SB19 are a Filipino boy band formed in 2018. The band consists of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin. SB19 is regarded as a leading act in contemporary Pinoy pop. They are now a self-managed group under 1Z Entertainment, a company built and managed by the members of SB19.[1]
After several years as trainees under ShowBT Philippines, SB19 debuted in 2018 with the single "Tilaluha". They have received little attention from the public until their dance practice video for their song "Go Up" went viral in late 2019. This has led them to strategically use social media in gaining popularity and increasing their fandom. They became the first Southeast Asian act to be nominated on the Billboard Music Awards,[2][3] and the first Southeast Asian act to make an appearance in the top 10 of the Billboard Social 50.[4][5] SB19 promotes its music as part of Pinoy pop, a popular sub-genre of Original Pilipino Music.[6]
Name
The letters in the group's name were taken from the initials of their former Korean management company, ShowBT. The number 19 is derived from the country calling codes of South Korea (+82) and of the Philippines (+63)- the difference of 82 and 63, and the sum of the digits (8 + 2 + 6 + 3). It symbolized the collaboration of the two countries in the formation of the group.[7] The members themselves, however, used the phrase "Sound Break"—for the goal to "break into the music scene"[8]
Fandom and symbolism
In 2019, the boy band revealed their official logo, signifying the group's struggles, aspirations, and the people behind their success. The boys also dropped their official color which is sky blue, representing confidence and sincerity.
In the same year, on November 2, SB19 unveiled their official fandom name, "A'TIN", through a Facebook Live video. Pronounced as "eighteen", it takes the meaning of the Filipino term, "atin" (AH-tihn), which translates to "ours".[9]
Career
2018–2020: Formation and first album
In 2016, ShowBT Philippines, a subsidiary of the Korean company ShowBT Group, conducted a talent search for performers.[10] CEO Seong Han "Robin" Geong had established offices in the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam with the aim of localizing K-pop in other Asian countries.[11] He initiated forming a Filipino boy band from their trainees after observing that Philippines had a considerable K-pop fandom, replacing the original idea of making them perform during company events.[12]
The candidates went through a difficult South Korean-inspired training camp. They would constantly practice singing and dancing abilities. A physical training and "personality development" were also part of it. ShowBT held regular evaluations, and trainees who were judged inadequate were sent home,[13] until the final seven members were chosen. The training continued with over-nine-hour work days, and their resolve waned. Of those seven members, Stell remained with ShowBT, three quit, and Pablo, Josh, and Justin left but changed their minds. Ken, a previous candidate, also joined the group. These five would become the current members of SB19.[11] Pablo—initially using the stage name Sejun—is the band's leader.[14]
SB19 debuted on October 26, 2018, with the single "Tilaluha",[15] a sentimental ballad. It was followed by their fast-paced second single "Go Up",[11] which was released on July 19, 2019.[16] The group had received little attention, and its members began to grow disheartened.[13] They had decided to disband if they would not see success after "Go Up". However, several months after the song was released, their dance practice video of the song went viral on Twitter and Facebook. As a result, SB19 was able to secure spots on Philippine television and radio. The newly found opportunity led them to use social media as a strategy to gain popularity and start planning a tour.[17][18][19]
On November 20, 2019, SB19 became the first Filipino act to appear on the BillboardNext Big Sound chart.[20][21] They also became the first Filipino act to enter the Billboard Social 50, debuting at number 28 on the week of December 28, 2019.[22][23] Jeff Benjamin of Billboard noted that a growing international fan-base had aided their appearance in the chart. He added that "more artists [will] continue to look East for inspiration and a larger audience".[24]
The group announced that they will embark on a free nationwide concert tour on December 7, entitled "SB19: Get in the Zone". On the date when registration for tickets were opened for their concert in Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay, tickets were quickly sold out in 3 Minutes. They were able perform in three other cities - Silay, Cagayan de Oro and Legazpi. Unfortunately, the planned concerts to be held in various major cities in the Philippines were indefinitely postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[25]
