Trevor Dering, better known as Fiji Blue, brought his Glide Tour to Manila at Samsung Hall, SM Aura. The singer-songwriter is celebrated for his relatable, relaxing, and occasionally groovy indie pop sounds. His notable works include “Waves,” “It Takes Two,” “Butterflies,” “Outside” and “Affection.” On December 13, 2024, he released his debut album, “Glide,” featuring 11 tracks filled with expressive storytelling and soothing melodies.
Before the concert, Dering shared that his new album aimed to present a fresh narrative, encapsulating a year filled with challenges and growth. Reflecting on the record, he revealed that “Start Over” was the first track he wrote on January 4, 2022, with his friend Peter Fenn, while “Never Get Old” became the final addition.
Dering described how “Never Get Old” evolved through various iterations — from a stripped-down version to a groovy arrangement — before reaching its final form. He also revealed that this song felt like the finishing touch for the album. Much of his musical inspiration, he noted, comes from his wife, whom he considers a profound influence on his life and art.
Trevor Dering, better known as Fiji Blue CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/JUDE NG
Opening the night, Fiji Blue performed “I Should’ve Told You,” captivating the audience with mellow, rhythmic beats. The energy smoothly transitioned to “I Loved You, What Happened,” where Dering’s smooth vocals and guitar skills shone. Expressing his delight at returning to Manila, he seamlessly introduced the next song.
Playing the first track from his latest album, “Peppermint,” he created a nostalgic atmosphere with dreamy melodies and synths. This mood deepened with the emotional ballad “How Can I Tell You,” followed by “Start Over,” an uplifting track about beginnings that combined ambient synths and dynamic beats.
The tempo picked up with “Day by Day,” getting the crowd grooving to its pulsating basslines.
This momentum carried into his melodic feel-good hit “Waves,” where Dering set aside his guitar and shared an uplifting message, “I hope today and maybe just tonight at least you can feel a little boost of happiness.”
The concert took an emotional turn with “Shadow of You,” a poignant track from his new album that highlighted his distinct vocal tone. Dering’s performance of “Affection” had the audience singing along to its catchy melody, while his guitar outro earned enthusiastic cheers.
Continuing with “Angel,” the second track from “Glide,” Dering showcased his talent for delivering heartfelt songs. This was followed by the upbeat tune “Outside,” which had attendees dancing as he playfully engaged with the crowd.
Taking a moment to introduce his bandmates, drummer Joe Hunt and keyboardist Jonathan Huber, Dering expressed his appreciation for their support. Slowing the pace, he performed “Caterpillar,” a deeply personal piece written after a five-month creative slump and dedicated to his wife. Next came “Butterflies,” a lighthearted, romantic tune that resonated with the audience.
Dering then unveiled “Pink,” a slow-paced track with heartfelt lyrics, and “June,” a hopeful composition inspired by envisioning his future child. The concert’s intimacy deepened as he introduced “New Love,” an unreleased song written for his wife, followed by “Only When I Look into Your Eyes,” a tender tune with honest lyrics that tugged at heartstrings.
As the evening approached its finale, Dering serenaded the audience with “Beautiful,” the closing track from “Glide” and the song he performed at his wedding. With the crowd cheering for more, he returned for an encore with his hit “It Takes Two,” filling the hall with high spirits.
Dering ended the night on a personal note by hosting a spontaneous meet-and-greet with fans. In 2025, Fiji Blue’s Glide Tour is set to continue across North America.
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