"What?"
Single by SB19
from the EP Pagsibol
Language
  • Tagalog
  • English
ReleasedMarch 9, 2021 (2021-03-09)
Recorded2021
Genre
Length4:30
LabelSony
Songwriter(s)John Paulo Nase
Producer(s)
  • John Paulo Nase
  • Simon Servida
  • Joshua Daniel Nase
  • Jay Durias
SB19 singles chronology
"Hanggang Sa Huli"
(2020)		 "What?"
(2021)		 "Mapa"
(2021)
Music video
"What?" on YouTube

"What?" is a song recorded by Filipino boy band SB19 as the first single off their extended play Pagsibol. The song was written by the band leader Pablo, who also produced the song, together with his brother Joshua Daniel Nase, Simon Servida, and South Border's Jay Oliver Durias.[1] It was released on March 9, 2021, by Sony Music in conjunction with the premiere of its official music video which was directed by the band member Justin.

Background and composition

The song was written, composed, and produced by the leader of SB19, Pablo (credited as John Paulo Nase). His brother, Joshua Daniel Nase, along with the member of South Border Jay Durias and Filipino-Canadian producer Simon Servida also co-produced the track.[2][3] It is an incorporation of dance[4] and electro-pop[4] with elements of rap,[4] rock, hip-hop, and EDM.[5] The song was composed in the key A major on the original mix while in G♭ minor on the extended version with a tempo of 96 beats per minute.[6] Servida mentioned in a vlog showing the song's production, that "What?" was quite a challenge due to the tempo changes and complexity[7][3] which Pablo asked for a heavier and more explosive beat.[8][9] It is a take-off from SB19's debut album which is dominated by dance-pop and ballad style and is "really different" from what they have done before.[10] Pablo stated that the song has a more "aggressive take to it" than their previous songs[11] and added that it is an anthem about self-love and empowerment.[12] However, others noticed that the song contains few lyrics with political references.[13]

A lot of people still doubt us, denouncing everything that we do and everything that we’re trying to achieve. We love what we do, that’s why we do it respectfully. ‘What?’ is about self-love and empowerment. Each of us has our own flag. We should be proud of it and raise it as much as we can. As SB19 and as individuals, we know that we’re not the best at everything, but that shouldn’t stop us from what we want to achieve.

— Pablo, Philippine Daily Inquirer[14]

Release and promotion

"What?" was revealed to the public as SB19's newest single on February 25, 2021, via YouTube and on their other social media accounts.[15][16] SB19 revealed several photos and teaser clips showing few scenes of the music video, photos, and choreography before its official release on March 9.[17] However, on March 8, 2021, ShowBT Philippines, the talent agency that holds SB19, announced the temporary postponement of the virtual music launch that was scheduled the following day after the release due to the members being exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19; the boy band is placed into quarantine.[18] The company apologized on their official statement posted on SB19's official social media and said the music launch will have a new event date announced soon.[19] Despite the postponement, the digital single along with its official merchandise and music video has still pushed through as scheduled.[20]

On April 24, 2021, the limited edition premium fashion merch in collaboration with designer Chynna Mamawal was released.[21][22] The collection featured streetwear fits limited only to 100 pieces that come in two sets, as well as shirts and dresses inspired by the single.[23] A month after, a five-episode documentary entitled What?: The Making Film was uploaded on their YouTube channel every week, which featured the behind-the-scenes footage of the preparation of "What?".[24][25]

Critical reception

Apple Music reviewed "What?" as a "patriotic OPM pop that hits hard enough to start a street party."[26] Max San Diego from uDou described the song as the same to the composition of Girl's Generation's "I Got A Boy", both with multiple beat changes and genres; added that "What?" is "messily laid out but you can still agree that it works" and a "hallmark song" for all music in P-pop.[13] Rank The Mag called it a "contagiously massive sound that’s larger and louder than life",[27] while LionHearTV defined the song with its "breezy upbeat vibe" dominated with "catchphrase-driven identity".[28] Bulatlat said "What?" is an incorporation of different styles, tempos, and meanings "wrapped in metaphors and imagery that could initially confuse a listener but all working beautifully in the end".[29]

