There’s a marked difference when SB19 transitions into the third song of their ‘Simula at Wakas’ world tour setlist. The song that comes on is ‘Gento’, the hard-hitting track that is easily one of the Filipino pop group’s biggest releases after going viral amid K-pop and all over TikTok back in 2023. It’s just about when the mood of the concert slightly shifts, as if the quintet has found their homeground—the high-energy performance coming together so cohesively, with each member coming into their own; evidently more confident about showing off their strengths.
There’s Pablo, the group’s leader opening strong on a pulsating rap intro, followed by Josh’s unrivalled confidence and charisma. Ken’s smooth vocals shine midway through, teeming with a certain brand of cool next to Justin’s undeniable visuals and bright personality. The kicker arrives when Stell takes it up a notch with his powerful voice, belting high notes that could knock you out of the park.
When asked about a pivotal moment in their career, it’s a song that comes to mind instantly for the group. After all, it was released the same year in which the quintet—who has now snagged full trademark rights to their name—was working through the arduous journey towards self-ownership. “One of the turning points of our career is our last EP, Pagtatag!, because a lot of things happened at the time. We had cancelled some shows because of a legal problem pertaining to our SB19 trademark, but we were able to get past it, and one of our songs, ’Gento’, also received global recognition at the time,” shares Pablo.
Now with nearly seven years on their record, SB19 has made its mark on the music scene, raising P-pop to the global stage. Through it all, their steadfast approach to music and performance remains bold and committed to establishing their own personal sound, with their discography flitting between high-energy dance tracks and slower jams that show off their incredible live vocals. Having just wrapped up the sold-out Singapore stop of their ongoing world tour, the quintet gets candid with Vogue Singapore about how their music has evolved through the years, pivotal moments that changed the course of SB19’s path, and their hopes for the future of P-pop.
Welcome back to Singapore! How do you guys feel being back, and what have you guys done so far?
Pablo: We’re really excited to be roaming around here in Singapore. It’s the second time we’re here. We’re excited for our concert too, it’s one of the biggest venues that we’ll be holding a concert at, so, yeah, we’re really excited to see Singapore A’TINs (SB19’s fandom name).
Tell us a little bit more about your latest EP, and if there are any favourite songs amongst this new album.
Justin: We just released the latest EP, Simula at Wakas. It’s the last part of our trilogy, from Pagsibol to Tagtatag! and now, Simula at Wakas. Again as SB19, it contains a variety of genres and songs, so you must listen to it. But for me, my favourite is ‘Time’ and ‘Shooting for the Stars’. I love everything, but those two might be the top. I tend to like calmer and brighter songs, or mellow, peaceful songs because most of our songs go hard instead, and it’s usually very high-energy.
Stell: For me, I love ‘Dungka!’, especially when we perform it on stage. It’s just so chaotic that I want to have fun and interact with the fans while performing it. We also have this thing, where we shoot a content on stage, and the fans dance the choreography of the song. I just do the choreography, and they follow me. It’s really fun doing it with them. After the show, we upload it on our social media and they can share the moment with us there.
How do you think your music and synergy has evolved over the years?
Pablo: I think it has evolved greatly. When you have different creative minds in one group, be it producing music or creating the choreography, it can take up a lot of time. Before, it would take a long time before we could come to a consensus on something. But after seven years now, I think the workflow is much faster with the help of our team, who help mitigate and be the arbitrator or moderator of everything. I think we’re more mature now and we are better able to come up with one decision that we will all be happy with, or feel like it represents the whole group. So I think that’s one big growth point in terms of SB19’s relationship.
Was there ever a turning point for the band?
Pablo: One of the turning points of our career is our last EP, Pagtatag!, because a lot of things happened at the time. We had cancelled some shows because of a legal problem pertaining to our SB19 trademark, but we were able to get past it, and one of our songs, ’Gento’, also received global recognition at the time. And so a lot of things happened then, but now we also see it as a blessing. You know how, when you experience a lot of hardships, it feel like a blessing.
Congratulations on getting through that. SB19 has really put P-pop on the global stage and made so many strides along the way. Could you share like any challenges that you guys have faced?
Josh: I think every day is a challenge. Even just waking up is an obstacle for us, you know? (laughs)
But I think with most of these problems that we’ve been facing…I think it’s really great that we have been embracing our failures and obstacles, because I think it’s one of the learning curves that we have to experience in order for us to get to a certain point. We have to accept that it’s just the way it is. Even the dynamic of the group, the chemistry that we’ve built, or even taking on a new venture and building the new company that we have right now. I feel like those are obstacles that we needed, you know? Even if we didn’t really have a choice, we needed to get through them and then adjust accordingly. Those are the bigger obstacles that we’ve had.
I think one of the biggest obstacles that I would say for myself though, is how we retain the momentum. Because it’s really easy to, you know, go for like a one hit wonder, but it’s really hard for everyone to retain our effort so far. So right now, we’re trying to figure out everything, slowly but surely. We’re really proud that we’re making a mark, not just for SB19, but for the entire Filipino music industry.
Pagtatag! The Documentary reveals a more authentic side to you guys as well. What was it like putting that together?
Pablo: It’s our first time putting a documentary out there. I think it’s really hard, especially for me. I mean, there are some things that I feel are really personal and I don’t want people to see. But then again, it’s also part of our journey, and if we’re able to inspire people because of our journey, then I’d be glad to put it out. Ever since then, I think the Filipino industry has really been flourishing, and there are lots of new emerging artists. So we’re proud that we’re creating or setting a standard for the industry here. And that our journey can help chart the path for future in the Philippines. So yeah, I think the documentary is one of the things that made me feel proud as SB19.
What do you think has kept the band going through the years?
Ken: We’re still not satisfied with what we’ve achieved so far, and there are still many plans and goals we want to accomplish. Despite the times when we don’t fully understand each other, we continue to communicate with understanding and patience toward one another. We inspire each other, and our strong community (A’TIN) has truly been the bond that keeps us together, especially when it comes to unity.
Josh: It’s about passion and purpose. As a group, we want to create change in the industry. We want to contribute something greater to the creative field, something that can help bring about change in the country and our culture. Soon, we hope to help build a system that will support aspiring artists and creatives, and contribute to the future of the Philippines and its music industry.
In your own words, what is the sound of P-pop like? And what are your hopes for it?
Justin: The sound of P-pop expresses the authenticity and experience of Filipino artists who perform and contribute to the music. It also reflects influences from other cultures that Filipino artists have been exposed to, showing how music connects the world. Years from now, I believe P-pop will help improve media and entertainment in the Philippines. It will introduce Filipino music to the world and hopefully unite Filipinos to support and take pride in our own music wholeheartedly.
