The ‘DAM’ domination of SB19

Twenty-four hours after its release on the SB19 Official YouTube Channel, the latest song from the Southeast Asian Superstar Pop Group raked in four million views. “DAM” is now the second most watched music video of all time by a Filipino boy band. As of this writing, the views near its seven-million marks with 184K likes and 965K comments. It is also the number one trending for music on YouTube.

From the World Music Awards X page, it wrote on the day of the music video release: SB19’s “DAM” scores the fifth highest new entry on the Worldwide iTunes chart, landing at number 14 and the third highest new entry on the European iTunes Song chart debuting at no. 13 and gains the second highest new entry in the Us iTunes chart at 53.

SB19’s “DAM” achieved notable positions on the iTunes charts worldwide. In the Philippines, New Zealand, Norway, Si2ngapore, United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, it landed at no. 1 In Hong Kong and Finland, it is in on the second spot. It is no. 4 in Australia, 11th in Canada (11), 12th in Ireland, 20th in the United Kingdom and 40th in the US.

Composed of Pablo Nase, Josh Cullen Santos, Justin De Dios, Ken Suson and Stell Ajero, SB19’s DAM is the first cut from its highly anticipated “Simula at Wakas” EP, which will be available on all digital musical platforms on 28 April.

Artistic values

The music was written by John Paulo Nase with RadKids and Simon Servida producing. The song was mixed and mastered by Heo-chan Goo @KNOB Sound Korea (assisted by Og Wn Lee).

Choreographed by Jay Joseph Roncesvalles with W3 as dancers, the music video was produced by IZ Entertainment with SB19 and 1032 Lab collaborating on the concept and the latter serving as the production team.

The five-minute-and-two-seconder music video screamed Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring look, feels and vibe: Santos, gold, glittery and opulent; De Dios, mystical, with the gift of foresight and powerful; Nase, warrior and the wise; Suson, knight and savior; and Ajero, yin and yang, evil and goodness.

The acting abilities of the five were on full display and they were able to give not only justice, but authority and truth needed by the characters assigned to each of them.

Music- and sound-wise, “DAM” is more powerful than “What.” Its potency surpasses that of “MANA,” its strength consuming “Bazinga.” Adding more bang and bump to it, the guttural manner it is sung makes the aural experience visceral because the listener comes in contact with all the emotions present in the song. All the lines are like a battlecry for dreams to become realities.

Meanings and symbols

All the gold around Santos, to me, is the standard of excellence that SB19 wants to achieve. For them it is never “puwede na” or “basta-basta” — it must always be excellent. They push themselves artistically and creatively, giving that special music that always becomes the standard by which other P-Pop songs are measured.

De Dios, as the group’s creative director, knows what to do next, where to go, how to up the artistic and creative ante. And collectively, they trust their gut, follow the Muses for inspiration, pay attention to their inner wisdom and listen to the heart.

Nase, the warrior and wise, teaches them to choose their battles, and reminds the group to always be kind. He leads by example most especially in the matter of realizing their dreams and putting their feet on the ground.

Suson, as the savior, tells us that to achieve victory, dedication, perseverance, passion and purpose are requisites.

And Ajero tells us to be careful, discerning and that not everything we see or read is the truth. At times, wolves hide under sheep’s clothing, and the choices we make in life make or break us.

The first onstage performance of “DAM” happens in a fashion show extravaganza this month.

“DAM” is available for streaming in all digital music platforms. Music video for viewing on YouTube, SB19 Official.