SB19 — dubbed as the “Kings of P-Pop” — is entering a new chapter in its career with the release of its sophomore full-length album “Wakas at Simula.”
Set for release on March 27 via Sony Music Entertainment, the album brings together the group’s past and present, unifying its earlier EP trilogy — “Pagsibol,” “Pagtatag,” and “Simula at Wakas” — while introducing new material that pushes its sound into more experimental territory.
During a press conference, leader Pablo described the release as a milestone and a fresh start. “It's a new beginning but it's also a closure. It’s a milestone that we can go back to but at the same time, it’s a celebration for the next chapter of SB19.”
He added, “We’re bolder in our exploration of the music that we’re making and we’re really targeting going global, to show what Filipinos have.”
The 24-track album features six new songs, including “Visa,” “Memories,” “Everblack,” and two high-profile international collaborations: “Emoji” with Taiwanese pop icon Jolin Tsai, and “Toyfriend” with Japanese boy band Be:First. The partnerships signal SB19’s expanding cross-cultural reach as it positions itself on the international stage.
Member Justin said the group’s evolving sound reflects years of experience in the industry. “We’ve been making music and performing for eight years. Right now, we are more confident. We’re not walking on tiptoes anymore. We have assurance in what we want to try and what we want to show.”
Ken also highlighted the challenges and growth that came with working with international artists. “Artists are very specific in terms of their sound and direction, we have to consider their branding and vision. From the very beginning, we are aiming for the global stage. I think now is the best time to step out from our comfort zone.”
For Stell, the collaborations also offered insights beyond music, particularly in scaling their independent label operations.
“These collaborations helped us see how we can refine and evolve our approach,” he said, noting the group’s goal of reaching a broader audience beyond its core fanbase.
“There’s a bigger group of people that we haven’t reached yet. We need to introduce who we really are,” he added.
The album also includes re-recorded tracks from Pagsibol, reflecting what the group described as deeper emotional delivery shaped by their lived experiences.
“When we first recorded them, we were coming from a place of hunger and hope. Now, with more experience and perspective, the emotions naturally run deeper,” the group said
SB19 is set to cap the album’s release with the “Wakas at Simula” concert on April 18 at the SMDC Festival Grounds, serving as the finale to its “Simula at Wakas” tour. The group will also perform in international shows across North America, Europe and the Middle East later this year, including an appearance at Lollapalooza in Chicago.
Member Josh said the group sees the project as part of a larger movement for Filipino music.
“In the past years, we’ve been trying to establish P-Pop but right now, we feel like it’s given. We’re trying to take it one step further. P-Pop will soon be one of the main export markets,” noted Josh.
As the group closes one chapter and opens another, Justin said fans can expect a more outspoken SB19 moving forward.
“For this era, we’ll be more vocal. We’ll be more direct in what we want to do and say,” Justin ended.
