Felip, or SB19’s Ken, is out to change the P-pop genre for the long haul

There are many words to describe Felip Jhon Suson of SB19: charismatic, distinctive or even a chameleon. But with the ever-evolving P-pop scene, he’s surely worthy of a new title as a solo artist—a game changer.

Armed with “Palayo” and “Bulan,” Felip has emerged as a daring artist who’s fearlessly unapologetic through the debut extended play “COM • PLEX,” a record that mirrors his emotions, thoughts, experiences and complexities as a human. But for him, it’s also a six-track love letter to his fans—known as A’TIN and Sisiws—hoping they will embrace the deepest parts of themselves as well.

Just a week after the release of “Complex,” INQUIRER.net connected with the 26-year-old singer for a chat about his newest record and his eagerness to push the boundaries of his own artistry.

“I wasn’t expecting that this was really gonna be an album when I started, I just enjoyed working on songs and sounds that I like at first,” Felip admitted, as he looked back on his creative process for the album. The record contains six tracks, namely “Rocksta,” “Superiority,” “Mictest”—which he fondly describes as his favorite from the album—“Drinksmoke,” “Criminal” and “Straydogs.”

The album, which was in production while on a world tour with SB19, was a challenge that Felip embraced wholeheartedly. “It was only until we realized I already had six songs to work with while I was on tour with SB19. It was difficult to put this together but it’s also equally fulfilling,” he shared.

Felip as a game-changer

In a time where P-pop is growing and thriving, Felip’s solo album came at the right time. His debut as SB19’s main dancer, lead vocalist and lead rapper in October 2018 was a moment when the genre was in its awkward state, and now that the group has emerged as the industry’s leader—there’s no better way to change how the game is played than now.

So, how does Felip see himself as an artist? “I think Felip is more adventurous and experimental now,” he confidently said. “I really wanted to push the sound to also check if it fits me and to showcase my versatility as a performer as well.”

Felip or SB19’s Ken. Image: Team Felip and Warner Music Philippines

Growing up under his grandparents’ wing in Cagayan de Oro, Felip’s passion for music stemmed from their love for gospel music, as well as his pride in his “Bisdak” (native Cebuano) roots. “I am proud to speak Bisaya and I think it is very cool to include it in my songs,” he said, as he noted that his uncle’s knack for playing instruments also inspired him in his artistry.

“I look up to my uncle as well as he plays numerous instruments too. During my free time, I try to play a few instruments and include it in my tracks or use it as a guide,” he added.

Felip or SB19’s Ken. Image: Team Felip and Warner Music Philippines

But of course, the road toward becoming a trailblazer in P-pop is no easy task for Felip. There was a time in his life when he had to overcome his initial insecurities with his deep voice—which is now seen as one of the defining features in SB19’s music and the pièce de résistance of “Complex.”

“I used to be very insecure about my voice, but then I realized that we should be superior to our weaknesses to be able to embrace ourselves better,” he said. “That is when I used it as a weapon instead to create music.”

Felip charting his own path

The release of “Complex” is a turning point in Felip’s career. For one, he proved that he’s taking on the evolving P-pop industry as someone who’s more confident of mapping his own lane without the shackles of the ordinary.

Felip or SB19’s Ken. Image: Team Felip and Warner Music Philippines

The record has been a therapeutic creative outlet for Felip, and when we asked him his favorite part in bringing his record to life—and that he only had to mention one—he gamely replied, “Working on the visuals for the EP was fun. I enjoyed shooting in Japan for the “Straydogs” music video the most!”

It’s not just the fans who have been swept by his artistry. The media and casuals have been turning to Felip, and have been paying attention to what comes next. And today, “Rocksta” has caught up to a wider audience as its music video surpassed 351,000 views on YouTube.

It is in these moments alone where you can truly see Felip is a star in his own right. In an industry that demands perfection and timid obedience to a formula, he is simply a man who demands respect for his individuality and creative freedom—in hopes that the industry will give in to artists’ desire to unabashedly be themselves.

“I think Felip is more adventurous and experimental now,” he said with pride. “I really wanted to push the sound to also check if it fits me and to showcase my versatility as a performer as well.”

Felip or SB19’s Ken. Image: Team Felip and Warner Music Philippines

Despite his many accomplishments and adoring fans, a unique sense of excitement still remains amid the confident persona he brings to the stage. Felip is changing the P-pop industry, one song and trailblazing creative turn at a time, but he firm says there’s so much more to be done. Yet he remains excited about what lies ahead.

“For me, everything is still uncertain, but for now I’ll still continue to enjoy the process of creative beats and music for the next months to come,” he said.  /ra

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