SB19’s growth, experiences, artistry culminate in ‘Simula at Wakas’ EP

SB19 members (from left) Ken, Josh, Pablo, Stell and Justin in a concept photo for “Simula at Wakas.” Image: 1Z Entertainment and Sony Music Philippines

SB19 has dropped their third EP, “Simula at Wakas,” which they note as a culmination of their experiences both as a group and as individuals, artistic growth, and career milestones.

Released on the midnight of Friday, April 25, SB19 described “Simula at Wakas” as a “celebration” of their past and a statement of them “stepping boldly into the future.” The EP also marks the end of a trilogy following “Pagsibol” and “Pagtatag!”.

“It’s our way of saying thank you and showing how much we’ve evolved. ‘Simula at Wakas’ encapsulates everything we’ve been through — struggles, growth, [and] milestones,” they said in a press statement.

“It’s both a celebration of our journey so far and a declaration of what’s to come. We’re the same group as when we started. It’s just that we’ve matured, evolved, and grown into artists who are more confident in our voice and purpose,” they continued.

The EP contains seven tracks, namely, “DAM,” “Time,” “8TonBall,” “Quit,” “Shooting for the Stars,” “DUNGKA!”, and “DAM (Extended Ver.),” with Pablo, Josh, and Felip participating in the songwriting and composition.

Creative process

The quintet added that the record “features the full creative involvement of all five members,” and collaborations with Xerxes Bakker, Alawn, August Rigo, Simon Servida, and Josue of the duo RADKIDZ.

“We held meetings almost every day to carefully discuss how each song would come together, from conceptualizing and message to planning how we could execute and promote the EP in ways we’ve never done before,” SB19 recalled, sharing a glimpse into the record’s creative process.

“This is the first time [in many] years that every member has been this hands-on. Everyone was involved in conceptualizing, producing, and writing the songs. But we also owe a lot to our collaborators who helped us push our ideas further and elevate the project on both the technical and creative sides,” they continued.

SB19 members (from left) Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin in a concept photo for “DAM.” Image: X/@SB19Official

Aside from “DAM,” other songs considered as “focus tracks” are “Time” and “DUNGKA!” The group also noted that the Pablo, Xerxes Bakker, and Samuel Akinbode-helmed track shows the “inevitability” of time.

“Hindi naman kami forever SB19 (We will not be SB19 forever)… Nothing is permanent in this world, even from where we are at this point. Time will run out soon. All we can do is try our best and make the most out [of] it,” they said.

SB19 — consisting of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin — debuted in October 2018 with the ballad “Tilaluha.” They are also known for their songs “Gento,” “What?”, “Mapa” and “Bazinga,” to name a few.

The quintet is set to kick off their “Simula at Wakas” world tour at the Philippine Arena on May 31 and June 1.