Originals unveiled: The evolution of Princess Velasco

 

For years, music fans have turned to Princess Velasco to breathe new life into their favorite songs. She released a series of acoustic cover albums, reimagining familiar tracks with her unique voice, emotional depth, and a keen sense of each song's heart.

At a press conference for the upcoming concert “Sessionistas: The Playlist,” happening at The Theater at Solaire on August 22, Princess reflected on her journey as a cover artist.

"I started out as a cover recording artist—that was really my niche. I was fortunate that my cover albums reached gold and platinum status. Back then, singing was just something I did on the side while working.

"But it gradually became my career, so I went with the flow. I was already lucky at that point. Then I became part of 'Sessionistas' on ASAP, joining the group in 2010, a year after they started. To this day, I'm still with them," she added. 

Princess feels grateful for her Sessionistas friends and treasures still performing with them on stage. 

Now, her journey is taking an exciting new turn. Princess is beginning a new chapter in her musical career—recording original songs for the first time.

"I've spent so long learning and understanding other people's songs, always searching for the truth inside them. Eventually, I realized I have my own truths to share—things I haven't expressed yet, songs waiting to be heard.

"I was recently signed to Fire and Ice Entertainment. For the first time, I get to release original songs where I have creative input," Princess said.

She added, "When I was told I'd be recording my own songs, I felt incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity in my career."

Princess admitted she's still adjusting to the process. "It was my first time recording with a live band, so it felt unfamiliar at first," she said.

For her debut as a songwriter, Princess is set to release "Hayaan," a song she wrote at 20.

"I've recorded my original song 'Hayaan,' which I performed in 'Love, Sessionistas.' I actually wrote it when I was 20, so it's really been with me for a long time," she shared.

Princess said that more original songs are on the way. "I'll also be recording songs written by Ice Seguerra and Liza Dino. My EP will feature only original tracks—no covers this time. 'Hayaan' is a love song, but it's really about moving on."

When asked if it was difficult to shift from covers to originals, Princess explained, "In the industry now, it's easy to cover songs and release them on YouTube, which monetizes them. It's much simpler than before, when the process was more complicated. But I've accepted that as a recording artist, I won't just be doing covers anymore.

"With 'Hayaan,' I've changed the arrangement from what I did years ago. I'm trying to find my own style and sound, and I was never forced into this. That has been my challenge," she said.

Princess Velasco

Covers, she said, taught her how to listen — not just to the music itself, but to the feeling beneath it. "It's not just about the notes or the lyrics, but about what lies underneath. That's what I want to bring to my own writing: that same kind of deep listening, turned inward."

Princess said Ice encouraged her to speak up and share her ideas during the recording process.

"At first, I was shy to suggest ideas or even give instructions to the pianist. But Ice, as my producer, gave me confidence. He told me, 'It's your song. If you have ideas, speak up.' I feel fortunate that he respects me," Princess said.

Princess also wrote a deeply emotional song for her late mother. "One song I wrote is very sad—it's for my mom. She passed away before I became a singer, so she never saw this part of my life. I wish I could talk to her now," she shared.

She shared her songwriting process: "I always start with an idea. The words come before the music, almost like a poem. Whenever inspiration strikes, I write it down or record it on my phone."

Princess Velasco (Facebook)

But there's one song on the EP that especially moved Princess. "Liza wrote 'Still Here,' and I cried when I heard it," she revealed.

Liza said, "What I love about where she is right now is that she already has an audience. They always know her voice. What the EP does is let them know her."

With a loving family and three children, Princess feels grateful that she can still do what she loves: sing.

"I'm still here. I'm still myself. I'm grateful for the path I've chosen—no regrets about entering showbiz. Not everyone gets this chance, and I never imagined this would happen to me.

"Music has always been a part of my life, ever since I was a child. I've always been singing, though I know this won't last forever.

Princess Velasco (center) with Ice Seguerra (left) and Liza Dino

"Even if I'm no longer singing professionally, I would still sing for free. That's just who I am—as long as someone will listen, I'll keep singing," Princess said.

Catch the "Sessionistas: The Playlist" with Ice Seguerra, Sitti, Juris, Princess Velasco, Kean Cipriano, and Nyoy Volante at The Theater at Solaire on Aug. 22. It is produced by Fire & Ice Entertainment. Get your tickets now!

Main photo caption: Princess Velasco (Instagram)