SB19 on Their Apocalyptic Comeback PAGTATAG! and Their Upcoming International Tour
SB19 might be conquering the end of the world in "GENTO," but in real life, their careers could not be more alive.
The P-pop leaders made their highly anticipated comeback on June 9 with a thundering new EP, PAGTATAG! The latest project presents two sides of SB19 with boisterous hip-hop tracks juxtaposed against thoughtful ballads. As always, members of SB19 participated in the music's songwriting and production, only further showcasing their growth with catchy, witty lyrics and memorable melodies.
(Photo Credit: Jerick Sanchez)
SB19 will continue the momentum later this summer as they commence their international tour through Manila and North America.
Below, the quintet sat down with Sweety High to further discuss their latest release and what their loyal fanbase, A'TIN, can expect from their upcoming performances.
Sweety High: The apocalyptic concept for PAGTATAG! is quite the opposite of SB19's current career trajectory—you've only been skyrocketing in popularity since 2018. That said, what does this concept mean to you during this era of SB19?
SB19: In our previous album, PAGSIBOL, we highlighted our growth as a group.
PAGTATAG! reflects on our journey as a whole to the point where we are now—how this journey has molded us into the artists we are today. How much it took blood, sweat and tears to refine and mold us into the SB19 you see now. Through this journey, we are able to stand firmly rooted on our past—proud and strong. PAGTATAG! also highlights our commitment to test and break limits. We want to be unbudging, unbounded and unconventional with our music.
(Photo Credit: Jerick Sanchez)
SH: The first three tracks from the EP are heavy-hitting and upbeat while the last three songs are melodic ballads. Which side feels more true to your personalities? Which side was more challenging to record/perform?
SB19: Both are. We continue to grow as artists and explore new sounds and genres.
This is the first time for us to record and release a R&B song. It allows us to test our limits—and the limits of what is considered mainstream. We aim to test and break boundaries and set standards in the industry.
The ballads are challenging because they have us share much of ourselves through our songs. They are raw and intimate.
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SH: Members of SB19 participated in the songwriting for PAGTATAG! Can you share more about your contributions and why it is important for you to be active in all the stages of your music?
SB19: It is important to us that we tell stories through our music. As we create our own music, we place no bounds on the kind of music we want to make together as a group. Each one of us brings something different to the table, so when we all contribute to the development of our music, we are able to create a holistic sound that is uniquely SB19.
SH: Do you have any exciting memories from the filming of the "GENTO" and "I WANT YOU" music videos? Do any of you have a preference between the videos?
SB19: "GENTO" was exciting because this was our first music video for our comeback. Getting the whole team back together and performing for the music video was great.
Filming "I WANT YOU" was a different experience altogether. It felt more sensual. While it was our first time filming such an intimate video, the experience on set was very comfortable. Filming the underwater scenes was challenging—but fun—because we still had to act, move and position ourselves in a certain way. It was difficult to navigate in the water, but we made it happen with the help of our team.
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SH: You're about to embark on a tour through the Philippines and North America. What are you most looking forward to? What can fans expect?
SB19: We just released our latest album PAGTATAG! We look forward to our fans experiencing and hearing our latest songs firsthand. While everyone may have already listened to our latest album, we are excited to share our songs live with our audiences. The tour will showcase all our songs from PAGTATAG! and highlight our journey. We have prepared an immersive experience for audiences. It will be a visual and auditory feast. This tour will be truly SB19 as we take on the creative and music direction of this tour.
(Photo Credit: Jerick Sanchez)
SH: Is there anything else you want to share?
SB19: Thank you to all A'TIN who have been with us throughout the years. We are here because of you. You are our freedom.
Want more SB19 content? Read HERE to see what Josh Cullen had to say about his fanged debut, "WILD TONIGHT."