Dam (song)

2025 single by SB19

"Dam"

Single by SB19
from the EP  Simula at Wakas
Language|

* Tagalog
* English

Released| February 28, 2025 (2025-02-28)
Genre| Hip-hop
Length| 3:29
Label| Sony Philippines
Songwriter(s)| John Paulo Nase
Producer(s)|

* John Paulo Nase
* Joshua Daniel Nase
* Simon Servida

SB19 singles chronology
| "Kalakal"
(2024)  | "Dam"
(2025)  |

|
|

Music video
"Dam" on YouTube

"Dam" (stylized in all uppercase) is a song recorded by the Filipino boy band SB19 for their third extended play (EP), Simula at Wakas (2025). Pablo, the band's leader, wrote the song and co-produced it with Joshua Daniel Nase and Simon Servida. It is primarily a hip-hop track with lyrics that discuss upholding integrity, alluding to the band's drive for purpose and ambition despite the challenges and sacrifices that must be made. The song was released by Sony Music Philippines on February 28, 2025, as the EP's lead single.

The single received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the song's genre-blending and instrumentation. The song's sound and energy also drew comparisons to the band's earlier releases, What?" (2021) and "Gento" (2023). The single saw commercial success, debuting at number one on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales—becoming the first song by a Filipino artist to top the chart—and peaking at the top five in the Philippines. Elsewhere, "Dam" peaked at the top 10 in the United Arab Emirates and the top 20 in Saudi Arabia.

The accompanying music video, directed by Alanshiii, depicted the group as mythical creatures set in a dark, medieval, fantasy world, attempting to save the tree of life by them morphing into stone. The video received praise for its visuals and production quality and became the second most-viewed music video by a Filipino artist in 24 hours, with four million views. SB19 performed the song on television on All-Out Sundays and It's Showtime.

## Background and release

[edit]

The Filipino boy band SB19 released their first extended play (EP), Pagsibol, in 2021,[1] exploring genres such as pop rock, hip-hop, and EDM, departing from the dance-pop production from their debut studio album, Get in the Zone (2020).[1][2] Pablo, the band's leader, revealed in an interview with Zach Sang that Pagsibol and their future releases are part of a trilogy, the others being titled Pagtatag! and Simula at Wakas.[3] In 2023, the group released their second EP, Pagtatag!, the trilogy's second installment.[4] The EP includes the single, "Gento" (2023),[5] which scored their first entry to two record charts,[6][7] including in the Philippines, where the single peaked at number eight.[7] The following year, SB19 members focused on their solo careers,[8] during which they all later confirmed during the premiere night for Pagtatag!: The Documentary (2024) that they are currently working with Simula at Wakas.[9]

On January 31, 2025, SB19 published a trailer for their third EP, Simula at Wakas, via their social media accounts and announced in it that the EP would be released on April 25.[10] The trailer also indicated that the Simula at Wakas would be preceded by single, which was untitled at the time.[11] The group released teaser photos in the days leading up to the single's release.[12] They revealed the title of the EP's lead single, "Dam", on February 17.[13] Sony Music Philippines released "Dam" on February 28.[14][15]

## Composition and lyrics

[edit]

"Dam" is 3 minutes and 29 seconds long, while its extended version is 25 seconds longer.[15] Pablo, the band's leader, wrote the song and collaborated with his brother Joshua Daniel Nase and record producer Simon Servida for the production.[16][17] Nase and Servida had previously worked together with the band for their first two EPs, Pagsibol (2021) and Pagtatag! (2023).[18][19] Heo Chan-goo of Knob Sound Korea mixed and mastered the song, with Lee Oh-won providing assistance.[16][17] The song's title, "Dam", is a wordplay on the Tagalog word "pakiramdam", which translates to "feeling" in English.[20] Musically, "Dam" is characterized as primarily an anthemic hip-hop track,[21][22] with a combination of EDM, Celtic and Filipino folk, industrial, and progressive rock elements.[20][23] The song is accompanied by strong bass beats in its production, with a range of low and high-note vocals throughout the record.[20]

