In an era of LED walls, laser beams, and viral concert clips, it’s easy to forget that the heart of live performance isn’t in the visuals but in the connection.
For Per Sørensen, the voice of Norwegian new wave band Fra Lippo Lippi, that’s the secret to staying relevant in today’s hyper-digital music scene. ‘Whether you’re an old geezer like me or a young artist,’ Sørensen told Inquirer Entertainment in a recent virtual interview, ‘it’s about being real, connecting with people. That’s much more important than trying to be some perfect artist. I’m not K-pop – but I love music, and I love new stuff. I love that they’re real.’
That authenticity is exactly what he plans to bring back to Manila during ‘The Voice of Fra Lippo Lippi’ concert on Oct. 24 at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque.
Sørensen hints that this year’s concert will be a little different – visually, at least. ‘I won’t give everything away,’ he teased, ‘but there will be more visuals. And some surprises.’
This time, he’s bringing his full Norwegian band – a first in his Philippine shows. ‘Since 2012, I’ve always brought my son with me on tour,’ he said. ‘But this time around, it’s my Norwegian band. They know the material really well. Of course, I’ve loved playing with local musicians here – but it just worked out this way. So yes, that’s something to look forward to.’
While he jokes that his Tagalog might not yet be concert-ready, he’s open to singing something local ‘if it’s a nice song.’
Filipino fans have always had a special relationship with Fra Lippo Lippi’s music – one that’s as enduring as the ’80s synth sound the band helped define. When asked which song resonates most with his audience here, Sørensen said: ‘It’s ‘Stitches and Burns.’ During the Cebu show, everyone stood up, waving their phones – that happens wherever we play. But of course, they also love ‘Beauty and Madness.”
Fans can expect all the hits, plus something new: ‘This Day This Time,’ a recent release that carries a touch of Christmas warmth. ‘It’s sort of a Christmas song, really,’ he said. ‘So that’s fine to add.’ Words for the next generation
Despite belonging to the same era as cassette tapes and power ballads, Sørensen’s advice to young songwriters still rings true. ‘Create something classic,’ he said. ‘Be honest. Don’t try to write a hit or adjust your work to please the fans. Write from your heart. If it connects with people, they will like it.’
If there’s one thing Sørensen never gets tired of, it’s performing for Filipino audiences. ‘It’s always about the people,’ he said. ‘You welcome us very warmly. You all sing – I love that. My drummer said last time, ‘This is fantastic. It’s unbelievable.”
Even offstage, he feels that warmth. ‘When I walk the streets, people come up to me and start singing the songs. You have karaoke everywhere here! I love it. I love the food, too.’
He recalled writing ‘Stay This Time’ with overseas Filipino workers in mind – ‘those who don’t see their families for years.’ It’s a song he hopes listeners take to heart.
Still playing, still connecting
After decades of touring, Sørensen remains eager to see more of the country. ‘I’ve been to Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Ormoc, Tacloban, Cebu, Laguna, Manila and Baguio,’ he said. ‘But I want to go to more places. Maybe Boracay next. Wouldn’t it be great to have a show on the beach?’