Reconnecting Hope with SB19's New Disco-Pop Hit

15 long months after the incredible success of 'What?,' SB19 has finally dropped their official comeback song, 'WYAT (Where You AT).' Does the name of the song sound a bit familiar? It should; SB19 performed it as part of their live comeback for their Our Zone hybrid concert. Of course, it's been almost a year since then, and once or twice during the original show and replays is certainly not enough - not to mention how much has changed. Apart from the expected tweaks and changes to the song, there is so much more. Unexpected harmonies from all the boys and Stell hitting new high notes are not surprises; neither is Justin's Easter Egg Hunt for his A'tin. New tweaks to the choreography? Of course. Unforgettable scenes and concepts? Double check.

A Disco-Pop Anthem

We aren't saying we remember the 90s, but if we did, we'd certainly recall hours spent in arcades filled with Balenciaga-wearing boys you knew you couldn't have.

Where to start talking about SB19's newest disco-pop hit? It's making waves across the music industry of both the Philippines and abroad, and it's no wonder. Everything about the music video is a retro blast from the past. It starts with the boys vibing in a 50s diner, complete with the leather jackets and slicked back, 'greaser' hair of the era. SB19 are indeed the perfect 1950s bad boys. When it switches to the 1970s, the boys rock disco garb, and roller skate-fueled choreography pushes the whole number over the edge. The final section is the 90s throwback we were waiting for. We aren't saying we remember the 90s, but if we did, we'd certainly recall hours spent in arcades filled with Balenciaga-wearing boys you knew you couldn't have. There is not one weak vocal, visual, or performer in this music video or this group filled with five incredible artists.

The Story Behind the Song

Behind the dance track and bouncy disco beat lies a love song, and it's no ordinary one.

The real treat of 'WYAT' is the story behind the song. Most baby A'tin and casual fans probably don't realize there's always a reason behind SB19's songs. Justin's creative direction in their music videos emphasizes Pablo's carefully crafted lyrics to create pieces that go beyond their first impression. 'WYAT' is no different. Behind the dance track and bouncy disco beat lies a love song, and it's no ordinary one. Pablo wrote the song for his SB19 brothers when they were separated during the pandemic and mandatory lockdowns in the Philippines. To keep them together, online communication became the most important tool in their arsenal (their infamous Group Chat is referenced in many of their vlogs). They were forced to record songs like 'Ikako (You and Me)' separately (as seen in the music video). Their interviews and ShowBreak episodes were live-streamed or recorded from their homes instead of their studio.

Reconnection Amid the Pandemic

As with the rest of the world, the pandemic was hard on them for many reasons other than just work. The boys revealed in 2021 that they had all gotten COVID-19 at the same time, which delayed the release of both their 'What?' music video and their 2020 comeback. The news, especially after the fact, shocked the fandom. They revealed in their 2021 interview with Karen Davila that it had been a scary time as they watched each others' decline. It was fortunate that the quintet came out without any lasting effects.

The whole song is about making an effort to reconnect with those we love - precisely what SB19 had to do post-pandemic.

Fewer still know how the pandemic and lockdowns nearly broke their group thanks to the loss of connection with each other. Justin revealed the secret during his vlog with Carl, RJ, and Chael of fellow P-Pop Band, The Juans. In the vlog, he spoke of how the pandemic disrupted their ability to communicate with each other. Their incredibly close and brother-like bond had been affected to the point that the group nearly disbanded. Pablo also mentioned the second almost break-up in their two-part interview with The Juans. Knowing the background, it's no surprise when you listen closely to the lyrics of 'WYAT.' The whole song is about making an effort to reconnect with those we love - precisely what SB19 had to do post-pandemic.

In fact, it was an inside joke that the other members of SB19 have always been low-key scared of Pinuno (Leader - the title given to Pablo by his A'tin), taking just one look to get them back in line. Sure enough, their early vlogs show Pablo's strict side (his "Ate Chona" persona) surface when the other members start clowning around. Fans began noticing a change around Justin's birthday celebration on July 7, 2020. The band was together for the first time after many months of mandatory lockdown. What better reason than celebrating the bunso's (baby or youngest) birthday? In the vlog, we saw a softer Pablo - playing, joking, and markedly more affectionate with his bandmates. Just like the lyrics say: "Oh, I can feel all your heartbeats in the Zone." SB19 has come out of their pandemic struggles stronger than ever - finally together, with their A'tin, back in the Zone.

World Domination is Waving

Pablo has added another entry into his library of unconventional love songs - this time dedicated to his brothers.

Now that the music video has been released, there's still a worldwide concert tour, possible short film, and a docu-series to look forward to. SB19 knows how to keep themselves and their fans busy. With 'WYAT,' Pablo has added another entry into his library of unconventional love songs - this time dedicated to his brothers. SB19 is ready to show us what they're made of. The question is, is the world ready to take them on? The answer had better be yes because here they come.

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