BILIB seamlessly blends into one despite their differences

BILIB. Image: X/@bilib_official

BILIB is aware they have different tastes in music. Apart from the powerful image they project on stage, the members prefer to listen to various genres in their spare time. But what brings them together is the message they want to convey to the public.

The septet — consisting of Yukito, Clyde, JMAC, RC, Rafael, Carlo and Zio — debuted in July 2023 with the single “Kabanata,” which according to them, represents their identity. This was followed by “Say Whatcha Wanna Say,” an upbeat, electro-pop track portraying their unflinching confidence no matter what critics say. But in an interview with INQUIRER.net, the members shared they have different preferences when it comes to music, ranging from bubblegum pop to R&B.

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“For this, we have the process of storytelling. We want to inspire and [allow] the members to speak [through music] with each line. The biggest deciding factor is the message” Yukito said, explaining how BILIB decides on their sound despite their different tastes.

Yukito also pointed out that “Kabanata” shows the beginning of BILIB, acting as an introduction to what the group is about. “Say Whatcha Wanna Say” is their two cents on the digital era and how one can emerge stronger. “After namin ipakita sa mga fans at sa tao ang music namin (After sharing our music to fans and people), [we want to remind them] that it’s okay, you can do whatever you want,” he continued.

BILIB during an interview with the Inquirer. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net

Agreeing with the group’s leader, Carlo said they have the ability to combine their respective genres into something that feels uniquely theirs. “Sa music namin, gusto naming maging inspirational (We want to be inspirational with our music),” he said of their purpose. “Pero when it comes to releasing new music, ginagawa namin to bring ‘yung sari-sarili naming genre, so hopefully, masubaybayan nila ‘yun (We make the effort to bring our own genres together, so hopefully, the public will look out for that).”

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The confidence was apparent in BILIB as they spoke about their identity and artistry. But as soon as it was pointed out to them, the members immediately broke character and laughed in unison. “Ninenerbyos po kami (We’re very nervous),” Yukito said in between giggles. “Tinatry lang po naming maging confident (We’re doing our best to be confident).”

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For the group, their confidence comes from the members’ joint efforts. Surviving the competition in the music scene — especially with the rise of P-pop — is a battle between the artists and themselves. This includes accepting various events in hopes of attracting attention which, according to BILIB, can be exhausting. But what gives them the drive to keep going is their purpose.

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“Maraming factors ang dapat naming iconsider. Siyempre, napapagod din ang katawan namin. Napapagod din talaga kami kahit may proper rest,” Carlo admitted. “Pero for me, bumabalik ako sa purpose ko. Knowing na galing kami sa iba’t ibang lugar, bumabalik kami sa araw na [nag-decide kaming] maging parte ng [BILIB]. Sinasabi ko sa sarili ko na ito ang gusto ko.”

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(There are a lot of factors we need to consider. Of course, our bodies get tired. It can really get tiring even if we have the proper rest. Despite this, I return to my purpose. I am aware that we come from different places. We return to the day we decided to be part of BILIB. I also remind myself that this is what I want.)

Meanwhile, Rafael and JMAC said they consider their fans and loved ones as their driving forces wherever they go. Passion also keeps their grit alive, as it constantly reminds the group to “keep striving.”

“[Ang fans and ang mga nagmamhal sa’min] ang nagbibigay ng motivation to keep on going and keep striving para sa dreams namin. Aside from that, the driving factor is passion and love for what we’re doing,” he continued.

(It is our fans and loved ones who give us motivation to keep going and keep striving for our dreams. Aside from that, the driving factor is passion and love for what we’re doing.)

Life-changing opportunity

Fate must have been kind to BILIB, as their grit led them to be one of the performers on the second day of Waterbomb Manila on Sunday, Feb. 23. Also part of the lineup are their labelmate and solo artist Zela, Aster, NEO, Kenet, 2Spade, Mar Vista and Siena Girls.

Jessi, Sunmi, Hyolyn, Gray, BamBam, Skull, HaHa, Oh My Girl, Kang Daniel, Reddy, VIVIZ, Yang Sechan, Sulreggae, U-Kwon and Insidecore will also be performing at the event.

Zela poses with her labelmates, P-pop boy group BILIB, during an interview with INQUIRER.net. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net

With Clyde joking that Yukito is practicing VIVIZ’s songs as preparation, he also shared that the group is aware of what lies ahead after the summer festival. “Alam namin kapag nag-perform kami, pwede siyang maging peak ng group (We know that when we perform, it can be the group’s peak). We want to show who BILIB is,” he added while his bandmates nodded in excitement.

Being part of the festival “speaks to their artistry,” as Carlo pointed out. They are aware that they are one of the rookies among this year’s stacked performers, but he is excited to get ideas on how to innovate and introduce themselves to a bigger audience.

“Ang pagkakaintindi ko ‘dun, ang artistry is continuosly namin dapat pinapalawak. Hindi ka dapat matakot. Dapat open ka sa new ideas dapat mag-innovate. Nabigyan kami ng platform through Waterbomb, and knowing na big event, ito ang una naming big festival na magpeperform kami. Sobrang big opportunity para makapag-expand ng reach sa ibang tao, and makapag-explore ng new genres,” he added.

(Based on what I understand, artistry should continuously evolve. You shouldn’t be scared of it. You should be open to new ideas, you should innovate. We were given a platform through Waterbomb, and knowing that it’s a big event and this is the first big festival where we’ll perform, it is a big opportunity to expand our reach to different people and explore different genres.)

At the same time, Yukito said their upcoming gig is a responsibility to be one of the country’s flagbearers. “We feel responsible for the P-pop industry and we have to be there for each other,” he said.

Being part of the festival will open new doors for BILIB and potentially might ignite negative comments to be hurled against them — which they are aware of. But as soon as they were asked how they deal with painful remarks, they automatically sang “bashers bashers,” a popular meme among the Gen Z audience on TikTok, before laughing.

“Hindi mo naman maiiwasan na maapektuhan sa sinasabi nila. Ikaw naman ang mas nakakakilala sa sarili mo. Kahit dumating ang point na sobrang down ka, ginagawa mo siyang way na [mas kilalanin] mo ang sarili mo. Hindi ka magpapaapekto. Hindi siya maiiwasan pero mas kilala mo ang sarili mo,” he said soon after, turning serious.

(You can’t avoid being affected by what others say against you. But it’s you who knows yourself best. Even if you come to the point that you are quite down, use it as a way to know yourself better. Don’t let it affect you. You cannot avoid being down, but you know yourself better.)

BILIB. Image: X/@bilib_official

Yukito also shared that the group developed a close relationship with their dedicated fans (also known as Bituin), almost to the point where they feel confident to remind them to not engage with negative comments and bashers on social media.

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“Sinasabi namin sa kanila na as much as possible, kung kaya namang mag-reach out and support. Vocal kami sa kanila. Thankfully, wala pa naman kaming nae-experience na [out of control], d’un namin nakikita na focused lang sila sa BILIB (We tell them that as much as possible if you can reach out to them and be a source of support, do so. We’re vocal with them. Thankfully, we haven’t experienced anything out of control. They are focused on BILIB),” he explained.

With this in mind, it is clear the group’s strong sense of self and inner confidence has the potential to take them far.

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