Music video

The music video was directed by the band's sub-vocalist Justin, which was released on the same release date as the official audio on March 9, 2021.[30] Justin was involved mostly on this side of the band's music production as manifested in their previous music video "Hanggang sa Huli".[31][32] In the video, the members "showcased their singing and dancing skills while rocking various outfits" designed for the concept.[33] The music video earned 1.4 million views a day after its premiere.[34] Media outlets described the setting in the video as "fictional"[8] and a "post-apocalyptic world"[35] with "chaos and energy" placed to it.[28] Some shared that the video's editing and visual effects could go for another review, yet it still "set the bar way too high" for the quality of Filipino pop music videos.[13]

At the end of the video, the Murillo-Vellarde map was featured, which is a historical object that was previously used to strengthen the Philippines’ claim over the West Philippine Sea.[36][12] The appearance of the map stirred conversation on Reddit in which a user pointed out that "no evidence or proof can be used if the national government itself does not support it".[12] Other users also commended the group's efforts in elevating consciousness on the importance of the map.[37]

Live performances

SB19 performed "What?" on their virtual fan meet sponsored by TikTok Philippines on April 17, 2021, with vocals only due to venue restrictions.[38] Two weeks after, they performed the song on national television for the first time at the morning show Unang Hirit.[39] On May 9, they headlined the mother's day special episode of Sunday noontime show All-Out Sundays with "What?" live.[40] On May 15, SB19 did a performance of the song on variety show ASAP.[41] The song was performed on the live broadcast of "Mapa" music showcase three days after.[42] It was also performed at Lazada 6.6 Super Show on June 5, 2021.[43]

Track listing

  1. "What?" – 4:30
  2. "What?" (Extended Version) – 5:19

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal and music video.[45][46]

  • John Paulo Nase – primary vocals, composer, producer
  • Justin De Dios – primary vocals
  • Felip Jhon Suson – primary vocals
  • Stellvester Ajero – primary vocals, choreography
  • Josh Cullen Santos – primary vocals
  • Joshua Daniel Nase – producer
  • Jay Durias – producer
  • Simon Servida – producer
  • Leon Zervos – mastering engineer
  • Janno Queyquep – guitar
  • Hyun Jeong Ko – mixing engineer
  • Louis Anthony Duran – cover art design
  • Tank Bautista – choreography

Accolades

Awards and nominations for "What?"
Year Award Category Result Ref.
2021 Nylon Manila Big, Bold, and Brave Awards Gen-Z Approved Hit Won [47]
Wish Music Awards Pop Song of the Year Won

