Cover How is SB19 making an impact on Filipino music? (Photo: Sony Music Philippines; stylised by Angela Nicole Guiral)
How is SB19 making an impact on Filipino music? (Photo: Sony Music Philippines; stylised by Angela Nicole Guiral)
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Fresh from their big win at the first Filipino Music Awards, SB19 continues to shape the sound and spirit of Filipino music—from humble beginnings to global recognition
SB19, which comprises Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin, is heralded as mavericks and frontrunners in the P-pop scene. Recognised by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as the Philippine youth ambassadors, they became the first Southeast Asian and Filipino act nominated in the Billboard Music Awards 2021. They are also the first Filipino act to land on the international Billboard Social 50 and Next Big Sound Charts. Recently, they dominated the first Filipino Music Awards, winning grand prizes such as Concert of the Year, Tour of the Year and Artist of the Year, among others.
However diverse their beginnings, a shared dream of expressing themselves through music ignited their union. Their hit songs, Bazinga, Gento, and What?, among many others, resonate with many listeners for their modern beats and the stories in each song. Every composition reflects their struggles, making their music relatable and compelling to fans who find a piece of themselves within the melodies. The group’s commitment especially shines through in their performances, where powerful choreography, vocals, and stage presence come together to deliver unforgettable experiences.
SB19 cultivates new ideas and refines its craft through disciplined training. Adhering to the adage that change is the only constant, it adapts swiftly to industry trends and integrates fan feedback into its creative process. Its dream for the local music industry is ambitious yet heartfelt: to elevate Filipino talent onto the global stage.
More from Tatler: The Rise of P-pop: How today’s generation of artists pushed Filipino music forward
Above SB19 is a multi-awarded five-member boy group from the Philippines (Photo: Sony Music Philippines)
SB19 is a multi-awarded five-member boy group from the Philippines (Photo: Sony Music Philippines)
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Where did it all begin?
SB19 was formed in 2016 after participating in a talent contest organised by ShowBT Philippines (now known as SBTown). Initially selected to perform at company events, Geong Seong Han (Robing Geong) recognised their potential and envisioned them as a full-fledged boy band. Since then, they have trained religiously, immersing themselves in the rigorous culture of K-pop trainees.
Despite facing challenges and nearly giving up after a lack of initial success after debuting, their breakthrough came with the release of their second single, Go Up.
“We’re united with the goal of creating something special.”
Each member embarked on their musical journey fuelled by a variety of inspirations. “Everyone has their own stories that helped them fall in love with music. The environment plays a significant role,” they explain.
Some people are influenced from childhood through church activities or because their families have a strong passion for music, while others start as a hobby or out of a desire to explore life. “For us, as a group, it was a shared passion for music and a dream. Each of us has brought unique influences and experiences, and we’re united with the goal of creating something special.”
The group’s driving force is the desire to express themselves through music and inspire others. Seeing the impact of their music on their fans fuels their creativity and commitment to introducing local music to the world.
Above ‘Gento’ places SB19’s talent and confidence into the spotlight, highlighting their strength and versatility as a group
What is it about their skill and talent that captivates and resonates with audiences?
SB19 has captured hearts both locally and worldwide through their music, earning a dedicated fanbase they affectionately call A’Tin.
“Perhaps one of the reasons why people listen to our music is because we try to embed our journey or story into it,” the group reflects. “Every song we create contains a part of our journey or our lives, and I think that’s the best way to explain why people understand or appreciate our music. It’s as if they can connect with us through it.”
As SB19, each member has always wanted to deliver relatable songs, and they try to bring something new to performances in every show. “We put a lot of effort into our choreography, vocals, and stage presence. We always want to make sure that every performance is memorable,” they explain. “Our songs stay true to our authenticity and also resonate with a lot of people. Our music has built a connection with our fans, and we believe it’s because we tell our stories and share our journey through our songs.”
How does the band stay relevant?
As one of the artists spearheading the P-pop agenda, SB19 has set a high standard for innovation and discipline in the music industry. The group emphasises the importance of cultivating strong habits and maintaining a clear vision amidst challenges.
“We are committed to consistently offering new and innovative ideas, and refining our skills through disciplined training has become a core practice for us,” they say. “We believe there is always room for improvement, and we constantly challenge ourselves to explore uncharted territories and try new things.”
In a dynamic industry where innovation is key, the group adheres to the principle that “the only constant in life is change.” This means one must continually adapt—and SB19 certainly does while staying true to their vision, passion, and core values.
“We also place a high value on actively listening to our fans and integrating their feedback into our music and performances,” they share. Staying abreast of the latest trends and technologies in music production is crucial for them, as is fostering collaboration within the group. Each member brings unique perspectives and creativity, which enriches their collective output and drives continuous evolution.
What can we anticipate from SB19 in the future?
The group is consistently looking ahead with ambitious plans. “Our focus is on the future direction we’ve set for the next few years, which will include several new music releases and events,” they reveal.
Their aspirations extend beyond music, as they are enthusiastic about collaborating with notable artists like Gloc-9 and exploring new entertainment ventures. In 2024, Pablo joined Stell in The Voice Kids Philippines, taking their passion for mentorship to new heights by coaching young talents.
SB19 also opened up about their lives offstage, with their documentary Pagtatag! offering an intimate glimpse into their journey, serving as a near-diary of their experiences.
“But beyond our artistic endeavours,” they stress, “we’re also dedicated to expanding our company, 1Z Entertainment.” With plans to invest in nurturing new talent, SB19 is eager to share its experiences and build a lasting legacy in the industry.
Above Episode 455 of ‘The First Take’ welcomes back SB19 with their hit song ‘Mapa’
What is the best piece of advice the group received and gave?
Love Yourz by J Cole and its lyrics have always been profound advice for SB19. It reminds them to remain true to their vision and to support each other as a team. “This wisdom has kept us grounded and focused on our goals.”
For aspiring artists, they tell them to never abandon their dreams. “Believe in your talent, work diligently, and remain open to learning and evolving. Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you, and always stay true to your artistic vision.”
What is SB19’s dream for the local music industry?
SB19’s goal is to showcase Filipino talent to the world. “We believe that local music can help elevate our country’s profile, making the Philippines more widely recognised through our artistry.”
For the local music industry, the group aspires to see more Filipino artists achieving international acclaim and success. “With the immense talent in the Philippines, we are confident that, given the right support and opportunities, our artists can make a substantial impact on the global stage,” they genuinely express. “We also hope for a more collaborative and supportive industry where artists can flourish and create without limitations. We are committed to contributing to this vision and advancing OPM (Original Pilipino Music) worldwide.”
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
