SB19 on near-breakup, P-pop success and bringing Filipino culture to the world

Key Concepts:

• OPM (Original Pilipino Music)
• P-pop (Pinoy Pop)
• "Hugot" style
• Manananggal (Philippine Mythology)
• KOCCA (Korea Creative Content Agency)
• Imposter Syndrome

SB19's Perspective on Being Called "P-Pop Pioneers":

SB19 expresses gratitude for being called pioneers but acknowledges that many artists before them started the movement. They feel they have a platform to showcase Filipino music globally and strive to innovate in their music.

Evolution and Characteristics of P-Pop:

• Past Perception of OPM: Previously, OPM was often categorized as indie bands or ballads, with a lack of boy groups.
• Current Trend: Now, Southeast Asia and the world are recognizing diverse variations in genre within Filipino music.
• P-Pop Distinctions: While sharing synchronized choreography and polished visuals with global pop, P-pop emphasizes raw emotion and passion, attributed to the "hugot" style.
  • "Hugot" Definition: "Hugot" refers to delving deep into one's inner feelings.
• Linguistic Uniqueness: P-pop often combines Filipino and English languages, creating a unique sound. The harder-sounding Filipino language mixed with English results in a smooth phonetic quality when sung.
• Cultural Incorporation: SB19 incorporates Filipino culture, such as mythology (e.g., the "manananggal" in their song "Mana"), to make their music unique.

Desired Collaborations:

SB19 expresses interest in collaborating with artists like Sunmi, Big Bang, and 2NE1 from K-pop, as well as other regional artists in Southeast Asia. They previously collaborated with Sandara Park for a brand.

Early Struggles and Perseverance:

• Lack of System: SB19 faced difficulties due to the absence of a proper system, including dance and singing schedules.
• Self-Learning: They had to learn everything independently, including music production and video editing.
• Example of Hardship: They had to perform in an event singing in six different languages without guidance, fearing they might say something inappropriate.
• Key to Survival: Their passion and vision kept them together.
• Near-Quitting Point: Before their viral song "Go Up," they were considering quitting after three years of inactivity. They decided that if "Go Up" didn't succeed, they would stop.

The Impact of "Go Up":

• Viral Success: "Go Up" went viral, marking the start of SB19's career.
• Initial Reaction: The members were shocked and surprised, constantly checking reactions on Twitter.
• Subsequent Opportunities: They received invitations from local TV networks, endorsements, and interviews.

Challenges of Maintaining Success:

• Imposter Syndrome: The members felt imposter syndrome, questioning if they were truly doing well and if their success would last.
• Pandemic Adaptation: During the pandemic, they maintained their position through social media and online concerts.

Realization of Fame:

• Billboard Moment: Josh realized their growing fame when he saw his face on a billboard on his way home to Cavite.
• Reaction Videos: Justin realized their international reach by watching reaction videos to their songs from different countries on YouTube.
• Content Creation: They noticed that even small daily activities became content for others, signifying their fame.

Future of P-Pop:

• Bright Future: SB19 believes P-pop has a bright future.
• Industry-Wide Effort: They emphasize that the entire industry, not just artists, needs to push for change.
• Lack of Unifying Organizations: The Philippines lacks organizations like KOCCA in Korea.
• Entertainment Industry's Role: The entertainment industry plays a crucial role in promoting Filipino music, culture, and Southeast Asian culture.

Gratitude to Fans:

SB19 expresses deep gratitude to their fans for their support from the beginning, stating that they remain inspired by them. They promise more music, content, and collaborations.

Conclusion:

SB19's journey highlights the challenges and triumphs of a P-pop group striving for global recognition. Their success is attributed to their passion, innovation, and the viral impact of "Go Up." They emphasize the importance of industry-wide support for the future of P-pop and express gratitude to their fans for their unwavering support.