No way but Up for SB19

SB19 is among local music scene’s hot properties. This is due to its catchy, danceable and inspirational second single, Go Up. The tune made it to the Billboard Next Big Sound Chart.

Taking off from its name, the Filipino boy band — composed of Sejun, Josh, Stell, Justin and Ken — offers listeners a sound break (a new sound) that has the feel of Korean pop but essentially remains Filipino. It’s a welcome musical hybrid that pleases the ears. The phrase “sound break” can be compared to a hiatus from the music that usually dominates the airwaves.

“Never po na nawala yung pagpapaalala sa amin na keep your feet on the ground (We’ve always been reminded to stay grounded),” answered Josh when asked how the group was handling its rise to fame or success in a recent media call. “So hanggang ngayon yung lifestyle namin, kasikatan namin hindi po pumupunta sa ulo namin (Our lifestyle and popularity have not gotten to our heads). Kung ano kami noon, ganun pa rin kami hanggang ngayon, nag-street food pa rin kami. We remain the same.”

Proof to this is the same level of commitment the guys afford to every work preparation and performance. “Kung paano kami nag-pa-practice noon, ganun pa rin kami nag-pa-practice ngayon (we do the same practice routine),” said Justin. “When we perform, we want to be well-prepared.” This is regardless of the venue, where SB19 performs, and people who will watch the group. After all, the group started by gracing intimate shows or singing before 20 people.

“Siguro ang kaibahan lang ay (ngayon) mas maraming nakakakilala sa amin (The only difference perhaps is that many recognize us now as compared to in the past),” added leader Sejun, “we’re more eager to (work) and produce new songs and new performances to showcase what we are (as a group).” Their humbleness and talent (in singing and dancing) speak of what SB19, the local boy band trained by ShowBT, a Korean entertainment company, is made of.

“Feeling ko po di rin kami sigurado,” shared Josh of his thoughts in explaining the kind of support (and engagement) their fans called A’TIN have shown them in events and concerts as well as on social media. A’TIN expresses this by making every SB19 activity a trending topic. “We’re thankful to our fans kasi parang miracle din po yung nangyayari sa amin, nakakagulat po.” To reciprocate their fans’ admiration, SB19 can only assure them that they will give their best and will always be on their toes in every project.

SB19 was supposed to stage its major concert Give In To SB19 tonight at the Araneta Coliseum, with Dunkin’ as a presentor. However, the musical treat got postponed and moved to a later date due to the COVID-19 outbreak. For details on this, fans can check out the group’s social media accounts. The utmost concern of SB19 is for everyone to “stay safe” and follow safety precautions.

Come performance night, SB19 will definitely deliver and surprise concertgoers by rendering “new performances of covers and unreleased songs.” Among the songs (like Alab [Burning] and Tilaluha) the SB19 boys have done, they all consider Go Up their favorite for it captures their story of humble beginnings (which include the sacrifices and hard work they put in their career) and success.

From the Q&A, one could learn that the boys were at the verge of giving up their singing career if the song didn’t work to give their career a boost. Good thing, Go Up won the nod of many and led to SB19’s popularity. The guys also shared that what they like about the song is how it has touched the lives of many listeners. Go Up has inspired others to make personal feats happen like passing the bar exams.

During the presscon, SB19 generously shared their talent by performing unreleased songs Hanggang sa Huli and

Love Goes. This was perhaps a sneak peek into where the group wishes to bring its music. SB19’s full album will be released sometime in April.