The members of 1st.One, a six-member P-pop act, were optimistic that one day they would be officially launched as a group. Despite being together for a few years now, they only managed to connect with their fans to introduce their music virtually.
That changed when Ace, Alpha, J, Jayson, Joker, and Max partnered with Warner Music.
“There were times when we’re almost on the brink of giving up. We had doubts. But we had each other. We had the same goals and dreams that’s why we didn’t give up on them. Our journey wasn’t easy, it became more challenging because of the pandemic, but here we are now. We’ve been patiently waiting for this,” Ace told Manila Standard Entertainment during the group’s official launch held last week.
“When we’re together, there’s always a spark. Everything, every situation becomes lighter. Our strength lies in our brotherhood, our being together,” Joker added.
Prior to the event, the group also graced the media conference for PPOPCON 2022, which saw them seated alongside other P-POP acts including SB19, Alamat, and 4th Impact.
“It was an honor to be seated alongside those groups. Each group gives us happiness and inspiration. P-Pop is only a small plate and each group has a contribution. For us to grow, we need our fans. We need all the fans to help us elevate P-Pop and make it a genre that will be known worldwide,” Ace, the group’s leader, and main vocalist, stated.
1st.One is the first Filipino group on the roster of Seoul-based talent management company FirstOne Entertainment. Other talents who have signed with the company include “River of Tears” singer Na Yoon Kwon, rapper Kisum, and former F-ve Dolls member Heo Chanmi.
1st.One started making its mark in the P-pop landscape even before its official debut in 2020. They participated in the 28th Philippine-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival in September 2019, where they won first place in the dance category. They were also the grand winner at the Seoul Music Awards PH “Dance to Your Seoul” competition held the same year. The band then opened the Seoul Music Awards in 2020, along with Monsta X, NCT, Red Velvet, TWICE, and other K-POP artists. They were the first Filipino artists to perform at this famous Korean awards ceremony.
After a brief hiatus, the group returned earlier this year and dropped the catchy single “Shout Out,” a song that pays homage to the Filipino soldiers who fought alongside Korean soldiers during the 1950s Korean War. Ace, the leader of 1st.One, explained that he wrote the lyrics wanting to pay tribute to those soldiers who fought hard in the war so that people could live their lives in freedom.
The official music video of “Shout Out” has almost two million views on YouTube alone to date. 1st.One also released a series of other video clips to support the single, including a dance performance video of “Shout Out,” a dance practice video, and a two-part behind-the-scenes documentary detailing how the group shot their music video at the height of the pandemic.
Talking about 1st.One’s recent signing with Warner Music, Ace said: “We are very honored and deeply humbled to be now part of Warner Music. Together with our management FirstOne entertainment, everything is just like a dream turned into reality. As kids, we only ever dreamt and heard of the name Warner Music. It is very inspiring to be part of history and a legendary family in the music and entertainment industry. We will always do our best, give our all, and be students of the craft and passion that we have. Eyes to the sky and feet on the ground. Hopes and dreams in our hands thankful to God up above.”
Sarah Ismail, Managing Director of Warner Music Philippines, added: “We are very excited to be partnering with 1st.One. Watching their music video for ‘Shout Out,’ I was blown away by their energy and amazing dancing. They have thoroughly impressed us with their ambition and determination to not only succeed, but to inspire.”
Oh Jeong Min, the Chairman of FirstOne Entertainment said: “Culture has power, P-pop will be one of the greatest ways to introduce the Philippines to the world. Warner Music Philippines and FirstOne Entertainment will take the first step today.”