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| (Image Source: Rappler/SB19/Sony Music Philippines) |
As torchbearers of Pinoy pop, SB19 achieved record-breaking success in every step of the way. The award-winning boyband has reaped accolades here and abroad including the distinction of being the first Filipino pop act to be nominated in the Billboard Music Awards and reaching a peak no. 2 in the Billboard Social 50, a chart that utilizes real-time social media data to track the most fan-engaged artists in the world. From being part of Spotify's RADAR program in 2020 that supported the band's borderless access to fans to becoming the Most Requested Artist of the Year for 2020 on MTV US Friday Livestream, SB19 has solidified its global presence with its music.
Global recognition aside, SB19 continues to push boundaries in terms of production and songwriting, challenging conventions with their sophisticated modern sounds and anthemic lyrics. According to Sony Music Philippines General Manager and Sony Music Asia Vice-President for Business Development Roslyn Pineda, SB19's insistence to excel in their craft is once again displayed in full force on its "Pagsibol" EP. “This time, they’re going all-out in expanding their range by sprinkling bits of experiments with their brand of edgy pop.” A Filipino word that literally translates to germination, as to how seeds grow into plants, "Pagsibol" is a metaphorical reference to the band's journey in the music industry. “In that context, we want our EP to symbolize our beginnings, origins, or simply our roots,” SB19 shares in a statement. “The term also signifies our growth from the group’s formative years to where we are right now.”
The six-track extended play (EP) contains the empowering song "What?", released early this year to critical and commercial acclaim; the inspiring but powerful ballad "MaPa" and the 2021 version of their early ballad "Ikako". SB19 is no stranger to defying structures and infusing global sounds in a singular music package and, on their "Pagsibol" EP, they have asserted creative control over their material without sacrificing accessibility. This is evident in "Mana", a throbbing banger that updates their electro-pop, R&B and hip-hop influences with cinematic grandeur. The title is actually short for the Filipino mythical creature manananggal which has the ability to severe its upper torso from the rest of its body. SB19 redefines the word to symbolize humility. “No matter how far we go or how high we reach, our feet will always remain on the ground,” said the all-male Filipino quintet.
"Pagsibol" raises the stage to the next level with "Bazinga", the new single coinciding with the EP's release. Brimming with trap-pop production and reggaeton-infused hip-hop rhythms, the song takes a swipe at the band's detractors online and offline and reflects on the "bashing" culture that every artist experienced at the onset of their careers. In the same vein as the band's more radio-friendly tunes, "SLMT" showcases the group's effervescent side to their music making. The insanely catchy bop honors A'TIN, a community of like-minded fans and individuals to whom SB19 is eternally grateful. Taken as a whole, "Pagsibol" tackles a variety of themes that are integral to the pop group's narrative. As SB19 puts it, “They will get a glimpse of our paths and what we went through. We consider this EP to be very meaningful as everything is from us—the conceptualization, the creative process, the totality of the product itself.”
SB19's followers have more than doubled on Spotify, the world's leading music and audio streaming platform, within just a year. On joining Spotify's emerging artist program RADAR that spotlights rising talent, SB19 says, “Being on Spotify’s RADAR program since 2020 has been a lot of help for us. Spotify’s commitment to local artists has unlocked many opportunities, from enabling us to represent Pinoy music on the global stage to helping new audiences discover our songs.” Coinciding with the launch and eventual release of the EP on available digital music platforms worldwide is Spofify Philippines' "SB19 A'TIN Ito" campaign which showcases Filipino pride and tells the story of SB19's of the EP through roving jeepneys designed by six Filipino visual artists uniquely inspired by the EP's six tracks and exclusive SB19 content on Spotify's Tatak Pinoy playlist. “It’s been wonderful to be a part of SB19’s journey; watching their growth from RADAR artists to today reaching listeners all over the world. We are thrilled to get behind the launch of Pagsibol through this campaign and allowing fans, not only in the Philippines, but all over the world to experience their music. Spotify continues to champion the vibrant Philippine music scene by connecting more artists and fans," said Spotify's Head of Music for Asia Kossy Ng.
