SB19 Doesn't Give A 'Dam', What You Think

Here is a popular myth surrounding Queen's 1985 Live Aid performance, often hailed as one of the greatest live performances of all time.

- By Andrea Panaligan

Here is a popular myth surrounding Queen's 1985 Live Aid performance, often hailed as one of the greatest live performances of all time. Before they took the stage, the band allegedly turned up the sound system, making them the loudest and best-sounding act of the night. This, despite the strict sound levels mandated by the Greater London Council.

Whether this is true is still debated among fans, but Pablo of P-pop royalty SB19 took cues from Freddie Mercury's (rumored) rule-breaking for their latest single Dam. "May mga rules kapag nagmimix ng kanta, (pero) sometimes it's about the feeling more than being technically right," he tells Young STAR in an exclusive interview. "Gan'on 'yung Dam eh. Dapat mag-iwan siya ng feeling. Talagang mafefeel ng mga tao na ito 'yung passion, ito 'yung gusto niyang sabihin."

"Ilalabas na namin 'yung frustrations namin, ilalabas na namin 'yung matagal naming pagkakatago-tago," Pablo, who co-produced the track, continues. "Ito 'yung biggest comeback talaga namin, and I'm really proud of what we released."

Dam, the first single off their upcoming EP "Simula at Wakas," is a powerful, cathartic anthem about the price one pays for being on top. The group has always been frank about their jagged journey towards success, and now, as they approach their tenth anniversary of their formation, they reckon over their grand ambitions and the endless challenges it brought them. "Anong pakiramdam," Ken sings in the first verse, "pumanhik sa walang hanggang hagdan?"

For Stell, Dam is healing "in a way na you feel complete again." He continues, "Ang weird nga eh, everyday naman kami magkakasama, pero nung nag-release kami ng (bagong) track and music video..." Stell is cut off by his co-members teasingly clicking their tongues. They sense that Stell, known to always crack a joke, is about to get earnest. "Ito nanaman si dating tuko," Stell retorts.