Filipa
South African singer/songwriter Filipa has released her new single titled “Do Something”.
Co-written with Pam Sheyne, Will Jay and Moritz Braun, the pop single came from the feelings of frustration and confusion in a relationship. “Do Something” was my way of expressing my sentiment of “if you like me, just do something!” says Filipa.
The singer/songwriter has been working closely with multi-platinum songwriter Pam Sheyne with whom she wrote her well-acclaimed single “Little White Lie” released in 2016.
“Do Something” is now available on major streaming platforms.
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
How much time do you have? All jokes aside, I’m a singer-songwriter born and raised in South Africa. Growing up, I always had a passion for music and it’s been something I’ve wanted to do ever since I can remember. I would say that I’m a very transparent and honest person, which definitely reflects in my songwriting. I like to express myself through my music and think it’s super important to embrace your thoughts and feelings and speak up. I love to laugh, I cry a lot (hopeless romantic feels) and family means everything to me. Most importantly, I am shamelessly myself: I’m girly, love food, I am a goofball, I’m independent, I know what I like, I know what I want.
Do you remember your earliest musical memories?
Yes, I remember a ton of them. However, the most significant one was when I was 8 years old. I watched “Grease” for the first time and it changed everything for me. I remember loving it so much that all I wanted to do was learn all the songs, all the steps, and star in my very own musical. I told everyone that I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up - a performer. I also used to put on shows for my family every year during the holidays as young as 5 years old... those were the days!
When did you start writing songs? What made you want to write in the first place?
I started writing songs when I was about 12 years old and I remember being too shy to show anybody. Soon after, at 14, I recorded my first original song and it was the best feeling to know that I was actually capable of such a thing and it felt good to share it. So, I got into it because it was just part of who I was/am and it naturally happened, even though there were a couple of years where the juices didn’t seem to be there...
What gave you the confidence to be an artist and release your original music?
As said before, I think the confidence was naturally there. A lot of it came from knowing that I had done it and wanted to continue. What was important was that I never doubted myself and also had the most incredible support system (my family). I’m so lucky that my parents (and the rest of my close family) have continuously supported my dream in every way - e.g. from enrolling me in singing lessons and driving me wherever I needed to go for shows and the like, to allowing me to chose my own path in school and college. It definitely helps to have that kind of support as an artist.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
My parents, definitely!
How would you define Filipa, the artist?
Unapologetically honest, vulnerable, and transparent. Filipa is true to her feelings and not afraid to share them to connect to her audience.
"Do Something" is your latest single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
Since I like to be transparent with my music, “Do Something” was written at a time where I was dealing with the confusion and frustration of a “pending” romantic relationship. I was developing feelings for a guy and he started giving me mixed signals and not taking things anywhere. “Do Something” was my way of expressing my sentiment of “if you like me, just do something!” I wasn’t coming from an angry or bitter place, but just from one of not appreciating the uncertainty while still maintaining was the calm and confidence. Mixed signals are frustrating and I like to know where I stand. So, the song sums that up.
When did you start working on this single? Who helped you create it?
I started working on this single last year when I was in LA and got together with an incredible team - Pam Sheyne, Will Jay and Moritz Braun - for a writing session, which ended up being a very fruitful and fun one. We all knew the direction we wanted for the song to take and were really happy with the results.
What do you like the most about this single?
I honestly love the production so much! It has such a cool and mellow vibe!
What can you tell us about the music video?
The music video was all shot in my childhood home during the lockdown on an iPhone. I was super nervous to be shooting my own video, but it was honestly so fun and I ended up loving the outcome. I wanted it to be raw and almost have a “FaceTime”, “selfie” type of look and feel, which would also give it a personal and intimate touch.
What does it mean for you to be an artist?
I think that it gives me a chance to connect with other people. It allows me to pour my soul out into my music and have someone else relate to what I’m singing about in some way. Music connects people like nothing else and that is very special to me. I hope that, if anything, someone out there can feel heard and understood through listening to my music, knowing that they are not alone and that it’s ok to let go of their feelings, as long as they don’t deliberately hurt others.
What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Wow, this is a tough one... I would say the proudest moment was recording my first ever demo CD when I was 13 years old. I was so excited that I finally had my own CD - with MY voice. Since CD’s were still cool back in the day, I felt like the snazziest kid on the block! I still have it, by the way! It made it real for me and I’ll treasure it forever.
What major life lesson have you learned so far?
The truth always comes out. My mom always used to tell me this and I’ve come to realize how true it is! So, as hard as it may seem sometimes, always be honest.
What are your thoughts on today's global situation and on the Black Lives Matter movement?
Honestly, today’s global situation is quite uneasy and sensitive. So much is happening and a lot could be said, but, in short, I believe in justice and accountability. There can be no justice if there is discrimination. There is still so much to do and fix in society, but what is important is that we behave responsibly, and remain aware and accountable in order to make any kind of significant progress.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Education. And by education, I don’t mean only in terms of literacy, but also in terms of all other fields that play a role in our lives, like the environment and sustainability. I believe ignorance can be so dangerous. Many of the problems we face today are a result of people being left in the dark and being led by those who take advantage of that ignorance.
What message do you want to give to the world?
Be kind, speak up, and be a responsible member of society.
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