On March 9, 2020, SB19 has been added to the roster of artists of Spotify's RADAR Program, which supports new artists through marketing campaigns.[29][30][31] The quintet released their debut album Get in the Zone, featuring nine tracks, including three released singles and two unreleased tracks, on July 31, 2020.[32] Two weeks after the release of the album, SB19 achieved its highest position on the Social 50 chart at number two on the week of August 15.[33] A week later, the group peaked at number five on the Emerging Artist chart.[34][35]
On November 21, they held their first-ever online concert streamed live via the platform Global Live.[36] It was later re-broadcast on November 28 as a fundraiser event for the communities affected by recent typhoons.[37]
On December 3, SB19 appeared at number six on Billboard Year-End Social 50 chart, making them the first Southeast Asian act to reach the top 10 of the magazine's annual chart.[38]
The group released "What?" on March 9, 2021, as the first single off their upcoming extended play, initially planned to be released in June 2021.[39] On April 24, their first-ever fashion collection, in collaboration with Chynna Mamawal, was released that featured two limited premium sets, shirts, and dresses, all inspired by the single.[40][41] On April 29, SB19 became the first Filipino and Southeast Asian act to be nominated in Billboard Music Awards for Top Social Artist along with BTS, Blackpink, Ariana Grande, and Seventeen—which BTS won.[42][43] It marked the first-ever appearance of a Filipino artist in the Billboard Music Awards. Their second pre-release single, "Mapa", was released on May 16, 2021, as a tribute to parents.[44] A band version in collaboration with Ben&Ben was released on June 27, 2021.[45] Their first extended play Pagsibol was then released on July 22, 2021.[46] On August 1, the group held their first concert in 2021, titled Back in the Zone streamed online on KTX and became the top-selling concert on the platform.[47] SB19 performed in the Forte: A Pop Orchestra Concert on October 17 with the SSC Chamber Choir, Battig Chamber Orchestra, and 4th Impact for the benefit of Sr. Baptista Battig Music Foundation scholars.[48]
On October 21, SB19 was nominated as Best Southeast Asia Act at the 2021 MTV Europe Music Awards.[49] On November 4, "Bazinga" entered the newly launched BillboardHot Trending Songs at number 14 for the 24-hour and number 20 on the weekly.[50] SB19 is the first Filipino artist to debut a track on the chart. On December 16, National Commission for Culture and the Arts appointed SB19 as new Youth and Sentro Rizal ambassador.[51] As part of the celebration of their 3rd anniversary, SB19 released a 6-episode series featuring the group members each, released on WeTV and YouTube.[52] They also held the SB19 2021: Our Zone Third Anniversary Concert on December 18 and 19 streamed live online and later released on WeTV.[53][54] On the week of December 11, "Bazinga" reached number one on the Hot Trending Songs.[55] It later becomes the song with the most weeks at number one on the chart surpassing six weeks run of "Butter".[56]
On January 9, 2022, the group performed for their first international music festival, representing the Philippines at the 2021 ASEAN-Korea Round Festival with the goal of sharing cultures within the ASEAN region.[57] on March 16, they attended the Expo 2020 and performed at Dubai Exhibition Centre, marking SB19's first international live performance.[58] On April 10, two years during which most live activities have not been allowed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, SB19 headlined the first-ever P-pop Convention (PPOP Con) at Araneta City.[59] On April 23, SB19 held their first paid live solo concert at Araneta Coliseum hosted by Dunkin' Philippines.[60]
On June 28, SB19 lands spots on Twitter Philippines "#WorldMusicDay" 2022 lists. The group was able to snag the top spot in the Top Music-Related Handles in the Philippines and the Top Hashtags Around Music in the Philippines lists on Twitter from May 31 to June 1. It was revealed during the celebration of Fête de la Musique (World Music Day), which aims to laud artists and communities locally and in South East Asia.[61] On July 5, Ken performed his newest solo single, "Bulan", at The Recording AcademyGrammy's online series Global Spin, which celebrates global music, international artists, and the world's sounds. He is the first Filipino act to be featured in the said online series.[62] On July 31, SB19 opened the Binibining Pilipinas 2022 Coronation Night with the pageant's theme song, "Win Your Heart".[63] The theme song was originally written by the Dero "Nonong" Pedero in 1999. It was last given a new sound by Ballad King Martin Nievera in 2013 for Binibining Pilipinas' 50th Year.[64] SB19 freshen up the tune. Being the first P-pop group to give the most significant change, they added rap lines in SB19's signature style. It gives the classic sung parts their interpretation, bringing the song firmly into the realm of P-Pop.[65]
