Listen To Filipa’s Gorgeous Cover Of “Like To Be You”

Guys, I'm a huge fan of covers. I love when a cover sounds so unique and an artist puts their own take on a song. Filipa has the sweetest voice and her cover of the bittersweet Shawn Mendes and Julia Michaels song "Like To Be You" is so beautiful. We talked to her about the song and what's been inspiring her lately.

How did you get started in music?

I’ve been singing since I was little and knew music was the career I wanted to pursue. After graduating from high school I started posting covers up on Youtube and that jump-started my career. One of my videos was discovered by RyanSeacrest.com and I ended up winning a cover competition. From there I released my first single and was active in my local market. I started writing and working with teams based in the US, which shifted my focus to a new market. 

What drew you to the song “Like To Be You” by Shawn Mendes and Julia Michaels?

I absolutely love how raw and beautiful the message of this song is. I think Julia and Shawn are incredible writers and always create magic with their music. For these reasons, I was immediately drawn to this song and really wanted to cover it. 

How do you turn a cover song into something that sound more your style?

I think everyone relates to a song in a completely different way. The best way to cover a song and make it more suited to your own style is simply performing it in the way that it personally relates to you most. I related to this song in a more somber way and so I performed it that way too. 

What has been inspiring you lately?

 Rawness and vulnerability for sure. Lately I am loving music that it super honest and raw. Julia Michaels is one of the artists that constantly inspires me in this way. She tells stories in such an honest way and opens up to her vulnerability- I adore it. 

What has been on of the biggest challenges for you as an artist?

 Trying to stay true to my own voice and story. I think it's so easy to doubt yourself or your message, which becomes taxing. I've had to find a way to teach myself to believe in myself above all. Not everyone will like you, relate to you or like your music - that's okay. As long as I'm proud of and true to myself, I'm on the right track. 

What’s your best piece of advice for young women?

 Embrace your flaws. Stop comparing yourself to other people. We all have flaws and that makes us HUMAN. Young women bear this pressure to be "perfect" and it can have such a negative impact on their lives, I've struggled with it too, and still do. But, most importantly, it's best to surround yourself with good energy and people who genuinely love you (every part of you). This gives me so much strength and confidence - it's important. 

Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and listen to her song now.