The lyrics reflect upon one's inner struggles and discuss the idea of "staying true to one's values and principles" when fulfilling one's drive for ambition and purpose despite encountering challenges and sacrifices along the way,[20][22] alluding to the band's experiences throughout their career.[22] In the lyrics, the song questions how to surpass one's peak: "Paano ba higitan ang sagad na?" (lit. 'How does one exceed the limit?'), conveying that someone at its peak should work around exceeding one's limit.[24] The other lyrics also discuss taking accountability for one pursuing their ambition: "Kasalanan ko lahat ng 'to / 'Lang humpay sa paggusto" (lit. 'This is all my fault / Never ending desire'),[25] and asks the question, "Ano'ng pakiramdam?" (lit. 'What is the feeling?'), implying that there is always a feeling of struggle to achieve success.[24]

## Critical reception

[edit]

"Dam" received positive reviews from music critics. Comments include praising the genre blend in the songwriting process; GMA Integrated News, Kristofer Purnell of The Philippine Star, and Hidzir Junaini of Bandwagon describes the song's multiple genres seamlessly fused together,[14][23][26] with Junaini further adding that he finds the band’s approach to sound creation "innovative".[26] Critics also noted the song’s instrumentation, which they found unique from other Filipino tracks. Kristine Kang of the GMA Network observed pulsating beats and ney, which she finds distinctive.[27] Inquirer's Pauline Miranda described the song as a "unique epic anthem", factoring in the genre-blending and texturing in its instrumentation, which she opined made it engaging to listen.[25] GMA Integrated News, Purnell, and Junaini also recalled SB19's earlier releases, opining that the group had retained the sound and energy found in their singles "What?" (2021) and "Gento" (2023),[14][23][26] with Alwin Ignacio of the Daily Tribune adding that "Dam" felt to be more potent overall.[28] Critics also point out the band's urge to explore genres, which they find evident in the track.[25][26]

## Commercial performance

[edit]

"Dam" has been a commercial success.[29][30] A day after its release, the single recorded one million streams in a single day on Spotify.[31] On the week of March 15, 2025, it debuted atop Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart, marking their second entry and first number-one song on the chart; it made them the first Filipino artist to top the chart.[32] In the Philippines, "Dam" entered two Billboard Philippines charts, debuting and peaking at number 4 on the Philippines Hot 100 and number 3 on the Top Philippine Songs, marking their first entry to both.[30] The single also entered Official Philippines Chart by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), debuting and peaking at number 5.[33]

Elsewhere, in the same week, "Dam" debuted and peaked at number 12 on the chart for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region;[33] the single also entered the charts in the United Arab Emirates, debuting and peaking at number 7,[34] and in Saudi Arabia, debuting and peaking at number 17.[35] Across the Commonwealth countries, the track entered the UK's Singles Downloads and Singles Sales chart, debuting and peaking at number 4 on both, and New Zealand's Hot Singles chart, at number 21.[33]

## Promotion

[edit]

Alanshiii directed the music video for "Dam", which was released on February 28, 2025, on YouTube, the same day as the song's release.[22] Inspired by Greek mythology,[25] the video was set in a dark, medieval, fantasy world that depicts SB19 as mythical creatures and warriors.[22][27] They came together to save a tree of life by sacrificing themselves by turning into stone,[20][25] which made the tree bear fruit.[20] The band collaborated with 1032 Lab for its conceptualization and production,[22][24] which utilizes computer-generated imagery.[31] Following its release, the video received praise for its visuals and production quality,[27] and its theme drew comparisons to the productions Game of Thrones (2011–2019) and The Lord of the Rings (2001–2003).[25] The music video has gained over four million views in its first 24 hours since its release,[31] which made it the second most-viewed music video by a Filipino artist in a single day.[36] The group performed the song first on television on the variety show, All-Out Sundays, on March 2, 2025.[37] They later reprised their performance on It's Showtime on March 8.[38]

## Track listing

[edit]

Digital download and streaming[15]

1. "Dam" - 3:29
2. "Dam" (Extended Version) - 3:54

## Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from the Tidal.[39]

* SB19 - vocals
* John Paulo Nase - composer, songwriter, producer, recording
* Joshua Daniel Nase - producer, recording
* Simon Servida - producer, recording
* Waxie Joaquin - mixing
* Heo Chan-goo - mixing, mastering
* Lee Oh-won – mixing assistance, mastering assistance

## Charts

[edit]

Weekly peak chart positions for "Dam"  Chart (2025)  | Peak
position

|

MENA (IFPI)[40] | 12
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[41] | 21
Philippines (IFPI)[42] | 5
Philippines (Philippines Hot 100)[43] | 4
Philippines (Top Philippine Songs)[44] | 3
Saudi Arabia (IFPI)[35] | 17
United Arab Emirates (IFPI)[34] | 7
UK Singles Downloads (OCC)[45] | 4
UK Singles Sales (OCC)[46] | 4
US World Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[47] | 1

