Final 12 months was vital for the growth of SB19. Not solely did the Philippines’ reigning pop kings broaden their worldview with their first English single, “WYAT (The place You At),” and visited cities all through North America, Asia and the Center East on their The place You At world tour, however noticed their rising influence on charts like Billboard’s Scorching Trending Songs chart after they turned simply the second-ever act to prime the real-time Twitter-powered tally. In 2023, the members have taken it upon themselves to broaden their particular person music careers, together with the solo debut of eldest member Josh Cullen.
The rapper-singer-dancer showcased his full vary of abilities on his first single “WILD TONIGHT” whereas embracing a picture a lot darker than SB19’s beloved Pinoy-pop fashion. Adopting a vampire idea, the 29-year-old lets free each visually within the music video and musically by altering his vocal types and approaches all through the observe. “WILD TONIGHT” marks important development from the extra restrained vitality Josh beforehand confirmed when he hopped on the remix to “Couch,” recorded along with his cousin and fellow Filipino musician Ocho the Bullet. Cullen was clearly able to unleash one thing rather more highly effective with the star saying that “WILD TONIGHT” is simply the primary stroke in his burgeoning solo profession.
Simply when SB19’s adoring followers—affectionately often known as A’TIN—thought they may pin Josh down as P-pop’s darkish and wild occasion boy, the star switched issues up along with his heavier second single, “Pakiusap Lang,” that embraced edgier hip-hop and R&B beats sound whereas sharing his appearing expertise within the accompanying music video that explores the twists and turns in an advanced relationship.
Earlier than the discharge of “Pakiusap Lang,” and as rumors buzz that SB19 is gearing as much as launch new music forward of their fifth anniversary in October, Josh discovered a while to sit down down for Billboard to replicate on his solo profession and what makes up his musical viewpoint in these 20 Questions.
“Truthfully, if I might have a trip proper now, I completely would,” Cullen laughs when he thinks about how far he and his bandmates have are available these previous years. “Nonetheless, I really like what we’re doing and know I’ve to work exhausting to make it occur.”
Learn on for extra from Josh Cullen together with new tales from his profession, first musical reminiscences, hints about future releases and extra.
1. The place are you dwelling and dealing from proper now?
In the mean time, I don’t have a set location as I’ve been prioritizing my ardour for music and exploring new experiences. Although I’ve come a good distance in my private {and professional} life, I do know that there’s nonetheless rather more to be taught, uncover, and obtain. I’m wanting to see the place this journey takes me and I’m dedicated to working tirelessly in the direction of my aspirations.
2. You’ve made your solo debut with “WILD TONIGHT.” Are you able to clarify the importance of this second for you and the which means of the title?
As an artist, I selected to title my solo debut “WILD TONIGHT” as a result of I wished to convey a way of unleashing the beast or the enjoyable inside oneself at evening. It’s about how a vampire may search revenge or how a standard particular person may embrace their wild aspect. I feel the title is critical as a result of it represents a way of liberation and escape from the mundane facets of day by day life. It additionally encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and uniqueness. To me, “WILD TONIGHT” conveys a way of pleasure, vitality, and a little bit of hazard. It invitations folks to hitch me on a journey of self-expression and exploration.
3. Your followers is likely to be shocked to listen to you each rapping and singing. Did you need to ensure that of all sides of your self with this primary single?
I wished to guarantee that my followers get a glimpse of all sides of myself with this primary single. I wished to showcase all the pieces—from my music to bounce, rap to singing, creativity, choreography and each little element to be at its fullest potential. I’ve been working exhausting, perfecting my craft and ready for the right alternative to come back ahead. That is the second I’ve been ready for to indicate the world what I’m actually able to. I’m excited to share this new chapter of my journey with them and hope they benefit from the music as a lot as I did creating it.
4. Going off the music title, “WILD TONIGHT,” are you able to recall your craziest evening out?
In the case of the craziest evening out I’ve ever had, one expertise positively involves thoughts. It began innocently sufficient with my associates inviting me out to relax and seize a chunk to eat. Nonetheless, issues shortly escalated when everybody ended up getting tremendous drunk, myself included, and by the top of the evening, I discovered myself in a state of affairs the place I used to be two hours away from residence and had no thought how one can get again. In the long run, I ended up hopping on a bus and driving residence, having my autopilot physique swap activated. Wanting again, it was positively a wild evening and never precisely what I had deliberate after I first agreed to hang around with my associates. However it’s a narrative that I’ll all the time keep in mind!
