Filipino pop sensation reflects on musical journey with 'Simula at Wakas'
Filipino pop powerhouse SB19 is back with a new album, marking another milestone in its evolving musical journey. The five-member group spoke with reporters during an online press conference Wednesday, introducing its latest project and reflecting on the career so far.
Formed in 2018 through a collaboration between Korean entertainment company ShowBT and local talent agency in the Philippines, SB19 combines K-pop training methodology with homegrown Filipino artistry. The name SB19 reflects this blend — “SB” stands for ShowBT and also symbolizes “Sound Break,” a commitment to breaking the limits of P-pop, while “19” is derived from subtracting the Philippines’ country code 63 from South Korea’s 82.
The group's new EP, "Simula at Wakas," released April 25, features seven tracks that highlight the group’s continued artistic development. Pre-released track “DAM” takes its title from the Tagalog word "pakiramdam" -- meaning feeling -- and conveys a message about overcoming adversity with determination. The album’s main track, “Time,” is an emotional ballad that speaks to the value of living in the present.
“We’ve been writing and producing our own music, and through that, we’ve been carving out our own sound. We made a lot of progress in both our technical and creative sides. This album, in particular, focuses on a grander, more cinematic sound,” said Pablo.
SB19’s influence has spread well beyond their home country. In April, “DAM” topped the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, while, back in 2021, the group became the first Southeast Asian group to be nominated for Top Social Artist at the Billboard Music Awards, competing alongside global icons such as BTS and Ariana Grande.
The group has also made its mark on the K-pop community, especially through the viral success of the hit song “Gento.” Many K-pop idols have posted their own versions of the energetic and bold choreography, helping the track gain international traction. Among them was EXO’s Kai, whose participation in the “Gento” challenge was particularly meaningful to the group.
“We used to cover EXO’s songs a lot when we were starting out. Seeing him dance to our song was surreal and really touching,” said Stell. He also expressed appreciation for other K-pop artists like Enhypen, Ateez and Katseye who joined the challenge.
Pablo added, “We’re so proud of what ‘Gento’ has achieved. Watching other incredible artists dance to our music and share it with their fans around the world has been overwhelming in the best way.”
Asked about the group’s musical identity, Josh highlighted SB19’s versatility. “We always try to experiment with different genres and turn them into something uniquely ours. Rather than simply following trends, we focus on creating music that truly reflects who we are,” he said.
Following the new album drop, SB19 is gearing up for a global tour that will take them across North America, Asia and the Middle East, continuing to expand its reach.
jy@heraldcorp.com