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b Lago, Amanda (June 22, 2021). "SB19's New EP Pagsibol Is Truly Their Own". Rappler. Archived from the original on March 5, 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
2. ^ de Cartagena, Angelo (July 23, 2021). "Breaking New Ground, SB19 Takes Root and Grows". Nylon Manila. Archived from the original on March 5, 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
3. ^ SB19 (November 22, 2022). "SB19 – WYAT (Where Ya At), Bazinga, Touring America, Creative Process & More". Zach Sang Show (Interview). Interviewed by Zach Sang. Archived from the original on March 5, 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2025 - via YouTube.
4. ^ Basbas, Franchesca Judine (May 2, 2023). "SB19 to Return with New EP Pagtatag!, Announce 2023 World Tour". Bandwagon. Archived from the original on March 5, 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
5. ^ Basbas, Franchesca Judine (May 19, 2023). "SB19 Find Gold in New Single 'Gento'". Bandwagon. Archived from the original on March 5, 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
6. ^ "SB19 Chart History (World Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 5, 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
7. ^ a b "SB19 Chart History (Philippines Songs)". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
8. ^ Saenz, Rome (March 3, 2025). "SB19 Are Declaring Their Victory with 'Dam': 'It's Not Just a Movement, It's a Revolution'". Billboard Philippines. ISSN 2984-9861. Archived from the original on March 7, 2025. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
9. ^ SB19 (November 22, 2022). "SB19's New Project and Collabs!". The Philippine Star (Interview). Archived from the original on March 7, 2025. Retrieved March 8, 2025 - via Facebook.
10. ^ Saenz, Rome (January 31, 2025). "SB19 Are Creating New Beginnings with Upcoming EP Simula at Wakas". Billboard Philippines. ISSN 2984-9861. Archived from the original on January 31, 2025. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
11. ^ Dayrit, Zach (February 1, 2025). "SB19 Drops Teaser for Latest EP Simula at Wakas". Rappler. Archived from the original on March 5, 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
12. ^ Kang, Kristine (February 13, 2025). "SB19 Drops Regal Simula at Wakas Teaser Photos". GMA Network. Archived from the original on March 8, 2025. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
13. ^ "SB19 Unveils Title of Upcoming Single". GMA Integrated News. February 18, 2025. Archived from the original on March 5, 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
14. ^ a b c "SB19 Releases Comeback Single 'Dam'". GMA Integrated News. February 28, 2025. Archived from the original on March 5, 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
15. ^ a b c "'Dam' – Single by SB19 on Apple Music". Apple Music (PH). February 28, 2025. Archived from the original on March 2, 2025. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
16. ^ a b Ignacio, Alwin (March 3, 2025). "The 'Dam' Domination of SB19". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on March 3, 2025. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
17. ^ a b SB19 Official (February 28, 2025). SB19 'Dam' Music Video (Music video). Archived from the original on March 2, 2025. Retrieved March 2, 2025 - via YouTube.
18. ^ Lim, Ron (September 30, 2021). "SB19's Pablo Talks About the Work That Went into Pagsibol on 'Behind the Song' Podcast". GMA Network. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
19. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (January 3, 2024). "A Look-Back at SB19's Roller Coaster Year". Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 4, 2025. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
20. ^ a b c d e f Roxas, Jaira (February 28, 2025). "'There's a War Inside All of Us': SB19 Explores Inner Struggles in New Song 'Dam'". Rappler. Archived from the original on March 3, 2025. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
21. ^ Pascual, Pamela (February 28, 2025). "SB19 Drops New Single 'Dam'". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on March 3, 2025. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
22. ^ a b c d e f Go, Mayks (February 28, 2025). "SB19 Welcome Their Simula at Wakas Era with Brand-New Single 'Dam' – Listen". Billboard Philippines. ISSN 2984-9861. Archived from the original on March 3, 2025. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
23. ^ a b c Purnell, Kristofer (February 28, 2025). "SB19's 1st Single 'Dam' from Simula at Wakas Out Now". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on March 3, 2025. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
24. ^ a b c Deveza, Reyma (February 28, 2025). "SB19 Releases New Single 'Dam'". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on March 3, 2025. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
