Interview with The Filharmonic
The Filharmonic is a six piece group who was seen on last seasons’ NBC The Sing-Off. They can be seen next year in the highly anticipated film, Pitch Perfect 2, out May 15th. Glitter recently sat down with the group to talk about their chemistry as a group, their new album, MotownFillie, coming out on April 10th, their partnership with World of Dance, and who their dream collaboration is with.
Photo credit: Ben Miller
GLITTER: How would you describe your sound?
NIKO: I actually made up a word when The Sing Off asked me to describe our sound. I always describe it as an ‘urbanesque’ 90s throwback. It’s basically our modern interpretation of modern pop and R&B while paying homage to 90s music with hints of nostalgic harmonies and rhythms.
GLITTER: How would you describe your chemistry as a group?
BARRY: Our chemistry, as I believe, is actually quite scientific. We each have different qualities that we bring to the compound to make it work. Musically and relationally, we are a brethren that gets along really well.
GLITTER: Can you tell us about the new album, MotownFillie, which is releasing on April 10th?
VJ: MotownFillie is our first true album. We released an EP during our time with the Sing Off Tour, but this one that we release on April 11th, 2015 will be our debut album. It definitely establishes our sound as a 90’s R&B, as we sing songs from that decade. But we also have current songs that we make our own as well on this album. We’re so excited for it and can’t wait for the public to hear it.
GLITTER: What songs of yours have been on TV? Which shows?
TRACE: After The Sing-Off, we’ve been lucky enough to perform a few different TV shows and talk-shows. The Filharmonic has been seen on TFC, LA18, and a clip of us from The Sing-Off was even on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, to name a few.
GLITTER: Where do you find your inspiration in songwriting?
VJ: I find inspiration in songwriting through everything that I listen to. I go through phases, months at a time, where I’m listening to a certain genre. If it’s radio, it’s Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé and Drake. If it’s gospel, it’s Kim Burrell and Take 6. I’m inspired by Jazz as well through Charlie Parker and Ella Fitzgerald’s music. It’s important that any style can influence me, because I take from that and create new eclectic sounds that people have never heard before.
GLITTER: Who is your dream collaboration with?
JOE: There are so many great artists out there that we are huge fans of but a dream collaboration would be with Justin Timberlake or Beyonce. We grew up listening to them in NSYNC and Destiny’s Child, and to this day, we are still huge fans of them as solo artists.
GLITTER: What do you do on your free time?
JULES: When we’re not rehearsing or performing, we are probably still singing. We seriously never stop. Other than that, we love to go sightseeing when we travel and eat everything that Yelp tells us to.
GLITTER: Where can fans see you next?
JULES: We always have live shows lined up in various cities, but it can be a bit random, so the best bet is to follow our social media for updates. Of course, you can also see us in Pitch Perfect 2 on May 15th!
GLITTER: What can you tell us about your partnership with World of Dance?
NIKO: The Sing Off categorized our group as the “dancing boy band” group of the show. So teaming up with World of Dance has helped us hone our skills and learn so much from the dance community. While in turn they help us polish our skillset and we try to share their intricate dance culture with our music/ a cappella audience. Check them out at www.worldofdance.com.
GLITTER: If you could perform with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
TRACE: Bruno Mars! If he’ s ever looking for a Filipino boy band to back-up him up, we’ll be there in a heartbeat. The Filharmonic is inspired by a lot of old-school 90s groups, like NSYNC and Backstreet Boys. Meeting Nick Lachey of 98 Degrees and Shawn Stockman of BoyzIIMen through The Sing-Off was an unreal experience. There are also a ton of Filipinos out there we really look up to, like Jessica Sanchez, AJ Rafael, Apl.de.ap of The Black Eyed Peas, and obviously Bruno Mars.
GLITTER: What do you have planned for the upcoming year?
BARRY: We have no idea what’s in store for the next year. But we have our hopes to travel the country and visit the Philippines sharing our love for music with everyone we can. Our first album is out April 11th so we’ll spend some time promoting that and see where the musical wind can take us.
GLITTER: How can fans follow you?
JOE: We are all over social media. You can follow us @TheFilharmonic on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. We also post all our music videos on our YouTube channel and you can find out if we’ll be performing in a city near you on our website www.TheFilharmonic.com
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Editorial Director | Writer | Tweet me @heatherriccio
