SB19’s Pablo is adding his voice to the ongoing conversation about the use of artificial intelligence in the music industry, calling for stronger safeguards to protect artists while recognizing the role of innovation in shaping the future of sound.
During the media launch of their upcoming album Wakas at Simula, on March 23, Pablo, singer-songwriter and producer, shared a balanced perspective on the rise of AI-generated music, acknowledging its potential while stressing the importance of ethical use.
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“I think AI is a very powerful tool. Ako personally, strong believer po ako ng innovation. I think it’s really important. But siguro po, not at the expense na ninanakaw na yung identity ng mga artists [at] yung creative rights,” he said.
The SB19 leader underscored that the issue becomes more concerning when artists’ work is used without their permission, pointing out the effort and identity that creators build over time.
“Nagiging dangerous po kasi siya kapag walang consent ng mga artist at ginagamit yung mga gawa nila. For sure yung mga artist dyan, from ground up, binuo nila kung sino sila, talagang pinaghirapan nila yung mga nilalabas nila. So, for these softwares or companies to use [their songs] without their consent, I think it’s very unethical. I think it should be illegal.”
Rather than rejecting technological advancements, Pablo emphasized the need for clearer rules and accountability among developers and companies utilizing AI.
“Sana yung mga gumagawa pa ng ganitong mga innovation dapat mas panatilihin pa nila yung rules or maging strict sila pagdating sa paggamit.”
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“Dapat yung mga artist has the sole control if gusto nilang ipagamit yung identity nila or yung creative outputs nila sa mga ganitong klase ng bagay,” he added.
He reiterated that innovation and protection can go hand in hand, as long as proper systems are in place. “Pero naniniwala po kami na innovation is very important, kailangan lang ma-regulate ng maayos and ma-protektahan yung mga artists talaga na naghihirap sa ganitong klase ng art,” he emphasized.
The discussion comes months after debates on AI in the music industry surfaced, particularly when an “AI artist” named Lofi Town appeared on the Spotify Philippines Daily Top Artists chart in November, ranking at number 144. The development sparked frustration among Filipino musicians, like Maki, TJ Monterde, and Adie, among others, who raised concerns about how such technology could impact human artistry and creative labor.
Meanwhile, SB19 continues to focus on their own artistic evolution as they gear up for the release of Wakas at Simula on March 27. The highly anticipated sophomore album marks a new chapter for the group, reflecting their growth over the past eight years while embracing a more confident and intentional direction.
The project also signals SB19’s expanding global reach, featuring collaborations with international artists, including Queen of C-Pop Jolin and Japanese Boy Group BE:FIRST.
The album rollout will culminate in the Wakas at Simula concert on April 18 at the SMDC Festival Grounds, serving as the finale of their Simula at Wakas tour. While a full world tour is not planned, the group is set to perform across North America, Europe, and the Middle East later this year. Adding to their growing list of milestones, SB19 is also scheduled to take the stage at Lollapalooza in Chicago, further cementing their presence in the global music scene.