25. ^ a b c d e f Miranda, Pauline (March 1, 2025). "'Dam' Will Have Us Diving into SB19's Lore". Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 4, 2025. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
26. ^ a b c d Junaini, Hidzir (February 28, 2025). "SB19 Go Full Fantasy Epic in Spectacular Music Video for 'Dam' – Watch". Bandwagon. Archived from the original on March 28, 2025. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
27. ^ a b c Kang, Kristine (February 28, 2025). "SB19 Offers Fantasy-like Adventure in 'Dam' Music Video". GMA Network. Archived from the original on March 4, 2025. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
28. ^ Ignacio, Alwin (March 3, 2025). "The 'Dam' Domination of SB19". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on March 3, 2025. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
29. ^ Martinez, Gavin (March 11, 2025). "SB19's 'Dam' Clinches No. 1 Spot in Billboard World Digital Song Sales Chart". Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
30. ^ a b Go, Mayks (March 13, 2025). "SB19 Make Their Big Debut on the Philippines Hot 100 with 'Dam'". Billboard Philippines. ISSN 2984-9861. Archived from the original on March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
31. ^ a b c 'Dam' ng SB19 Umani ng Milyon-milyong Streams at Music Video Views sa Loob ng Isang Araw ["Dam" by SB19 Garnered Millions of Streams and Music Video Views in Just One Day] (Television production) (in Tagalog). ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center: ABS-CBN News. June 4, 2023. Archived from the original on March 4, 2025. Retrieved March 4, 2025 - via YouTube.
32. ^ Go, Mayks (March 11, 2025). "SB19's 'Dam' Debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales Chart". Billboard Philippines. ISSN 2984-9861. Archived from the original on March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
33. ^ a b c Kang, Kristine (March 12, 2025). "SB19's 'Dam' Dominates Billboard's World Digital Song Sales and Other Global Music Charts". GMA Network. Archived from the original on March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
34. ^ a b "The Official MENA Charts – This Week's Official UAE Chart Top 20 from 02/28/2025 to 03/06/2025". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
35. ^ a b "The Official MENA Charts – This Week's Official Saudi Arabia Chart Top 20 from 02/28/2025 to 03/06/2025". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
36. ^ Saulog, Gabriel (March 6, 2025). "Here Are the Major Releases That Could Break into the Billboard Philippines Charts Next Week: SB19, Bini, Lisa, G-Dragon". Billboard Philippines. ISSN 2984-9861. Archived from the original on March 6, 2025. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
37. ^ Geli, Bianca (February 28, 2025). "SB19 to Perform Latest Single 'Dam' on All-Out Sundays". GMA Network. Archived from the original on March 2, 2025. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
38. ^ "Paano Nabuo ng SB19 ang Newest Single Nilang 'Dam'" [How Did SB19 Develop Their Newest Single "Dam"] (in Tagalog). ABS-CBN. March 8, 2025. Archived from the original on March 8, 2025. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
39. ^ "DAM / SB19 / Credits - TIDAL". Tidal. February 28, 2025. Archived from the original on March 25, 2025.
40. ^ "The Official MENA Charts – This Week's Official MENA Chart Top 20 from 02/28/2025 to 03/06/2025". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on March 11, 2025. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
41. ^ "NZ Hot 40 Singles". Recorded Music NZ. March 7, 2025. Archived from the original on March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
42. ^ "The Official Southeast Asia Charts – This Week's Official Philippines Chart Top 20 from 02/28/2025 to 03/06/2025". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
43. ^ "SB19 Chart History (Billboard Philippines Hot 100)". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 15, 2025. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
44. ^ "SB19 Chart History (Billboard Philippines Top Philippine Songs)". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 15, 2025. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
45. ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
46. ^ "Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
47. ^ "SB19 Chart History (World Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.

* v
* t
* e

SB19

* Pablo
* Josh
* Stell
* Ken
* Justin

Studio albums|

* Get in the Zone

Extended plays|

* Pagsibol
* Pagtatag!
* Simula at Wakas

Singles|

* "Tilaluha"
* "Go Up"
* "Alab (Burning)"
* "What?"
* "Mapa"
* "Bazinga"
* "WYAT (Where You At)"
* "Nyebe"
* "Gento"
* "Moonlight"
* "Dam"

Other songs|

* "I Want You"

Tours|

* WYAT (Where You At) Tour
* Pagtatag! World Tour

* Commons
* Discography
* Songs
* Awards and nominations
* Live performances
* Videography

*[lit.]: literal translation
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*[e]: Edit this template