SB19's Pablo talks about the work that went into 'Pagsibol' on 'Behind the Song' podcast

SB19's Pablo talked openly about what went into the group's EP “Pagsibol” on the inaugural episode GMA's Behind The Song podcast, hosted by Thea Astley.

According to the SB19 leader, pandemic blues and early morning Zoom calls were a big part of the EP which features songs like “What?” “MAPA,” and “Ikako.”

He says that he began writing the songs for the EP before the pandemic happened and they were holding concerts all over the country. But with the onset of the pandemic and the cancellation of all their performances, doubt and depression began to settle in for the group.

“I completed the writing for 'What?' before the pandemic happened. Back then we were so demotivated because our concerts were canceled and we didn't have schedules. Everything was so messed up and everybody wanted to quit again,” he shared, referencing the time when the SB19 members had contemplated quitting before they made it big with “Go Up.”

“I thought we could use this time to make something that would inspire not just us but the people who have supported us from the beginning,” he said.

“What?” in particular, was a motivational song for the group, according to Pablo.

About the thought process behind “What?” Pablo explained, “We always compare ourselves to other artists and felt we weren't good enough. But I thought that I should be proud of myself and what we create. I won't be able to project my full potential if I don't love who I am and love what I do.”

Thankfully, the group pushed through that dilemma and worked on the album, which was another challenge by itself. It coincided with their Billboard Music Awards for Top Social Artist nomination, and Pablo says it was hard to juggle everything that was happening and work with their producer, Simon Servida.

“We had to do interviews, we had to practice, we had to do choreography. We had to record everything in my house in Sampaloc,” he recalled. “Aside from that, Simon lives in Canada so it was hard. In the day, I would work and practice with the boys and then early in the morning, 1 a.m., 2 a.m. I would be talking with Simon.”

Further complicating the process was Pablo's own admission that his lack of musical background and knowledge of musical terms made it harder to communicate with Simon.

“I don't know the terms so when I explain to him I explain to him with an onomatopoeia. I'm really really thankful because he was able to get what I was saying,” he said.

Simon, for his part, said that working with Pablo and the group became easier through the course of their work together.

“As we kept going through the EP, it got easier and easier and easier. It's just really exciting to see where the band is going,” he shared.

Thankfully, all the hard work looks to have paid off as “Pagsibol” was received well by fans and critics alike. The EP has been described as “fully formed” and “pushing the boundaries of pop music.”

Through it all, Pablo is thankful to A'TIN, the group's loyal fans.

“The root of 'Pagsibol' is giving thanks to all the people that have been supporting us,” he said. “I just wanted to thank all the fans because they are the reason why we're achieving all of this, why we are getting all these accolades.”

Aside from SB19, a host of other musical acts are set to appear on the podcast. One of the upcoming guests is K-pop band BTOB. Find out more about them in the gallery below.