After successful ‘WYAT’ world tour, SB19 more than ready to start a new chapter

December 14 ------ The success of the “Where You At (WYAT)” world tour seems to be the peak of P-pop supergroup SB19’s career, but they believe that it is just a glimpse of what is to come.

Despite the initial nerves, Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin — collectively known as SB19 — admitted that they’re overwhelmed with the support of their fans from different parts of the globe. “In terms of preparations, we always do our best to elevate and mapaganda ang performances namin kaya nakaka-amaze and overwhelming kasi hindi namin inaakala na mapapalitan ng takot ang saya dahil sinuportahan kami even if it’s our first time holding a world tour,” said leader, songwriter, and composer Pablo said at a media conference for their homecoming concert. Josh, SB19’s lead rapper and eldest member, said the group’s dedicated legion of fans — also known as A’TIN — is the “secret weapon” to the tour’s success.

The “Where You At (WYAT)” world tour, created in lieu of the group’s single of the same name, will conclude at the Araneta Coliseum on Dec. 18. The tour included stops at Cebu, Pampanga, and Davao in the Philippines, and international stops in Dubai, New York and Los Angeles in the U.S., and Singapore. Embarking on a global stage is a challenging part of being a singer, and SB19 is no stranger to this. “We’re just a small fish in a pond so kailangan naming mag-explore para we can grow into better artists in the coming years,” main dancer Ken noted, describing the WYAT tour as an opportunity to grow. “Sobrang laki ng wall sa music industry kaya it’s a challenge to pass through. Ano pa ang mga kailangan naming gawin to captivate those people na hindi kami kilala, anong type of music and genre na dapat naming gawin na makuha ang atensyon nila.”

On the other hand, main vocalist and choreographer Stell said the tour is a chance to look back at how far they’ve come as P-pop artists. He also noted that even if the group was accompanied by a small team, their passion helped them get through. “Hangga’t kaya namin, gagawin namin… sabi nga sa amin sa National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), it’s not just about performing. Pwede rin naming gamitin ang aming boses sa tamang paraan upang makatulong sa bayan.”

Meanwhile, Josh explained that their tour is not about SB19 or their fans, but a way to remind Filipinos living in different parts of the world about their culture. “It’s about educating and pag-share ng kultura sa mga Pilipino na nakatira sa ibang bansa para hindi makalimutan ng next generation. Para sa amin, we want the audience to be reminded na kami ‘yung isa sa tools para mai-share ang kultura natin.” Creative director and vocalist Justin said the tour was a chance to appreciate their journey. “Before, lagi kaming naka-focus sa kung ano ang malaking impact. Pero ngayon, napansin namin sa maliliit na bagay, naghehelp kami sa mga problems.”

Pablo also confirmed that a new album called “Pagtatag” is currently in the works, although the group is yet to reveal the concept and date of release. “The album is basically about strengthening the foundation as a group which came from the ideas of all the members. Definitely, different flavors and new experiences na pinagsama sa iisang album kaya mage-enjoy sila,” he said.

When asked to elaborate on the details of “Pagtatag,” SB19, in jest, compared the album to flavors of instant noodles such as “hot,” “spicy,” and “sweet.” Justin added that the album will feature a new look, while Stell said fans can expect a “rollercoaster ride of emotions.” SB19 recently released a new ballad “Nyebe,” which is described as a song that “brings you comfort” in times of anxiety.

Source: inquirer.net