References

  1. ↑ "P-pop boyband SB19 sizzles with their latest comeback single "What?"". INQUIRER.net. March 10, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Try the TIDAL Web Player". listen.tidal.com. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  3. 1 2 "Producer releases vlog on how he made SB19's "What?" | KStreetManila". March 11, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  4. 1 2 3 "What? (Original Mix) by SB19 on Beatport". www.beatport.com. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  5. ↑ "SB19's 'What?' music video hits more than 1.1M views in less than 24 hours". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  6. ↑ "What? from Sony Music Entertainment on Beatport". www.beatport.com. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  7. ↑ HOW I PRODUCED THE #1 SONG IN THE COUNTRY! SB19 - WHAT? BREAKDOWN!, retrieved March 11, 2021
  8. 1 2 "P-pop boyband SB19 sizzles with their latest comeback single "What?"". INQUIRER.net. March 10, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  9. ↑ "SB19 Shows How Hit Single 'What?' Was Made—And Why The Song Is Purely 'Them'". Candymag.com. Retrieved May 13, 2021.
  10. ↑ "WATCH: SB19 sings about self-love, empowerment in comeback single, 'What?'". Rappler. March 9, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  11. ↑ "SB19 stakes its claim to global domination with larger-than-life single 'What?'". InqPOP!. March 9, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  12. 1 2 3 Madarang, Catalina Ricci S. (March 10, 2021). "SB19's new music video features historical map that helped West Philippine Sea claim". Interaksyon. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  13. 1 2 3 "What? By SB19 is a Game Changer for P-pop Gen". uDOu PH. March 10, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  14. ↑ "SB19 stakes its claim to global domination with larger-than-life single 'What?'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. March 11, 2021.
  15. ↑ SB19 Official (February 25, 2021). "SB19 - WHAT❓ [New Song Title Reveal]". YouTube. Retrieved March 10, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  16. ↑ "SB19 unveils title of comeback single to drop on March 9". GMA News Online. February 26, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  17. ↑ SB19 Official (February 28, 2021). "🗓 WHAT❓ Release Scheduler". YouTube. Retrieved March 10, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  18. ↑ "SB19 postpones "What?" virtual launch after being exposed to someone COVID-19 positive". GMA News Online. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  19. ↑ "SB19 postpone virtual comeback event due to COVID-19 exposure". NME. March 9, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  20. ↑ SB19 Official (March 8, 2021). "[NOTICE] Postponement of SB19 'What?' Music Launch". Facebook. Retrieved March 10, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  21. ↑ Basco, Karl Cedrick (April 21, 2021). "SB19 collaborates with designer Chynna Mamawal for 'What?' premium fashion merch". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  22. ↑ "SB19 creates limited-edition premium collection with fashion designer Chynna Mamawal". PEP.ph. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  23. ↑ "SB19 team up with fashion designer Chynna Mamawal for limited Premium Collection merch". SB19 team up with fashion designer Chynna Mamawal for limited Premium Collection merch | Bandwagon | Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. April 21, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  24. ↑ "SB19 preview new docuseries, "What: The Making Film" – watch". SB19 preview new docuseries, "What: The Making Film" – watch | Bandwagon | Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. March 30, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  25. ↑ "SB19 tease documentary series about the making of latest single 'What?'". NME. March 30, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  26. ↑ What? - Single by SB19, retrieved May 25, 2021
  27. ↑ "SB19 stakes its claim to global domination with larger-than-life single 'What?'". LionhearTV. March 9, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  28. 1 2 "REVIEW: SB19 Turns Up the Volume and Raises the Flag with New P-Pop Anthem, 'What'". LionhearTV. March 10, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  29. ↑ "Weighing in on SB19's "WHAT?"". Bulatlat. May 10, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  30. ↑ "SB19 begins a new era with 'What?' music video". cnn. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  31. ↑ [MV] SB19 - Hanggang Sa Huli, retrieved March 11, 2021
  32. ↑ "Behind the Lens: JujuArts on creating and animating SB19's 'Hanggang Sa Huli' music video". Behind the Lens: JujuArts on creating and animating SB19's 'Hanggang Sa Huli' music video | Bandwagon | Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. October 26, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  33. ↑ "WATCH: SB19 drops 'What?' music video". GMA News Online. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  34. ↑ "SB19's "What?" music video hits 1.4M views 24 hours after premiere". PEP.ph. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  35. ↑ "Self-love and the apocalypse meet in SB19's 'What?' MV - SCOUT". Scout Magazine. March 10, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  36. ↑ "SB19's new music video features historical map that helped West Philippine Sea claim". Manila News. March 10, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  37. ↑ docuneeds (March 11, 2021). "SB19's new music video options historic map that helped West Philippine Sea declare - Docuneedsph". Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  38. ↑ "Watch SB19 performs 'What?' during TikTok fan meet Free | TrueID". TrueID Philippines. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  39. ↑ "Sakalam! SB19's 'What?' performance on 'Unang Hirit' heat up our screens - TrueID". TrueID Philippines. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  40. ↑ "SB19 performance sa Mother's Day episode ng 'All Out Sundays,' trending online". GMA News Online. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  41. ↑ "WATCH: SB19 performs 'What?' on 'ASAP'". ABS-CBN News. May 16, 2021. Retrieved May 26, 2021.
  42. ↑ SB19 MAPA Music Showcase, retrieved May 18, 2021
  43. ↑ Ramirez, Loretta. "Lazada 6.6 Super Show Highlights: SB19". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved June 7, 2021.
  44. ↑ What?, retrieved March 10, 2021
  45. ↑ "SB19 - What? Credits on Tidal". listen.tidal.com. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  46. ↑ SB19 'What?' Official MV, retrieved March 10, 2021
  47. ↑ "And The BOLD Winners Are: NYLON Manila BBB Awards". NYLON MANILA. May 30, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
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