FELIP Turns Producer with New Live Performance Series by SuperiorSon

Though he may have launched a solo endeavor under his given name, one thing hasn’t changed from his SB19 persona; FELIP is at his most potent while performing live. This certainly holds true for the most recent release of both his songs, ‘Palayo’ and ‘Bulan.’ Just how powerful are these newly-released live band versions? Let’s find out.

FELIP's Captivating and Dangerous Debut Single (ICYMI)

FELIP is all casual energy when he leads off the set with his debut single, ‘Palayo.’ In case you missed it (and how could you?), ‘Palayo’ is the ultimate angry breakup hymn. He’s sick and tired of being taken advantage of and walked on, so he takes his leave. Add a fierce rap verse and FELIP’s trademark sensual dance style, and the original music video is possibly the most dangerous thing we’ve ever seen. Did we mention the song is sung primarily in his native Bisaya? He makes the traditionally harsh-sounding language sound as sexy as hell. Suffice to say, we aren’t over this song yet, and it’s been a year.

He makes the traditionally harsh-sounding language sound as sexy as hell.

The live performance on #SuperiorSessions might not have FELIP dancing, but it’s still lethal. He’s as good live as in person (if not better), and his vocal control is out of this world, from his lowest notes sliding all the way into his trademark falsetto. Backed by a live band, the song has never sounded better. FELIP is perched on a stool, coolly swaying to his debut single and winning hearts and minds over with practiced ease.

'Bulan' Still Dominates

[The arrangement] pushes FELIP into his most raw performance yet.

Of course, the chill vibes end when the second song kicks into life. FELIP’s sophomore single, ‘Bulan,’ is a hard 180-degree turn from his debut. ‘Bulan’ is an aggressive rock track that heavily references Philippine mythology while clapping back at the bashers who try to pull you down when you are getting ahead. It’s a song that pulls him down to the very bottom of his low register and holds him there for the entire song. It’s not the first live recording we’ve heard either - he’s performed the single on the WishBus and most famously on the Grammy’s Global Spin as the first pure Pinoy on the channel. With a live band, we might lose the powerful backing vocals of his bandmate, Stell, but we gain an aggressive and potent melody that makes up for the loss and pushes FELIP into his most raw performance yet.

More to Come from SuperiorSon?

Producing both music and live performances while sharing his opportunities with other artists is surely a dream come true for the wide-eyed boy from Cagayan de Oro.

The best part of FELIP’s latest performance release? The promise of more to come. His clothing brand, SuperiorSon, is stepping up as producers for the session with the promise of “a series of exclusive live performances produced by SUPERIOR SON.” Needless to say, we will be on pins and needles waiting to see who FELIP will host next on his #SuperiorSessions. Years ago, in the early years of SB19, he once said two of his dreams were to own his own clothing line and music studio. With Superior Son, he’s achieving two of those in one fell swoop. Producing both music and live performances while sharing his opportunities with other artists is surely a dream come true for the wide-eyed boy from Cagayan de Oro (a small province in the Philippines). Whatever the next step is for his clothing brand, production company, and solo career, all eyes are on FELIP.

---