In an age when millions of songs are just a tap away, P-pop powerhouse SB19 is giving fans a reason to slow down, drop the needle, and experience music the old-fashioned way.
The five-member group is bringing its second studio album, Wakas at Simula, to vinyl for the first time, turning a digital-era release into a collectible that fans can actually hold, display, and treasure.
Pre-orders opened Thursday, October 29, at noon through Backspacer Records, ahead of the limited-edition release on November 15, 2026.
And this isn’t just another album repackaged for collectors. The individually numbered records come in a striking Smokey Midnight Blue pressing, complete with exclusive photographs, artwork, and memorabilia designed especially for A’TIN, SB19’s devoted fanbase.
For a group whose music has traveled across borders and streaming platforms, the move is also a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful connection with music happens offline.
The release follows the sold-out Wakas at Simula Global Version CD, signaling continued interest in physical music releases even as streaming dominates everyday listening.
For SB19 leader PABLO, the appeal goes beyond nostalgia.
“Honestly, we’re really happy to finally have Wakas at Simula in a tangible form because we know how much A’TIN, and even we ourselves, love having something we can see and touch,” he said.
“Having this vinyl edition as something we can physically hold and listen to means so much to us, especially now that more and more people are getting into analog formats.”
The timing is particularly fitting for an album that captures SB19’s musical evolution.
With Filipino-language tracks, international collaborations, and reimagined versions of earlier material, Wakas at Simula connects different chapters of the group’s career.
Its 12-track lineup includes fan favorites “MAPA,” “What?,” “MANA,” and “Bazinga,” alongside collaborations with Japanese group BE:FIRST on “Toyfriend” and Taiwanese superstar Jolin Tsai on “Emoji.”
For longtime supporters, the record offers a physical reminder of that journey. For newer listeners, it could serve as an introduction to the group’s expanding musical identity.
“Through this edition, we also hope that new fans, whether local or international, can discover SB19 and have Wakas at Simula as their entry point into our music, while experiencing the album in a more personal and meaningful way,” JUSTIN said.
SB19 has made sure the package offers more than the music itself.
The 12-inch record comes in a premium tri-fold sleeve containing a 24-page full-color lyric photobook with never-before-seen photos, an exclusive 11-by-11-inch art print, a special sticker pack, and a randomly selected member photocard from five new images.
STELL revealed that the members themselves contributed ideas to the creative presentation.
“We want every detail to feel intentional, and hopefully, this release reminds everyone that at least one SB19 member had a suggestion along the way,” he said.
There’s also a modern twist to the retro experience.
Each vinyl includes a built-in near-field communication (NFC) tag, allowing listeners to access the album digitally without abandoning the appeal of owning a physical copy.
As JOSH explained, the feature gives fans the best of both worlds: the experience of collecting vinyl and the convenience of digital listening.
The combination reflects an interesting shift in how music is consumed. Streaming offers instant access, while physical releases give fans something permanent to associate with an artist or a particular moment in their lives.
For acts with highly engaged fan communities like SB19, an album can become more than a collection of songs. It can also be a keepsake, a piece of artwork, and a record of a shared cultural experience.
SB19 is making the release even more memorable with a vinyl launch and fan-signing event on November 15 at SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City.
Fans who pre-order through Backspacer Records using the designated promotional code will have a chance to receive an invitation, although fan-signing slots are limited. Purchasing a copy does not automatically guarantee entry.
For KEN, the vinyl edition is also part of SB19’s broader effort to explore new creative possibilities.
“We want to stay true to who we are as SB19 while continuing to challenge ourselves and explore new ways to express our artistry,” he said.
The release arrives at a time when Filipino pop artists are increasingly looking beyond conventional formats to strengthen their connection with audiences.
And perhaps that’s what makes SB19’s latest move compelling: while the group continues pushing Filipino music forward, it is finding new value in a format from the past.
After all, streaming can make a song available anywhere. But for fans who want to keep a piece of their favorite artist’s story, sometimes a record on the shelf says more than another track in a playlist.
Pre-orders for Wakas at Simula on Vinyl are available through SB19’s official pre-order link.