SB19 On Their Latest EP “Simula At Wakas,” Filipino Pride, And Disrupting The Music Industry

What are your goals for your music career? How have you stayed motivated?

Josh: Previously, I was group mates with Stell in a dance troupe, and I really loved dancing. And then I had the thought of: ‘Can I use this to inspire the people around me, or maybe the entire Philippines or maybe the world?’ It was just an ambitious idea before, but I was aiming for it and looking forward to doing it. I just didn’t know how. Then, I realized that I could do so much if I really focus my attention, and of course, all of my energy into it. And one of my biggest dreams was to help the economy of the Philippines. I believe that it’s the same as studying. I think art and inspiring everyone’s heart is something really powerful.

Pablo: For me, apart from using my platform to inspire people — because I know that my voice can reach a little bit further than others — I want to have all the Filipinos around the world have many reasons to feel proud that they are Filipinos. That’s one of my biggest goals — for Filipinos to have many reasons to proudly shout, ‘I’m a Filipino. What’s up?’

Justin: I think one goal for our group is to really introduce Filipino music culture and talent across the world, but personally, I just want to express my creativity through music. So because of SB19 and our career right now, I’m able to show my creative ideas and imagination through music.

Ken: My goal is simple — I just want our music to be acknowledged, not just in the Philippines, but outside the country. There’s a lot of stages that we want to perform on, especially the big stages in the US. The US is the biggest consumer of music, and we want to be a part of it.

Stell: As a group, we have the same dream and goal as a group. But personally, I want to use my voice and influence positively and be an example to everyone — especially the youth — that loving yourself is the most important thing that you can give to yourself. As an artist, it’s very hard for us to do the things that we love, especially if it’s something different or unusual to other people, but for us, it’s the things that really make us happy. But you only live once, and as long as you do the things that you like, and you do things based on your beliefs, that’s the most important thing that you can do to yourself. And of course, I want to spread happiness to everyone, and it’s free to be a good person.