Filipino pop sensation reflects on musical journey with ‘Simula at Wakas’
Philippine pop powerhouse SB19 is back with a new album, marking another milestone in their ever-evolving musical journey. The five-member group spoke to reporters during an online press conference on Wednesday, introducing their latest project and reflecting on their career thus far. Formed in 2018 through a collaboration between Korean entertainment company ShowBT and a local talent agency in the Philippines, SB19 combines K-pop training methodology with Filipino homegrown artistry. The name SB19 reflects this blend — “SB” stands for ShowBT and also symbolizes “Sound Break,” a commitment to breaking the boundaries of P-pop, while “19” derives from subtracting the Philippines’ country code 63 from South Korea’s 82.
The group’s new EP, “Simula at Wakas,” released on April 25, features seven tracks that highlight the group’s continued artistic development. The 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 lead track, “Time,” is a moving ballad that speaks to the value of living in the moment.
“We’ve been writing and producing our own songs, and in doing so, creating our own sound. We’ve made a lot of progress both technically and creatively. This album in particular focuses on a more grandiose and 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 first starting out. Seeing him dance to our song was surreal and really touching,” Stell said. He also expressed his admiration for other K-pop artists, including Enhypen, Ateez and Katseye, who participated in the challenge. Pablo added, “We’re really proud of what ‘Gento’ has accomplished. Seeing other incredible artists dance to our song and share it with their fans around the world has been overwhelming in the best way possible.” When asked about the group’s musical identity, Josh highlighted SB19’s versatility. “We always try to experiment with different genres and make them something uniquely ours. Instead of just following trends, we focus on creating music that truly reflects who we are,” he said. Following the release of their new album, SB19 is gearing up for a global tour that will take them across North America, Asia and the Middle East, continuing to expand their reach.
