relationship. This song is more personal to me than my previous singles, because I was more involved in whole process (writing, production, etc) and have definitely found my voice. I’ve grown up and I think that this song definitely shows that.

When do you plan on releasing more new music and a full album of new songs? Are you currently on it?

Very soon! As I mentioned I’m working on an EP and I can’t wait!

How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started singing and writing songs?

I think that I continue to grow as a musician and songwriter every day. I become more comfortable with expressing myself as an artist and hope that I continue to grow. The beauty about being an artist is that you can keep changing and experiencing new paths, which means that your fans get to go on journeys with you.

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now?

I think that social media is always a bit tricky to keep up with, so I try to just be authentic to who I am on it and not worry about sticking to trends or strict schedules. I think this helps keep me up to date and enjoy it. I love connecting with fans through Instagram DM’s. I’m a big fan of putting up stories and love interacting with fans that reply to them and start conversations.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

Photo Credit- Max Baker

Michael Jackson is my ultimate inspiration as an artist. I also am obsessed with Julia Michaels and Troye Sivan at the moment — I would love to work with either of them in the future.

Where can people see you perform live next?

Right now I’m hoping to start planning for touring in the US soon when I release my EP! So, when something comes up, I’ll make sure to share it on all of my social platforms — keep a look out.

If you had an unlimited budget and your schedule was free, what would your dream music video look like?

Wow, off the top of my head, I’d have to say a video that’s set in a whole different era and world. Something epic for sure — perhaps a castle? Or I’d love to have a massive cast with some of my fav actors and shoot the video almost as a short film. I’d have to definitely think about it some more of course depending on the song too!

If your music was going to be featured on any TV show that is currently on right now, which would you love it to be on? Or if you prefer, what is a movie that you love that you wish your music was featured in?

Ah, I would have to say the movie “Clueless”! It’s an absolute classic.

At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?

I hope that people can simply just relate to my music and feel empowered to speak their mind, have fun and be unapologetically themselves.

Would you like to share anything else with our readers about your music?

I would love to know what they think about my new music and hope that they keep an eye out for what’s next!