SB19’s (from left) Ken, Pablo, Stell, Josh, and Justin. Image: Hannah Mallorca
The success of the “Where You At (WYAT)” world tour seems to be the peak of P-pop supergroup SB19’s career, but they believe that it is just a glimpse of what is to come.
Despite the initial nerves, Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin — collectively known as SB19 — admitted that they’re overwhelmed with the support of their fans from different parts of the globe.
“In terms of preparations, we always do our best to elevate and mapaganda ang performances namin [kaya] nakaka-amaze and overwhelming kasi hindi namin inaakala na mapapalitan ng takot ang saya [dahil] sinuportahan kami even if it’s our first time holding a world tour,” said leader, songwriter, and composer Pablo said at a media conference for their homecoming concert.
(In terms of preparations, we always do our best to elevate and improve our performances so we’re amazed and overwhelmed because we didn’t expect that a lot of fans would come to support us even if it’s our first time holding a world tour.)
Josh, SB19’s lead rapper and eldest member, said the group’s dedicated legion of fans — also known as A’TIN — is the “secret weapon” to the tour’s success.
The “Where You At (WYAT)” world tour, created in lieu of the group’s single of the same name, will conclude at the Araneta Coliseum on Dec. 18. The tour included stops at Cebu, Pampanga, and Davao in the Philippines, and international stops in Dubai, New York and Los Angeles in the U.S., and Singapore.
Lessons as artists and Filipino icons
Embarking on a global stage is a challenging part of being a singer, and SB19 is no stranger to this. “We’re just a small fish in a pond so kailangan naming mag-explore para we can grow into better artists in the coming years,” main dancer Ken noted, describing the WYAT tour as an opportunity to grow. “Sobrang laki ng wall [sa music industry] kaya it’s a challenge to pass through. Ano pa ang mga kailangan naming gawin to captivate those people na hindi kami kilala, anong type of music and genre na dapat naming gawin na makuha ang atensyon nila.”
(We’re just a small fish in a pond so we need to explore to grow into better artists in the coming years. There’s a huge wall in the music industry so it’s a challenge to pass through. What can we do to captivate people who don’t know us, and what type of music and genres can we do to get their attention.)
On the other hand, main vocalist and choreographer Stell said the tour is a chance to look back at how far they’ve come as P-pop artists. He also noted that even if the group was accompanied by a small team, their passion helped them get through.
“Hangga’t kaya namin, gagawin namin… sabi nga sa amin sa National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), it’s not just about performing. Pwede rin naming gamitin ang aming boses sa tamang paraan upang makatulong sa bayan.”
(As much as possible, we’ll do it. The NCCA even told us that it’s not just about performing but also using our voices in the right way to help our country.)
Meanwhile, Josh explained that their tour is not about SB19 or their fans, but a way to remind Filipinos living in different parts of the world about their culture. “It’s about educating and pag-share ng kultura sa mga Pilipino na nakatira sa ibang bansa para hindi makalimutan ng next generation. Para sa amin, we want the audience to be reminded na kami ‘yung isa sa tools para mai-share ang kultura natin.”
SB19’s (from left) Ken, Justin, Josh, Pablo, and Stell. Image: Sony Music Philippines
(It’s about educating and sharing our culture to Filipinos living in different countries so they can teach the next generation to not forget their roots. For us, we want the audience to be reminded that we’re one of the tools in spreading our culture.)
Meanwhile, creative director and vocalist Justin said the tour was a chance to appreciate their journey. “Before, lagi kaming naka-focus sa kung ano ang malaking impact. Pero ngayon, napansin namin sa maliliit na bagay, naghehelp kami sa mga problems.”
(Before, we’re always focused on creating a big impact. But now, we realized that even the small things matter.)
The start of the ‘Pagtatag’ era
Pablo also confirmed that a new album called “Pagtatag” is currently in the works, although the group is yet to reveal the concept and date of release. “The album is basically about strengthening the foundation [as a group] which came from the ideas of all the members. Definitely, different flavors and new experiences na pinagsama sa iisang album kaya mage-enjoy sila,” he said.
(Basically, the album is about strengthening the foundation as a group which came from the ideas of all the members. It will definitely have different flavors and new experiences which fans will enjoy.)
When asked to elaborate on the details of “Pagtatag,” SB19, in jest, compared the album to flavors of instant noodles such as “hot,” “spicy,” and “sweet.”
My question: You revealed that you’re working on a new album. What can we expect from this upcoming release? Any teasers or pasabog?
The members looked at each other while smiling before gesturing over to Pablo. #WYATHomecoming
— Hannah Mallorca (@HMallorcaINQ) December 12, 2022
Justin added that the album will feature a new look, while Stell said fans can expect a “rollercoaster ride of emotions.”
SB19 recently released a new ballad “Nyebe,” which is described as a song that “brings you comfort” in times of anxiety. In September 2022, the group dropped the retro-pop single “WYAT (Where You At)” in hopes of reconnecting with their fans. EDV