Ipe is the solo musical project of Brazilian-American singer/songwriter and producer Felipe Ramos. Last month, he unleashed a single called ‘Here For The Music’ that took me out of my musical comfort zone – an energetic, nu-disco, electronic banger! Instantly falling in love with the tune, I dived into Ipe’s discography and continued to find more and more tracks that further deepened my appreciation for his bold style.
Keen to find out more about the artist behind the sound, I was over the moon when Felipe agreed to an interview! Chatting with us about his childhood music-themed birthday party, how his listening tastes have evolved, and who he’d love to collaborate with if given the chance, please give a warm welcome to our new friend Ipe!
Welcome aboard Felipe! Thanks so much for chatting with us! Let’s kick things off with an easy one…Who is Felipe Ramos and when did your love affair with music begin?
My music love affair started at a very young age. My 7-year-old birthday party was music-themed and the invitation was titled “Ipe’s Rock!” haha! There were musical decorations everywhere, a microphone for me to sing, and a guitar-shaped cake. So, I can imagine my parents started to really notice my passion for music when I was around 5-6 years old.
Your latest single ‘Here For The Music’ is a tune that’s stolen my heart! It’s a piece that expanded my musical horizons, and I’m super grateful for that! What do you want our readers to know about the infectious and energetic little banger?
‘Here For The Music’ is a real story in the lyrics. I saw a girl at a party dancing on her own, eyes closed…just vibing. She was there for the music. And I thought that was pretty cool. So I made a song about it.
Now, I’m sorry to pose such a tough question so early on, but what song of yours are you most proud of and why?
I believe I haven’t made my proudest song yet. My best work awaits me!
Who are some of your biggest musical influences? Who did you grow up listening to? And would you say that your tastes have changed over the years?
I had quite an elegant taste in music growing up. I would listen to Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennett – I liked good music. My interest in Jazz stays with me to this day. As a teenager, I became obsessed with R&B/Soul from the 70s and 80s, such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson.
Today, I listen to a lot of Electronic Dance Music, classic Disco, as well as Nu Disco; being the style that influences my production the most. But I also feel inspired by various genres. My music library is very random when I shuffle – from Funk to Japanese Pop to Bossa Nova to Country…I’m just a music fan.
We’re always intrigued by the different approaches that artists take when it comes to their creative process. Can you tell our readers a bit about yours? How do you take an idea and turn it into a complete song?
For me, it all starts with what we songwriters like to call a song seed. It can be a lyrical concept or even a phrase, for example, “She says I’m here for the music” is what started ‘Here For The Music’. Or it could be a melodic line, a chord progression, or even a looping beat. Every time I have an idea, anything really, I’ll press record or write it down. So, I collect song seeds. Some of them never come to fruition and some of them grow into songs.
What, to you, is music’s role in society?
Music is one of the most powerful things in the world because it brings people together.
If you were allowed to collaborate with any musician or band, who would you choose and why?
I started playing piano because of John Legend and his song ‘Ordinary People’. So I have to say John Legend.
Thanks again for taking the time to talk with us Felipe! It’s been great getting to know you a bit better! I have no doubt that there are many more songs up your sleeve, and I truly can’t wait to hear what else you have in store! In a broader sense though, what do you hope for in your musical future?
I just hope that I can continue to grow musically, evolving as an artist, and discovering people that like my sound! Thank you for listening 😀