5. What’s the primary album or piece of music you got for your self, and what was the medium?
I don’t fairly keep in mind the precise title, however I consider it was a Linkin Park album that I purchased. I purchased it on CD format as a result of that was the commonest manner to purchase music again then. I keep in mind being so excited to have my very own copy of the album and with the ability to hearken to it every time I wished. It was a extremely vital a part of my youthful years and I nonetheless have fond reminiscences of listening to it on repeat.
6. You wrote and composed “WILD TONIGHT.” Inform us about the way you labored on the lyrics.
Engaged on the lyrics was a little bit of a wrestle, to be sincere. I wished to verify the vampire idea was in there, but in addition have it relate to actual life. I used to be caught on the primary verse for days and couldn’t provide you with something that felt proper. However then, one evening at 3 a.m., I had this loopy dream with the right lyrics and melody for the primary verse. I used to be like, “Oh, shit, I gotta document this now!” And it turned out to be precisely what I wanted.
As for the pre-chorus, I additionally hit a roadblock and was struggling to provide you with one thing catchy. I began brainstorming and thought to myself, “What’s one thing folks will simply keep in mind and sing?” I used to be working out of concepts and was like, “Fuck it, let’s do that even when it sounds silly.” That’s after I determined to throw within the “La-la la la” half. It was a loopy thought, however it ended up being probably the most catchy and memorable a part of the music.
All in all, I’m actually happy with the way it turned out and I hope the folks can really feel the eagerness and love that went into creating it.
7. You additionally co-produced the one. What’s your background with music manufacturing?
My background with music manufacturing is fairly restricted. I don’t actually know a lot about music idea or something like that. However I’ve dabbled in it a bit of bit and have been in a position to decide up some issues alongside the best way. I wouldn’t say I’m a professional or something, however I feel what I’m good at is having a superb ear and with the ability to make good judgments in regards to the sounds and general vibe of the music. And you already know what, I’m glad that my cousin Ocho [the Bullet] who’s simply as loopy as me, has co-produced the one with me. It’s been a enjoyable journey working collectively and bouncing concepts off one another. We’re not afraid to experiment and push boundaries, which has led to some actually distinctive and thrilling sounds within the remaining product. Plus, being a performer for a very long time, I’ve a superb sense of what makes an important music and I feel my expertise on stage has given me a singular perspective on what works and what doesn’t with regards to producing music. So although I don’t have a proper schooling in music manufacturing, I’m assured in my skills and my ardour for music all the time drives me to be taught and enhance.
8. There are quite a lot of attention-grabbing idea images for “WILD TONIGHT.” Inform us about creating the visuals for the one.
For the visuals I actually wished to include quite a lot of storytelling, representations, and metaphors. I didn’t need to simply spoon feed folks with the solutions. I had quite a lot of concepts and wished to verify each element had a function, even right down to the easter eggs. With the assistance of my manufacturing workforce, we had been in a position to execute all the pieces we wished to do, from the CGI to the vampire traits. I’m actually happy with how all the pieces got here collectively and I feel it actually provides one other layer to the music.
Shout out to my wonderful manufacturing workforce, YouMeUs, for bringing my imaginative and prescient to life and giving me the standard that I’ve been eager for. They had been in a position to perceive my concepts and assist me execute them in a manner that exceeded my expectations. With out them, the visuals for “WILD TONIGHT” wouldn’t have been potential.
9. How did your hometown/metropolis form who you might be?
Imus, Cavite is the place the place I grew up and it positively had a big impact on shaping who I’m right now. The folks, the tradition, and the surroundings all performed a task in my upbringing. It’s the place I skilled my firsts, my successes, my failures, and my challenges. It’s the place I developed my values, my rules, and my views. Residing in Cavite taught me to be resilient, resourceful, and decided. It additionally taught me to be compassionate, empathetic, and understanding. The experiences and reminiscences that I’ve from my hometown are invaluable and have been instrumental in shaping who I’m as an individual and as an artist. It’s the place I started loving avenue meals as nicely.