On August 1, at the stroke of midnight, the social media page of SB19 shared an image of their logos with static interference and glitches. It is also a signal that the group is gearing up for something new.[66]
For the first week of August, SB19 has been teasing its comeback. On August 12, SB19 released the single comeback title "WYAT (Where You At)", a disco-pop song that highlights the urgency of disconnection to reconnection of the times that should be releasing on September 2 with an official music video and a global concert tour named Where You At Tour will kickoff in Manila on September 17 in Araneta Coliseum.[67] The group's social media, especially Twitter, has erupted over the last few days after the boy group released a series of cryptic riddles and videos that led fans to speculate about a world tour.[68] As a result, the hashtag #WhereIsSB19 has been trending on Twitter worldwide daily. SB19 released their final video of the series announcing that the single and tour will be launched in September. Few cities in the Philippines were included on the tours after Quezon City Metro Manila. Clark City will be the next location, then Cebu City and Davao City. Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States were also included on the comeback concert tour list.[69]
On August 31, SB19 was among the "Preview's 50 Most Influential for 2022". An annual selection by Summit Media's "Preview Magazine" honoring individuals and groups that have made the biggest impacts in different fields across the realms of fashion, beauty, and art, these faces have maximized their digital platforms to champion the innate diversity of the Filipino identity.[70]
On September 23, the boy band SB19 was on the list of "The 100 Most Powerful People in the Philippines: Wielders of Soft Power" by the Esquire Magazine. The 100 people named were a selection of people from different industries of private and public organizations who embody power: authority, control, and influence.[71]
On October 10, JCI Batangas awarded SB19 as the "2022 Outstanding Filipino Gamechanger" on the 3rd Gawad Balisong. The JCI Batangas Gawad Balisong recognizes the diverse lineup of individuals who made a notable influence on the members of the local organization and the community in the Philippines. It is a selection of Filipino game-changers who are motivated individuals who lead to a shift when they are thinking or doing things. They are authentic human beings who empower the community through their humble causes and stories of good.[72]
On November 17, SB19 returned to Billboard's Hot Trending Songs with their new track "Where You At". Debuted ranked No. 17, the retro upbeat track ranked goes up to No. 4 before midnight. "WYAT (Where You At)" is the second SB19 song to place in the same Billboard list following "Bazinga", which set the record for most weeks at No. 1 in the Hot Trending Songs chart.[76]
On April 30, SB19 released the trailer for their upcoming EP, Pagtatag!, starring themselves and actor Pepe Herrera. The trailer also unveiled the schedule for their upcoming world tour which will have multiple stops in various cities across the Philippines, United States, Canada.[77] SB19 will start the tour in Manila on June 24–25, in Davao on June 25, 2023, and in Bacolod on July 5, 2023, thereafter, they will head to North America in July and August.[78]
On May 19, the group released “Gento,” the first single of Pagtatag!.[79] The song's title was taken from the Filipino words ganito (like this), and ginto (gold), as well as gento, the Caviteño word for ganito, while the song showcases the group's growth and change after years of refinement, just like gold, as well as everyday acts leading to transformational change.[80] On June 3, SB19 debuted on the BillboardWorld Digital Song Sales chart with "Gento" entering at No. 8, granting the group their inaugural top 10 placement.[81][82]
Pagtatag! was released on June 9.[83][84] Alongside the album's release, the group announced that they had left ShowBT, with Pagtatag! being their first release under their own label, 1Z Entertainment, which they formed to establish more creative freedom over their material.[85][86] Following the release of Pagtatag!, SB19 went live for the countdown of the release of the music video for "I Want You". The group held a media conference on the same day and performed "Gento" and, for the first time, "I Want You", before a live audience.[87][88]
On October 13, SB19's "Gento" was officially approved as an entry to the 66th Grammy Awards.[89]
Artistry and legacy
Influences
SB19 has cited second-generation boy groups for inspiration, such as B2ST and Big Bang as well as third-generation boy groups: VIXX, GOT7, and BTS. Two members from SB19 Stell & Josh covers a lot of Kpop songs coming from different Kpop Legendary groups like BIGBANG, INFINITE, SHINEE, BTS, etc. during their pre-debut era.
