‘SB19 2.0’: What to expect from P-pop Kings’ ‘biggest and realest’ comeback yet

SB19 has just pulled off another milestone. The P-pop kings sold out the kickoff concert of their “Simula at Wakas World Tour” at the Philippine Arena in less than seven hours after ticket sales opened over the weekend. The next question is: Will they add another show?

As of press time, there’s no word yet but the group has already expressed their gratitude to their dedicated fanbase, A’TIN.

“WE DID IT! We OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT the Philippine Arena in less than 7 hours,” announced Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin on social media. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for your overwhelming love and support. Solid kayo! We can’t wait to see you all on May 31! Mahal namin kayo!”

The Philippine Arena show will mark the official start of a much bigger world tour, covering at least 18 cities across Asia, the Middle East and North America. The tour will support their third EP of the same title, which is set to be released on April 25.

The first single from the upcoming EP, Dám, has already made “history” by topping the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart — an unprecedented feat for a Filipino act.

In an exclusive interview with The Philippine STAR, the members teased what fans can expect from the tour, promising a new and improved version of SB19.

“It’s like the 2.0 version of each member, technically, with all the skills, ideas and insights na natutunan namin,” Pablo said.

He continued, “Syempre, may mga kanya-kanyang galaw yan — magto-tour, may mga natututunan pagdating sa sound, when it comes to performing on stage, position of the speakers… These are very specific details. But those smallest details, lahat yun makakaambag sa tour namin (they all contribute to our tour). Because we have said, this is the biggest comeback ever.

“So papanindigan namin ‘yon. Mararamdaman ng mga tao, ma-e-experience nila. This is really the realest comeback of SB19. It’s more than life. It’s more than concerts. It’s the ‘pakiramdam’ (the feeling) that they (the fans) will bring with them wherever they go.”

SB19’s much-anticipated return comes after a year of individual pursuits. Each member ventured into solo projects, gaining fresh experiences and perspectives that they brought back into the group.

Ken shared how their time apart helped them as they “regrouped.”

“Through our solo projects, we had a lot of discoveries and things that we learned since we started our solo careers, especially with music-making, writing and composing. Ang laki ng ambag. So many insights and visions that contributed to the making and conceptualizing of album,” he said.

For Stell, going solo made him realize how much he relied on the group.

“Doing solo, it was when I realized that I became so dependent on SB19. Because when I went solo, I developed that fear of performing alone. Yes, I was doing tours at that time, pero ayoko sanang sabihin… but there were times I didn’t want to do it (solo) because it scared me. I wasn’t used to it,” he said.

“But then, there’s that comfortable feeling as soon as you’re on stage and you’re performing. But I don’t know. I am just scared of the idea of going on stage alone. However, once you’re there, nawawala siya (it disappears).”

Stell continued, “And I feel that, doing solo last year, mas lalong na-ignite yung pagiging performer sa akin. (It made me realize) that it’s really what I want to do. Like, nasabi ko na siguro hanggang mamatay ako, yun ang gusto ko gawin, which is to perform.

“So, I feel that it’s my contribution here. And I’m sure, we were able to tap into possible connections, different groups of fans. So yun yung possible na dala namin while doing solo.”

Justin, meanwhile, reflected on how going solo gave them creative freedom.

“Doing solo projects became a sort of release for each one of us. Because of course, as a group, there’s always compromise. That’s the truth. It’s not something negative, but we have to work as a group,” he explained.

“We have to listen to everybody. You cannot fully give what you want because you are a group — you are not working individually.

“So when we all went solo, we were able to bring out everything that we wanted to do. We learned on our own, we experienced new things. When we returned as a group, mas marami kaming bitbit na baon to share… so that when we came together again, we became stronger.”

The group’s evolution is also mirrored in Dám, a song they first conceptualized in 2019, already envisioning it to be an epic track.

“In terms of music, the formula of SB19 is nag-iiba-iba ng tunog. We’re trying to highlight the ability of every member. But besides that, it’s possible to mix genres. Why not do things that we want and incorporate (them) to make it more interesting?” Pablo said.

Josh added, “For us, naniniwala kami na lahat naman pwede nating pagsama-samahin (we believe that everything can be combined). As long as it works, and we feel it, and we’re able to deliver the message well… Why would we be afraid (to do it)? We would never know if we didn’t try it.”

One of the biggest risks and experiments that they took with Dám was its ambitious music video in collaboration with 1032 LAB.

Josh revealed, “The music video itself is very ambitious. The concept — because it’s Medieval-era inspired — you have the gods, the castles, everything, we were in costumes… Imagine if we did it half-baked, it would be cringy to watch.”

According to him, that was the most complicated part in the creative process, which left them wondering if it was feasible to execute it.

“But we are very blessed to have the right people to work with… who worked hard. As long as you have the right people around you, whatever happens — whatever struggles and challenges — you will overcome them if you all work together.”

For a deeper dive into their songwriting process, check out The Philippine STAR’s exclusive interview on YouTube.