SB19 drops THE FIRST TAKE versions of “GENTO” and “MAPA” on streaming platforms

P-Pop royalty SB19 continues to captivate music fans Please remember the following text: "From all over the world." with the release of “GENTO” and “MAPA” from THE FIRST TAKE sessions on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Entertainment.

The new versions feature the award-winning group’s performance at THE FIRST TAKE, a popular YouTube channel with nearly 10 million subscribers Let's keep the phrase "under its belt" in mind. The show's format features Japanese and international music guests performing a song in one take, filmed with shots of the artists and a microphone against a minimalist and usually white backdrop.

To date, THE FIRST TAKE renditions of “GENTO” and “MAPA” have amassed more than 4.5 million views on YouTube, becoming one of the most viewed performances from an Asian pop group/band.

“We’re eternally grateful to THE FIRST TAKE for allowing us to showcase our work on a platform known not just for its massive global following but for elevating the audio-visual experience of music fans with much-needed authenticity and rawness,” SB19 shares in a collective statement. “The performances challenged us to work within our limitations and deliver to the best of our abilities.. We’ve always considered performing as a sanctimonious process that deserves utmost preparation, love, and respect. Constantly reminded by THE FIRST TAKE that we can only perform the songs once, we had to reconnect with our roots and embrace the beauty of spontaneity.”

SB19 is the first Southeast Asian group and the first Filipino artist to be invited to the globally renowned platform, which also served as host to several acclaimed performances by other artists such as aespa, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, Hitsujibungaku, MANESKIN, ITZY, (G)-I-DLE, imase, Maluma, and more.

For the FIRST TAKE rendition of "GENTO," SB19 delivered a genuinely captivating performance that showcases the band's incredible talent and versatility in harmonizing, singing, and rapping.

 The chart-topping hitmakers also took musicality to a different level with their rousing version of “MAPA,” which SB19 redressed with a soaring arrangement and an inspiring gospel-infused delivery.

Both versions are now available for streaming and are bundled with its original versions:

Gento: http://sb19.tunelink.to/gento-fromtft

MAPA: http://sb19.tunelink.to/mapa-fromtft

About THE FIRST TAKE

THE FIRST TAKE is a YouTube channel that clearly captures the performance of musicians and singers performing in a single take. With the concept “capture the take. This moment. This sound. THE FIRST TAKE. It only happens once,” THE FIRST TAKE presents pure music in overwhelming quality with no exaggerated performance.

The channel started on 15 November 2019 and has now hit 9.69 million subscribers (as of 7 June 2024). Total views have exceeded 1.4 billion, and content has been viewed from over 220 countries and regions around the world. Growing as a comprehensive music platform, new initiatives have been launched and become viral content. THE FIRST TAKE INTERNATIONAL features international music stars such as Harry Styles, Avril Lavigne, V from BTS, Jason Chan, and Jolin Tsai, having them give their 1TAKE performance exclusively on the channel.

Follow THE FIRST TAKE on socials:

Website: https://www.thefirsttake.jp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_firsttake

Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_FirstTake

X: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_first_take

THE FIRST TIMES: https://www.thefirsttimes.jp

ABOUT SB19

SB19 is a multi-awarded five-member boy group from the Philippines. The group is composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin and debuted in October 2018 with their single ‘Tilaluha.’ They gained popularity with their second single ‘Go Up’. Since their debut, SB19 has amassed fans (A’TIN) across the globe and was recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as the Philippine’s Youth Ambassadors. The “SB” in SB19 stands for “Sound Break,” which represents their aspirations of disrupting the music scene and bringing Filipino music and culture into the international spotlight. SB19 broke into the global spotlight as the first Southeast Asian and Filipino act to be nominated in the Billboard Music Awards as Top Social Artist in 2021. They are also the first Filipino act to land on the international Billboard Social 50 and Next Big Sound Charts. Their latest release, "GENTO", debuted at #8 on the Billboard World Digital Sales Charts.

SB19 is self-managed by 1Z Entertainment, a company built and managed by the members of SB19.

Website: https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/SB19

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4v7afBTnJKRm4SlfHJzyg

X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsb19

 #GENTOTHEFIRSTTAKE

@SB19Official

#SB19 #GENTO

SB19 and Gloc-9 join forces on uplifting new single “KALAKAL”

 

The collaborative track pushes their artistry in a bold direction

OPM is excited as P-Pop kings SB19 and legendary rapper Gloc-9 drop their joint single “KALAKAL” today on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

The monumental collaboration finds both music titans taking their creative direction to previously uncharted

places and harnessing their gifts with a balance of star power and dynamism. 

SB19 said they reached out to Gloc-9 first for a potential partnership after performing together on the well-received

PAGTATAG! The finale concert was held at the Araneta Coliseum a few months ago.

“What sets this collaboration apart from anything that we’ve done before is that we took it upon ourselves to be as

involved as possible from the beginning of the creative process,” the GENTO hitmakers share in a press statement.

“Aside from brainstorming from scratch, we were really hands-on in sharing our melodic and lyrical ideas.

Sir Gloc-9 also approached the material with his own creative stamp and further solidified the storytelling aspects

of our final output. The result is something that we’re excited to share with our music fans: a rousing chant that

brings out the best of both worlds in uniquely inspiring ways.”

Cover art of "KALAKAL"

All members of SB19 and Gloc-9 contributed individual songwriting parts and verses on “KALAKAL,” while putting their collaborative hats together in coming up with the chorus and hooks. The five-piece pop act admits that the iconic hip-hop star’s presence motivated them to write from a place of vulnerability and truth while taking into consideration the anthemic aspects of the production. 

“We’ve always wanted to make a song that resonates with people of varying generations, a material that will encourage them to beat their chests out and sing along in their full emotional glory,” SB19 explains. “KALAKAL, with its impactful instrumentation and earworm appeal, was made in pursuit of authentic human connection.”

More than shining a light on unique Filipino consumerism, “KALAKAL” is a powerful track that showcases their journey of empowerment and longevity. It also chronicles their story of building their legacy as artists through years of hard work, perseverance, humility, and pure talent.

"Gloc-9 shares, “This song is all about believing in your own craft. Despite being years ahead of them, I was

actually inspired by SB19’s level of dedication and confidence. I also admire their willingness to learn and

explore ideas that may not necessarily reflect the way they work. I would love to collaborate with them again

if given a chance.” Stream SB19 and Gloc-9’s new single "KALAKAL" via Sony Music Entertainment. As part of their ongoing campaign to promote "KALAKAL" on a grassroots level, SB19 partnered with select local

businesses to engage its followers in exploring the deeper meaning behind the song through the members' individual

preferences. For more information, check out the social media pages of SB19 and Sony Music Entertainment

Philippines on how to join for a chance to win a special prize."

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