Written By: Paul Amyot
Discovered after winning an international Ryan Seacrest cover song competition for her rendition of One Direction’s “Story Of My Life” South African born Filipa climbed the charts in her native country. She is now bursting on to the scene in the United States. Check out her latest single “Good Behavior.”
upfrontNY: Can you tell us a little bit about your new single “Good Behavior”?
Filipa: “Good Behavior” is a fun and flirty song about crushing on someone that you shouldn’t be crushing on. I had so much fun writing it with an incredible team and my intent was for it to be as true to my personal experience as possible. My experience encouraged me to be honest with how I was feeling about it all and to find a way to make peace with it (sometimes we crush on someone we shouldn’t – it happens).
upfrontNY: Is this song about something that happened in your own life?
Filipa: Yes it is. I think it’s important to share my own stories, emotions and thoughts through my music. It’s also a way of dealing with situations I’m faced with, so of course I had to write “Good Behavior”. Writing this song was my way of making peace with my situation and embracing it (rather than being negative about it).
upfrontNY: What was it like to win the Ryan Seacrest cover song competition for your rendition of One Direction’s “Story Of My Life”?
Filipa: It was such an overwhelming feeling. I was so grateful for every single person who took the time to vote and share their love. Nothing beats the feeling of someone connecting to your music.
upfrontNY: At what age did you become interested in music? Who would you say were your biggest supporters growing up?
Filipa: I’ve adored music more than anything since I can remember. Growing up, I started singing around the house and everything just developed from there. My parents have and always will be my greatest supporters. I wouldn’t be who I am today without their abundant love and support.
upfrontNY: Who would you say are your biggest musical influences?
Filipa: Michael Jackson, Julia Michaels and Barbra Streisand.
upfrontNY: What was it like growing up in South Africa? Did this have an influence in the direction you would take musically?
Filipa: I think because of how connected and accessible the world is today, growing up in South Africa didn’t influence my musical taste or direction. I grew up exposed to so many different genres from all over the world. My musical influence ranged from Beethoven to The Bee Gees to Britney Spears.
upfrontNY: How do you find inspiration for your music? Do you have a favorite place to unwind and write?
Filipa: I find inspiration in the experiences I go through. I find more of it in something that feels relevant and genuine in the moment when I sit down to write. Often I feel the need to write down my feelings and thoughts about something I’m going through (good or bad). I’m a very open person, so expressing myself comes naturally to me. I don’t have a particular favorite place to write, but I do have a favorite time of day to do so. I love writing at night – somehow I’m filled with bursts of creativity when the sun goes down.
upfrontNY: What was your favorite part of growing up in South Africa?
Filipa: Definitely being surrounded by so much beauty in nature. I think South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
upfrontNY: If you could choose one city or venue to perform in one day where would it be?
Filipa: Madison Square Garden.
upfrontNY: What do you like to do in your free time?
Filipa: Spending time with people I love and just laughing. I also love finding new great places to enjoy meals.
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