What legacy SB19’s Pablo, Ben&Ben’s Paolo Benjamin want to leave as songwriters

February 27 ------ While SB19’s Pablo and Ben&Ben’s Paolo Benjamin continue to inspire their fans and attract casual listeners with the music they create for their respective groups, they hope that their contributions to the industry will empower fellow creatives.

“As a Filipino creator, I want Filipino creatives to be more respected, protected, and to be paid properly… When you get shunned by people you think would help you sa industry — kaya nabuo ang Radkidz,” Pablo said in a panel discussion during the launch of Sony Music Publishing Philippines.

“I believe that ideas can come from anyone, regardless of age and gender. Through experiences, you can shape something that can help people to be inspired,” he continued. “Sana through my craft, makatulong siya na maging respetado ang Filipino creators and siyempre, money para ma-sustain ang art natin.”

For his part, Paolo acknowledged that financial stability is part of what helps creators survive. At the same time, he hoped that songwriters would keep their “human sides” as artificial intelligence (AI) seeps into the creative industries. “At the age of AI, thinking of it five and 10 years down the line, mga writers continue telling their stories of human perspective, human life, and humanity. Now, we’re just witnessing the beginning of it.”

The Ben&Ben vocalist emphasized the need for songwriters to keep creating fearlessly. “Even the capacity to tell an authentic perspective of human life might be at stake, and I strongly believe that songwriters have such a big part to play. Sana, future generations will continue to do it and do it fearlessly. We want to be part of that passing of the baton,” he said.

Agreeing with Paolo’s remarks, Pablo also pointed out that the public has a role to play in keeping Filipino songwriters’ music alive. “For a Filipino songwriter to be connected to the world, malaking bagay po ‘yun kasi magkakaroon sila ng connection para marinig ng buong mundo ang kanta nila. My parents didn’t allow me to pursue this kind of career, but I’m a rebel, so I did it anyway,” he said. “Now, I’m here, and I get to inspire people with my songs. Hopefully, aspiring songwriters ay magkaroon ng lakas ng loob or courage sa pagsusulat.”

Telling stories through music

With Radkidz, Pablo wrote and produced several songs for SB19, including the chart-topping “Mapa,” “What?” and “Gento,” to name a few. He was also the mind behind Stell’s solo debut track “Room” and “Kapangyarihan,” the quintet’s collaboration with Ben&Ben, among others. Paolo, on the other hand, co-wrote the folk-pop band’s songs, including “Leaves,” “Araw-Araw,” and “Kathang Isip.”

Both of them have had timeless hits with their groups over the years. But they believe that effective songwriting is about purpose and checking their own egos, especially since they’re aware of what their respective bandmates can do. “A lot of it is also understanding. It’s about understanding what the purpose of the song is because that becomes the compass. There are songs meant to provoke, but there are also songs meant to be your safe space,” Paolo said. “My compass usually is to ego-check if nanggaling ba siya sa ego or is [there] a purpose? It’s not an easy process, lalo na kapag may clash kasi baka ma-blind ka na ito ‘yung [point of view] mo.”

Meanwhile, Pablo said he makes sure that he knows what the song should be about. “You need to be [effective] with how you tell your story. Personally, I want to make sure what I’m writing is understandable to people. I trust my instincts, I trust my personal preferences. I want to make sure what I’m writing really [hits] the right direction,” he said. Pablo explained that he “lets the writing breathe” when the songs are more conversational. The SB19 leader then pointed out that “bending the rules” in songwriting also happens, and it is possible, especially for those who know them.

Source: inquirer.net