SB19 shares success with fans

No matter where their music journey leads them, P-pop idol group SB19 will always bring their fans A’TIN with them.

As they break record after record — such as earning a whooping 10 million views for the music video of comeback single WHAT? and recently making history as the first-ever Filipino and Southeast Asian act to land a nomination at the Billboards Music Awards (BBMAs) — SB19 will continue to give credit to their fans.

The five-member boy band — composed of Josh, Justin, Ken, Pablo and Stell — is living up to the meaning behind their fandom’s name, which is sharing their dreams and success with their fans. A’TIN is a play on the Tagalog word “atin” or “ours” in English.

During a recent virtual roundtable interview, SB19 noted that they wouldn’t have gotten to where they are now if it weren’t for the love and support they have been receiving from fans since their debut in 2018.

“Hindi po namin mararating ito na kami lang. Kung wala pong naniwala sa amin, kung wala po yung mga taong sumusuporta sa amin, hindi po talaga kami makakarating dito kahit anong gawin namin,” said the group’s main rapper Josh.

Apart from their families and company ShowBT, SB19 expressed their gratitude to the fans. Pablo assured that all of A’TIN’s efforts in making their music trend and be known to a much larger audience wouldn’t go unnoticed.

“(We want to thank everyone who) has been there for us since the very beginning of our journey,” said Pablo. “Nagpapasalamat po kami na kahit na marami na po kaming nararating, nandiyan pa rin po sila para sumuporta sa amin, at gusto ko lang pong sabihin na mahal na mahal po namin silang lahat.”

Following the successful release of WHAT? last March, the boyband said it was very fulfilling to receive positive feedback for music they had worked hard on amid a global pandemic.

“Talaga naman pong satisfied po kami and sobrang thankful kasi nga po pinaghirapan po namin at binuhos namin lahat ng resources namin dun,” shared Pablo.

One thing that SB19 can also be proud of is their tight bond, with Justin sharing that members make sure to talk things out to resolve conflicts.

“Sa sobrang tagal na namin at ang dami naming pinagsamahan as a group, every time po na may problema kami sa isa’t-isa, ang ginagawa po namin is talagang nag-uusap kami, nagbibigay kami ng time para pag-usapan yung mga problema harap-harapan,” said Justin.

They were taught this technique from when they were still trainees. “Tinuro po samin ‘yun before na para rin maging comfortable talaga kami sa isa’t-isa na parang magka-kapatid na kami, na mag-holding hands po kami every time before a performance, or if there’s a problem. Every day, naging habit na kailangan na we give other strength,” said Justin.

After having been nominated at the BBMAs 2021 for the fan-voted Top Social Artist category, alongside international music heavyweights Ariana Grande, BTS, Blackpink and Seventeen, SB19 admitted that they are now, more than ever, feeling the pressure to create their next music.

“Every time (we release new) content or (a) new song, we want to make sure that it’s in the highest possible quality that we could produce,” related Pablo.

The nomination has been an added pressure on them because “it’s like the world is also looking at us (not just the Philippines). So, we have to work even harder, we have to think of things that will make our performances explosive, that will really make (the world) interested in our group.”

Winners will be announced on May 23, with K-pop superstars BTS dominating the category for the last four years.

One thing for sure, it’s a great opportunity for SB19 to take a step further in their dreams of introducing P-pop in the international music scene.

“Kahit na hindi kami ‘yung manalo, or kahit wala pa yung announcement, parang panalo na kami sa sarili namin dahil sobrang laki nitong opportunity,” said Justin.

Meanwhile, the group recently released a new single under the Ikalawang Yugto or “new era” titled MAPA, a combination of the words Mama and Papa.

Described as a “complete 180-degree turn from the colossal banger” that is WHAT?, the heartwarming ballad is the group’s tribute to their beloved parents.

Pre-pandemic and during their concert tour, SB19 had less time being with their families. This prompted them to honor their parents through a pop song under Sony Music.

“Gusto po naming parang ibalik lahat ng pagmamahal, pag-aaruga at pag-gabay nila sa amin. At sabihin na, ‘Ma, pahinga ka na muna, kami naman ang ang gagawa,’” said Pablo.

To mark the release of their new track, SB19 held a virtual musical showcase yesterday, May 18.