Let’s be real for a second. What SB19 and BINI have done for P-Pop isn’t just a moment; it’s a movement. They’ve not only paved the way but are actively pulling up new artists to sit at the table with them. It’s a beautiful thing to watch, and it’s creating a truly supportive ecosystem where music, not competition, is the main event.

And now, there’s a fresh face ready to join that table and make a name for themselves. Say hello to ASTER, P-Pop’s newest and largest boy group!

With 12 members—Kean, Charlie, Tatin, Gee, Alas, Laurence, Wayne, Loyd, Kiel, Gem, Miguel, and Cray—this group is here to make some noise. They recently dropped their highly anticipated debut album, “Talayag,” and it’s already got me hooked. Their sound is a mix of everything from R&B and ballads to house and pop, proving they’re not afraid to explore different genres while staying true to their musical soul.

When asked about the album release, Wayne’s excitement was infectious. “It’s a cliché to say we’re happy, but it’s true, we’re so happy! It’s a dream come true for us,” he shared with the media. You can just feel the passion and years of hard work finally paying off.

What really sets ASTER apart is their “self-produced” mindset. Group leader Kean proudly told the media, “One thing I can be proud of about ASTER is that we are a self-produced group and management.” He explained that they’re hands-on with everything, from songwriting and dance to content production. This kind of creative control and dedication is what builds a genuine connection with fans and makes their music feel so authentic.

Of course, being a large group comes with its own set of challenges, as member Charlie admitted. But Kean was quick to reassure everyone that their management, Asterisk Entertainment, is always there to help them navigate any bumps in the road, especially the financial hurdles that come with being a rookie group. They’ve even formed sub-units—Aster Zodiac and Aster Axis—to keep the momentum going, a clever solution that shows just how dedicated they are to their craft.

ASTER is ready to put in the time and effort, drawing inspiration from the likes of SB19. As Wayne put it, they see their seniors not as competition but as mentors. “We have seniors, and we can learn from them and adapt a lot of things from them.”

Charlie echoed this sentiment with a powerful message that perfectly sums up the spirit of the P-Pop scene today: “There was never in our minds that there are advantages and disadvantages because we are just here to do what we love… We’re just doing what we love, and we love to inspire people.”

With that kind of passion and a debut album this good, ASTER is definitely a group to watch. This is just the beginning of their journey, and I, for one, can’t wait to see where they go next.