“DAM” explores SB19’s thoughts and feelings on their pursuit of purpose, ambition, and legacy
We just found out another detail that makes P-pop kings SB19 even more relatable: They love the fantasy genre, too. It’s obvious in their latest release, “DAM,” the lead single for their upcoming EP “Simula at Wakas.”
Fans have likened the visuals to fantasy favorites like “Game of Thrones,” “The Lord of the Rings,” and “Dungeons & Dragons.” Josh shares that the group’s love for Greek mythology and medieval films heavily influenced the direction for “DAM”’s visuals. Combining their individual interests with the track’s epic sound resulted in a dark, medieval fantasy, which follows the five members, each one with their own individual powers and struggles, coming together to save what appears to be the tree of life. The music video has already earned five million views as of writing.
“DAM,” which plays on the word “pakiramdam” (and stylized in all caps), explores the quintet’s thoughts on their pursuit of purpose, ambition, and legacy, and dives into their emotions amid the challenges and sacrifices this desire demands.
Asked about their favorite parts of the song, Ken is quick to share: “‘Yong part ko rin. ‘Anong pakiramdam? Pumanhik sa walang hanggang hagdan,’” he sings during an exclusive interview with Scout. “Sobrang maganda ‘yong melody. I really like the melody.”
The track pays homage to SB19’s signature sound but with its mix of hip-hop, EDM, rock, and folk elements, also showcases the group’s musical growth and evolution, resulting in a unique epic anthem.
“DAM” features a rich sonic landscape, with satisfying textures and contrasts that make it an engaging listen.
The other members’ favorite parts of the song also reflect the track’s true message. “For me, ‘yong ‘Paano ba higitan ang sagad na?’” Josh shares. “May mga bagay na if nagsisimula ka pa lang, madali siya, nararamdaman mo ‘yong progress. Pero what if magaling ka na, or somewhat na-hit mo na ‘yong plateau level? Na-realize ko na it’s not just for me, it’s not just us. It’s bigger than us, it’s bigger than SB19. Kung ano ‘yong ginagawa mo, kung ano ‘yong goal mo, i-preserve mo and share it to others. Success means nothing without sharing it.”
For Stell, the lines “kasalanan ko lahat ng ‘to, ‘lang humpay sa pag-gusto” stood out, as it speaks about taking accountability for whatever we pursue. “May mga decisions tayo na masasabi natin na, ‘bakit ko ba kasi ginawa ‘to? Kasalanan ko ‘to.’ It’s normal. It’s natural. Likas naman sa’tin na hindi tayo nakukuntento at na-sa-satisfy sa mga gusto natin. Minsan, sa dami nating kagustuhan, tayo rin ‘yong na-ta-trap. Wala tayong takas do’n,” he says. “Ginusto naman natin ‘to eh, pangatawanan na natin ‘to. Gampanan na natin.”
Diving into the lore
Every promotional drop for the upcoming EP has been like a field day for A’tin, with hundreds of theories being shared across social media. With “Simula at Wakas” being the third EP in their Ikalawang Yugto trilogy, many have been looking back at the previous releases to find connections. (Honestly, it’s a level of analysis only Swifties could probably match.)
Pablo, who wrote and co-produced the lead single, talked about how their roles in the music video also showed their own true characters. And as a bonus, he adds, “Lahat kami may kani-kaniyang lore. Magkakaro’n tayo ng material to explain the lore.”
“That’s a teaser po,” Justin adds. “Siguro to further understand, we give it to the viewers to enjoy dissecting the video and to make your own stories. But soon we’ll be sharing with you something that would explain it more and help you understand the whole trilogy, the whole story of ‘Simula at Wakas.’ Even the individuality, ‘yong characters namin.”
“Abangan niyo po yan, because this ‘Simula at Wakas’ will be a story for all of us,” Justin says.
“Simula at Wakas”
This upcoming EP is the group’s comeback after each members’ pursuit of solo careers last year. Not only is the EP a culmination of the trilogy, which they started with “Pagsibol” in 2021, followed by “Pagtatag” in 2023, it is also a coming together after exploring their own paths. And if you’ve been following the group’s journey, you’ll know by now that the trilogy is more than just a concept—it’s a reflection of their growth.
Stell shares how he sees this reflected in “DAM”’s music video. “We had our different paths, different battles na kinaharap din sa kani-kaniyang solos namin. Ngayon, going to DAM,’ para kaming mga travelers, warriors, na may kani-kaniyang path, but at the end of that path, isa lang pala ‘yong pinuntahan, which is that castle, and that castle is SB19, us. After we traveled for a long time alone, ang ending is kami pa rin, bumabalik kami. Pupunta sa isang giyera na magkakasama naman.”
“Parang life talaga namin, autobiography nga yata namin ‘yong music namin eh,” Pablo adds. “Siguro in a very poetic or artistic way, pero lahat ng sinusulat namin, ‘yon ‘yong na-fe-feel namin. So if kilala mo kami on a very personal level, mas mag-me-make sense sa’yo lalo ‘yong mga kantang nilalabas namin.”
SB19’s “Simula at Wakas” EP drops on Apr. 25. They will kick off their world tour at the Philippine Arena on May 31. Tickets go on sale on Mar. 15.
