SB19: From dreamers to trailblazers

April 30 ------ SB19's journey has been remarkable. Since their debut in 2018, the group, consisting of Ken, Josh, Pablo, Justine, and Stell, has transitioned from young dreamers to successful artists. Through countless rehearsals, TV appearances, and fan meets, SB19 has realized its goal of promoting P-pop music internationally and inspiring other artists. 

''Siguro after nung 'Go Up,' doon ko talaga naramdaman na talagang nagre resonate or maraming talagang tao na-iinspire sa ginagawa namin. Nung una sinasasabi ko na nagsusulat ako kasi itong yung nararamdaman ko, outlet ko siya," Pablo shared during an exclusive interview with Manila Bulletin recently. Pablo continued: "I don't know kung anong stage yun pero ang daming tao kumakanta nung song namin. Parang iisa kami ng tibok ng puso. Sabi ko sa sarili ko that time, ito palang ginagawa namin, it's bigger than us. It's bigger than who we are. Ang daming tao na nai inspire. 

According to Pablo, the best feeling is when the fans sing along to every line of their song. "The best feeling ever is when, you wrote a song na very personal sayo, heartfelt and then people sing it along with you. Sabay-sabay kayong nakanta, iisa kayo ng heart. 

As per Justine, the "I made it moment" for him was when they we're having a free concert at the Cuneta Astrodome. "Ako siguro, yung moment namin was yung free concert sa Cuneta Astrodome. Hindi siya ganun kalaki compared sa Philippine Arena or Araneta, pero during that time it feels so big.  "During that time, tatlong kanta pa lang meron kami, then mostly puro covers. So nung time na yun, naisip ko na bakit kami sinusuportahan ng mga tao, and that's when I realize na yung ginagawa namin touches their heart and has impact," Justine said. 

Ken and Stell realized their "I made it" moment when fans connected with their songs. "Siguro kasi yung journey namin is maraming tao same kami ng pinanggalingan, although nasa music side kami but as humans, I think we're on the same page," Ken said. "Actually for me surprisingly yung mga EP namin sumasakto sa mga pinagdadaanan nung group. So nung nirelease namin yung 'Pagsibol,' sumakto siya kasi dumaan kami sa ganun. The same thing with the other two EPs, dun namin narealize na hindi namin ito sinasadya, nangyayari siya on purpose. From the start pa lang, nababasa na talaga namin is SB19 is a very relatable group.," Stell added. 

Though inspired by his groupmates, Josh had a different approach to sharing his experience. "Sobrang baliktad nung sa akin kasi before pa lang, gusto ko na talaga maka-inspire hindi ko lang alam kung paano. So nung sumama na ako sa SB19. That's when I felt na ito na yung perfect chance to spread inspiration or give motivation to other people," Josh said. 

On making 'Simula at Wakas' 

After beginning their musical journey with "Pagsibol" and "Pagtatag," SB19 presents the final part of their trilogy EP, "Simula At Wakas." Their much-anticipated body of work showcases the band's growth as artists and individuals, honoring the past while confidently embracing the future. “It’s our way of saying thank you and showing how much we’ve evolved,” the P-Pop kings share in an official statement. “Simula at Wakas encapsulates everything we’ve been through: the struggles, the growth, the milestones. We hope it speaks not only to those who’ve been with us from the start but also welcomes new listeners into our world," it added. 

When asked about the intensity of their songwriting process, the group shared that it was a more relaxed experience. "Parang mas chill po ngayon kasi iba-iba kami ng involvement sa mga songs," Justine shared. The EP delves into universal themes of closure and renewal, depicting an artist's journey through fame, pressure, and the quest for identity. 

The P-pop trailblazers explain, “It’s both a celebration of our journey so far and a declaration of what’s to come. We’re the same group as when we started. We’ve matured, evolved, and grown into artists who are more confident in our voice and purpose.” 

Source: mb.com.ph