10. What was the primary live performance you noticed?
The primary live performance I noticed was the Dream Okay-Pop Fantasy Live performance 2012 that includes Women’ Era. As a fan of SNSD, it was a dream come true to see them carry out dwell. They had been one among my inspirations as an artist, and seeing them carry out gave me a greater understanding of the music trade. The live performance was a memorable expertise, and I nonetheless keep in mind the vitality and pleasure of the gang. It was positively a pivotal second in my music journey.
11. What was the most important lesson you realized from SB19’s first world tour?
The most important lesson I realized from SB19’s first world tour was how highly effective music could be in bringing folks from totally different cultures and backgrounds collectively. It was unimaginable to see how followers from all around the world linked with our music and efficiency, regardless of language limitations. The tour opened my eyes to the variety of music and the way it can transcend boundaries.
12. Did SB19’s world tour affect the way you approached your solo debut?
Though the tour didn’t straight encourage my present music “WILD TONIGHT” it gave me quite a lot of inspiration for my future music. Having the ability to expertise the totally different areas and cultures we visited on tour was a precious expertise that I’ve already drawn from in my future songs. Total, the tour was an unforgettable expertise that helped form my strategy to music and creativity.
13 Did the opposite SB19 members share suggestions or their emotions about you debuting solo with “WILD TONIGHT”?
To be sincere, different members didn’t present particular suggestions or categorical their emotions about it. Nonetheless, they had been all very supportive and inspiring. They commented positively on the music video and had been pleased with my solo endeavors.
14. What’s your go-to karaoke music?
My go-to karaoke music is “Martyr Nyebera” by Kamikazee, a well-liked rock band from the Philippines. The intro of the music truly appears like The Flintstones theme, which is fairly cool. Each time I sing this music, I’m going all out and even do some head banging. It’s a extremely enjoyable and energetic music to sing; it all the time will get the gang going.
15. Are these new singles indicating extra solo music is coming from you?
Sure, I’ve been engaged on quite a lot of songs. I used to be truly shocked that I’ve managed to compose quite a lot of songs in a brief time frame. I will likely be releasing extra songs that might permit folks to get to know me higher as an artist.
16. What’s on the prime of your skilled bucket record?
My final skilled aim is to make a significant influence on the Philippine music scene, notably with OPM [Original Pinoy Music]. I’m keen about contributing to the expansion and recognition of our distinct musical heritage, and I’m decided to share it with a wider viewers each regionally and internationally. Moreover, I hope to encourage those that, like me, dream large and present them that with perseverance and exhausting work, something is feasible.
17. What’s one factor even your most devoted followers don’t learn about you?
I didn’t make it to the hospital. I used to be born inside a automotive, ha!
18. What’s your message to followers who’ve been supporting SB19 and also you?
I simply need to say an enormous thanks to all of the A’TIN and BBQs on the market who’ve been supporting us and me personally. It means the world to me to have such an unimaginable fanbase behind us, whether or not it’s for my solo initiatives or for SB19 as a bunch. The dedication and love that you’ve proven us are past phrases. Your unwavering assist has helped us attain new heights, and we’re ceaselessly grateful in your infinite encouragement. You guys are the perfect, and we’re honored to have you ever as a part of our household.
19. Are you able to share something about SB19’s plans for 2023?
Whereas I can’t spill all of the beans simply but, I can let you know that we’re cooking up one thing large for everybody. You may positively count on a much bigger comeback and probably a much bigger tour. We’re placing in quite a lot of effort and creativity to verify it’s an important expertise for everybody. We’re actually enthusiastic about it and might’t wait to share extra particulars quickly. So, keep tuned and preserve an eye fixed out for extra updates from SB19!
20. What else do you need to share with Billboard readers this time?
As a consultant for OPM and Pinoy pop, I want to prolong an invite to all of the Billboard readers on the market to be careful for extra thrilling music from us. We’re thrilled to convey our distinctive sound and expertise to the worldwide scene, and we are able to’t wait to indicate the world what we’re able to. So, please, lend us your assist by trying out different wonderful artists and teams from the Philippines as nicely. We have now quite a lot of unimaginable expertise right here, and we’re assured that you just’ll discover one thing you’ll love. Thanks in your time and we hope to see you quickly!