Despite their apparent love for Korean music trickling down to their own body of work, SB19 admit they weren't always eager to ride the K-pop wave.[90] Josh was exposed to BoA because of their dancing skills. His music inspirations are GD, Loonie, Gloc-9, Shanti Dope, and Smugglaz. Pablo's inspirations are Filipino hip-hop artist Loonie and Gloc-9. He also admires the style of Bigbang's G-Dragon, Ez Mil, Eminem, and NF, an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is a strong point of his group and the modern music industry. Stell's music inspiration is VIXX. He proudly notes some OPM veterans like Morissette and Sarah G who shaped their musical appreciation. Ken's inspirations are Daniel Caesar, a Canadian singer and songwriter, Filipino rock band IV of Spades, and Filipino rapper Al James. He admires Japanese rock band One Ok Rock and EXOs soloist Kai. Justin was inspired by the music of Filipino singer-songwriter Michael Pangilinan and GOT7.
Legacy and popularity
Lauren Dyogi credits SB19 for pioneering the Korean-inspired wave saying: "Thanks to SB19 for trailblazing and paving the way for any aspiring Pinoy group. Mabuhay ang lahat ng Filipino artists!"[91][92] In 2021, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, appointed SB19 as its newest Youth and Sentro Rizal ambassadors representing Filipino culture and stories worldwide.[93]
SB19 appeared at number six on Billboard Year-End Social 50 chart in December 2020, becoming the first Southeast Asian act to reach the top 10 of the magazine's annual chart.[38] In April 2021, SB19 became the first Filipino and Southeast Asian act to be nominated in Billboard Music Awards for Top Social Artist.[42][43] It marked the first-ever appearance of a Filipino artist in the Billboard Music Awards. In November 2021, "Bazinga" entered the daily chart of Billboard'sHot Trending Songs at number 14 and number 20 on the weekly ranking,[50] becoming the first Filipino artist to debut a track on the chart. In October 2021, SB19 has been nominated as Best Southeast Asia Act at the 2021 MTV Europe Music Awards.[49]
In July 2022, Teen Vogue listed SB19 as one their Favorite Boy Bands Of All Time.[94] They are the only Filipino act on the list.[95] On the same month, SB19 finished second on Billboard Fan Army Face-Off championship round against "STAY", the fandom of K-pop boyband Stray Kids.[96] In October 2022, SB19 received an International Chartbursting Award at the 13th PMPC Star Awards for Music by the Philippine Movie and Press Club. In November 2022, SB19 won 7 awards at the Awit Awards 2022.[97] On March 29, 2023, SB19 made it to the Top 20 Best Modern Boy Bands of popular YouTube channel, Ms. Mojo.[98] On August 8, 2023, SB19 finished as the winner of Billboard's Fan Army Face-Off championship round on social media against the K-pop boyband Seventeen.[99]
Other ventures
Philanthropy
On January 12, 2020, when Taal Volcano erupted, the group launched a relief operation to help the eruption victims.[100] On the 5th Wish 107.5 Music Awards, the group won and donated ₱200,000 to their chosen beneficiary, Autism Society Philippines (ASP).[101] On November 28, 2020, SB19 rebroadcast their first-ever virtual concert "Global Live" for Monsoon Relief to raise funds for the communities affected by Super Typhoon Rolly and Typhoon Ulysses.[102]
On October 17, 2021, the group headlined a virtual concert for the benefit of the Baptista Music Foundation, named after Sister Baptista Battig, Order of Saint Benedict (OSB), who was the founder of the Conservatory of Music of Saint Scholastica's College. The foundation's vision is to promote a nation culturally developed and united through music and serve as a catalyst for gifted underprivileged youth, and SB19 agreed to perform in this special concert to raise funds for the music scholars that the foundation is supporting.[103]
On January 5, 2022, through the Stan World "Donations S2 Launching Event", a U.S. based app where fans can party and win rewards for their stars, their fans donated ₩1,820,000 to Save the Children Korea (세이브더칠드런) in SB19's name.[104]
Their collective win as solo (for FELIP and Josh Cullen) and group acts at the 9th Wish Music Awards on January 14, 2024, in the meantime, enabled them to donate a total of ₱600,000 to the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).
^"Chicken Chops". KFC. March 12, 2021. Archived from the original on March 9, 2023. Retrieved January 2, 2022 – via Twitter.
^"Acer Philippines". Acer Brand Ambassadors. August 6, 2021. Archived from the original on March 9, 2023. Retrieved August 7, 2021 – via Manila Standard.
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