Filipino pop group SB19 is celebrating the release of their new album, marking a significant milestone in their musical journey. The five-member group held an online press conference on Wednesday to introduce their latest project and discuss their progress so far.
SB19 was formed in 2018 through a collaboration between the Korean entertainment company ShowBT and a local talent agency in the Philippines. The group combines K-pop training methods with Filipino artistry, and their name reflects this fusion. “SB” stands for ShowBT and symbolizes “Sound Break,” a commitment to pushing the boundaries of P-pop. The “19” comes 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 showcase their continued growth as artists. The pre-released track “DAM,” named after the Tagalog word for “feeling” (pakiramdam), delivers a message about overcoming challenges with determination. The album’s lead track, “Time,” is an emotional ballad that emphasizes the importance of living in the moment.
“We’ve been writing and producing our own music, which has helped us develop a unique sound. This album represents a leap in both our technical and creative growth, with a more grand and cinematic sound,” said Pablo.
SB19’s influence has reached far beyond the Philippines. In April, their track “DAM” topped the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. In 2021, they made history as the first Southeast Asian group to be nominated for Top Social Artist at the Billboard Music Awards, competing alongside global icons like BTS and Ariana Grande.
The group has also made waves in the K-pop scene, especially with the viral success of “Gento.” Many K-pop idols have joined the “Gento” dance challenge, helping the song gain international attention. EXO’s Kai, who participated in the challenge, was especially meaningful to the group.
“We used to cover EXO’s songs when we were starting out. Seeing him dance to our song was surreal and really touching,” said Stell. He also expressed gratitude for other K-pop groups like Enhypen, Ateez, and Katseye, who also joined the challenge.
“We’re incredibly proud of what ‘Gento’ has achieved,” added Pablo. “Watching talented artists around the world share our music with their fans has been overwhelming in the best way.”
Regarding their musical identity, Josh emphasized the group’s versatility. “We love experimenting with different genres and making them our own. Instead of following trends, we focus on creating music that reflects who we are,” he said.
After the album’s release, SB19 is preparing for a global tour that will take them across North America, Asia, and the Middle East, further expanding their international reach.
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