Stell enters the Room with promise and talent. He talks to MEGA Entertainment about his concise and soulful solo EP
The powerhouse of Philippine pop music known as SB19 have given us spectacle and showmanship before, but their solo projects prove their versatility and heart for music. Stell Ajero’s entry into P-Pop—alone, for the first time—is a fresh catalog of five easily palatable songs primed for success; the much-anticipated Room is a heartfelt display of his charisma and ambition.
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While the peppy, instant earworm single “Room” was the tonal outlier in this collection, the rest of the EP traces the arc of a romance from infatuation to heartache. “Anino” showcases the singer’s soaring and propulsive vocal style, a banger for bleeding hearts. “Classic,” with its shimmering synth and jam band percussion, is a gasp of delight and a retro pop hit. “‘Di Ko Masabi” is a more nuanced listen, with a staccato-style melody that starts slow before climbing to a crescendo. And “Room – Stripped Version” is the acoustic, quieter side of the disco-pop track with all of its soul intact—more subdued melodies and acoustic guitar, allowing Stell’s vocals to resonate with poignant clarity.
All in all, Stell matches high expectations with the concise and soulful EP. Created within the vocalist’s safe space, his “Room,” the record is his journey to exploring his identity and work as a musician. But he doesn’t do it alone.
The Solitary Venture
Breaking free from the group—even just for a while—can be daunting, but the SB19 vocalist demonstrates he is up for the challenge: “It’s only been a few weeks since I released my solo music, but I’ve already had a lot of new experiences. Most activities I’m used to doing with a group, I’m now doing alone—but it’s been very enjoyable.”
Like his work, Stell is incredibly honest—he doesn’t know how to be anything otherwise. While the music industry often prioritizes trends and commercial success, he is an artist who reminds the world there will always be an audience hungry for music that speaks to the soul and comes from the heart. In a intimate conversation with MEGA Entertainment, Stell is candid and plain-spoken, citing that one of those independent activities where he felt a bit intimidated and nervous, was this solo shoot. “At first, medyo kinabahan ako sa magiging output ng photoshoot, but naramdaman ko naman na sobrang game ng lahat ng tao na nandoon,” he says. “And ‘yong ginawang concept nila for me ay bagay rin, so nagtiwala ako sa idea at sa process ng buong shoot.”
At the shoot, Stell is dutiful, present, and precise—the same way he approaches his music. The SB19 members are proving that their star power shines just as brightly individually as it does collectively.
The People in the Room
Even as the vocalist takes the reins in his solo project, Stell emphasizes that the other members continue to offer support and strength. Pablo, for example, is the composer and lyricist of “Anino” and “Room.” Their youngest, Justin, took charge as the creative director of the titular track’s music video as well. Stell tells MEGA Entertainment that he is thankful for the members’ encouragement and support. “For my solo engagement, siyempre ibang feeling din na malaman na very willing sila tulungan ako,” he says. “Minsan lang magkaroon ng ganitong klaseng opportunity to release as a solo artist, at nakakatuwa na makita na super supportive sila.”
While Stell’s creative contributions in his debut solo EP are limited, he embodies each song’s style and emotions with ease; a musical chameleon becoming each new sound. His collaboration with national artist Ryan Cayabyab for “‘Di Ko Masabi,” and global musical names Eric Nam and Max Schneider for “Classic,” reflects his multifaceted artistry and versatility. “I believe that it takes a village to create a beautiful and wonderful project like this; it’s not only me, it’s not only 1Z Entertainment—it’s all the people who really support and love me,” Stell declares. “Maraming taong involved, and I’m really happy that I feel their genuine support and approach. With this EP, thankful ako kasi lahat ng mga taong tumulong ay sobrang hands-on din, kaya nakaka-inspire din na gawin ang best ko.”
Sonically, he’s done that here. When asked about his favorite track from Room, the musical phenom quips, “Mahirap mamili ng favorite kasi wala namang dapat favorite.” The first chapter of Stell’s individual work is plenty of promise and equal favoritism; he’s stretched himself creatively using a range of sounds and styles during the course of the five tracks.
In the Room He Has Built
One of Stell’s greatest strengths is the empathy with the people who listen to his music and self-awareness about the growing influence he wields. It’s why he began building out this world, his space growing ever roomier to invite people for a celebration of authenticity and liberation. He’s built this as something friendly to take shelter in, the way a good story invites you to live inside it—it’s a window into his world. With telling detail and candor, Stell commandeers the mighty mechanism of his music to express his realities in personal and intimate doses.
“As artists, hindi maiiwasan na itago ‘yong totoong feelings o ‘yong totoo gustong sabihin. Minsan, ‘yong pagiging authentic ay double-edged sword—sa pagiging open book mo, parang ma-ju-judge ka na ng mga tao kasi hindi ka natatakot na sabihin talaga kung ano ang nararamdaman mo. At the same time, it’s also a good thing kasi naipapakita mo kung sino ang totoong ikaw sa mundo.”
Room is big enough for everyone to partake and feel whole with oneself and others. Years into his career with SB19, Stell has built an assurance as a P-Pop idol that he exudes confidence and aplomb, devoid of pretension and arrogance.
“They made me feel that they accept me for who I am. So feeling ko naman na nagugustuhan nila na pinapakita ko at vocal ako sa kung sino ako.”
Stell Ajero on being grateful for the unwavering support of his fans
“My career in P-Pop has made it easier to connect with people—especially with our fans,” Stell tells MEGA Entertainment. He adds that these fans are also the reason for his confidence and self-acceptance.
Unapologetically Stell
Stell’s unapologetic self-expression extends beyond his art—it carries over to how he presents himself to the world. He has gotten candid over cosmetic procedures and is no stranger to skincare and makeup; and his approach to beauty and fashion is a testament to his sense of assured identity. “In this career, you have to look presentable every time—hindi lang sa harap ng TV, but also sa harap ng lahat ng taong makakasalamuha mo kasi public figure ka. And this doesn’t apply specifically to girls alone,” Stell declares. “It’s good practice na ipakita mo sa mga tao na you set the standard na lagi kang presentable. Hindi na rin naman bago ‘yong pag-ma-make up—kasama na siya sa buhay ng artist. Hindi siya big issue because it doesn’t only apply to girls—makeup is for everyone. If you want to try it then go for it, there should be no judgment about that.”
Stell is unafraid to navigate the vast landscape of beauty and fashion. From red carpet ensembles to street style outfits, he has challenged the traditional notions of masculinity. He is a prime example of a star who values his identity and uniqueness, and so he does not conform to any standards that hampers him from freely expressing himself—and that applies to his music as well.
Flying solo from the nest of a mega successful group, Stell found his starting magic with this freshman project. It’s a sleek, operatic debut suited to his evocative, soaring voice, forms a cohesive, polished whole, then digs deeper into another side of where his sound could end up next. From what we’ve seen from Stell, authenticity and honesty will always be its core and soul. There’s no other way for the unapologetically-himself musical artist.
Photographed by ENNUH TIU. Creative direction by ANDREW ENCAPAS and CHLARINE GIANAN. Styled by RAIN DAGALA and EM MILLAN of TEAM RAIN x EM. Styling assistants RIO CAMANTIGUE, ELAINE VILLAPONDO, and CYLA VILLANUEVA. Makeup by MAC IGARTA. Hair by MARK FAMILARA. Editorial Assistant JOANA FERNANDO. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO. Special thanks to NICKA LUMALANG and JOEY VALVERDE of WARNER MUSIC and GIO BALDESIMO
