Stell goes ‘solo’ with full support of SB19

MANILA, Philippines — Stell is the latest SB19 member to embark on a solo project with the release of his debut single Room, under Warner Music Philippines in partnership with the P-pop group’s company 1Z Entertainment.

In his words, it took him a while to launch a single of his own because he wasn’t ready.

“When I started performing as an SB19 member, I felt na mas gusto ko silang kasamang mag-perform. I’m not used to performing solo,” asserted Stell during the launch of his solo debut single at Teatrino in Greenhills, San Juan where he performed Room live for the first time.

“Gusto ko lagi ko silang kasama. But when the opportunity came to express myself and to expose myself via (GMA Network’s) ‘The Voice Generations,’ I felt their support even more. They were the ones who told me to grab the opportunity.”

When he accepted the offer to be one of the show’s coaches alongside Parokya Ni Edgar’s Chito Miranda, Billy Crawford and Julie Anne San Jose, he felt that he could actually do it. “Kaya ko rin pala to do solo engagement. As time passed by, I felt their strong support for me until they pushed me to release a solo single.”

He was excited for the release of the ditty, unfortunately, he suffered from vertigo the night before its launching. “So my doctor is here. He almost stayed overnight in my house to watch over me. He injected me (with meds) para mawala yung vertigo ko. Hindi ko nasalubong yung release.”

On his way to the event, that was the moment that reality sunk in. “This is it. I can’t turn back anymore. Hindi ko na mapapaatras yung venue because we already paid for it. Hindi ko na mapapaatras lahat kasi yung catering nandito na,” he quipped.

“Pangatawanan ko na. I should be confident because (it should be) confident Stell.”

While he was elated to be dropping his single, he felt pressured at the same time. “But let’s turn that pressure to excitement para hindi pumasok dito (head) tapos mapagod agad.”

“But I’m super happy and my heart is contented with the support that I’m receiving today,” he furthered.

SB19’s Pablo penned the lyrics for Room which is all about confidence. As Stell elaborated, “Pablo asked me about the message of the song. And Room is all about confidence, like it’s not just me who would feel confident but also the people who would listen to the song.

“I want them to feel empowered of who they are. They should feel confident about themselves because at the end of the day, they are the ones who would define who they are and not other people.”

It was also Pablo, SB19’s main songwriter, who initiated to write the song for Stell, the latter shared. “He asked me what sound do I like? And I know myself, I’ve been through this kind of sound, yung very Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars, but I want to incorporate a bit of theatrical and musical genres (into the song).”

Pablo’s brother, Josue, was among the collaborators who created the beat and baseline of Room. The music video was dropped on the same day of its release, which was directed by SB19’s Justin and Xi-Anne Avanceña of 1Z Entertainment.

Managing director of Warner Music Philippines Sarah Ismail remarked, “We are excited to be on this journey with Stell, an artist whose drive to excel inspires many. I’m confident that we can closely develop his personal sound and style for his upcoming music, and we look forward to Stell leaving his mark on the industry.”

Artists and repertoire director of Warner Music Philippines, Kelley Mangahas, echoed, “Stell’s talent is undeniable. He is a true star — a top-class singer, brilliant dancer, and charismatic host with a magnetic presence that naturally endears people to him. As he embarks on this personal musical journey, we at Warner Music Philippines are committed to helping him grow as an artist and open doors for him both locally and internationally. We are truly excited to partner with Stell and cannot wait to get started.”

Chief operating officer and chief financial officer of 1Z Entertainment Julian de Dios stated, “1Z is greatly thankful for the incredible support for Stell and his latest single. We are thrilled for the bright future and well-deserved opportunities that await him. Let’s continue to champion Filipino talents and showcase their artistry on the global stage. Your support is instrumental in propelling our talents to worldwide recognition.”

Room, which surpassed the half-a-million views for its music video on YouTube, is a prelude to Stell’s upcoming EP to be released in August.

Meanwhile, Stell has a busy schedule ahead with “solo” projects and performances. He is currently in North America until June 30 as part of the “MilEStone Tour of Erik Santos,” where Stell is a special guest.

On July 1, Stell will appear as a live guest on Wish Bus USA. On July 27 and 28, Stell will headline a Manila concert, Ang Ating Tinig, with Julie Anne San Jose.

Just recently, American producer-composer David Foster heaped praises on the P-pop idol when he served as the opening act at “Hitman: David Foster & Friends” concert and performed Celine Dion’s All By Myself at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.