Hey June!
HEY JUNE! | |
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Genres | |
Years active | 2021–present |
Labels | |
Members |
|
Past members |
|
Website | Official website |
Hey June! (stylized in all caps) is a Filipino indie rock band formed in 2021.[1][2] The band consisted of Jim Mase (vocals/guitar), Coey Ballesteros (bass), and Aci Fodra (drums). The band first gained attention with their debut single "Panahon" (Season), was released in 2022. Their name was inspired by the Beatles' 1968 song "Hey Jude", replacing "Jude" with "June" to mark the month of their formation.[3][4]
History
[edit]2021–2022: Formation and "Panahon"
Hey June! was formed in June 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.[5] The band was initiated by Earl Paglinawan and Jim Mase, after leaving a corporate job and was actively looking for bandmates.[3][6] He approached Darwin Hernandez of Soupstar Music to help find some members, through whom they met bassist Coey Ballesteros (who was a neighbor and brother of Darwin named Herbert Hernandez the guitarist of the bands Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind) and drummer Aci Fodra.[3][7]
The band released their debut single "Just A Hit" in late 2021, followed by the single "Panahon" in early 2022.[8] According to NME, "Panahon" explores themes of timing and emotional reflection. Its accompanying music video was noted for its nostalgic atmosphere and coming-of-age narrative.[9]
In October 2022, Hey June! officially signed with Island Records Philippines, a division of Universal Music Group (UMG Philippines).[10]
2023–present: Curiosity Killed the Cat
[edit]On November 9, 2023, Hey June! released their debut album Curiosity Killed the Cat under Island Records Philippines.[11] The band released multiple singles including "Sino Mali" (Who is Wrong), "Orasan" (Clock), and "Lasik".[12] The album was produced by Eunice Jorge of Gracenote.[10]
The album was included in Billboard Philippines' list of "Top 15 Albums and EPs of 2023".[13] The band gained wider recognition after winning the People's Voice Award for Breakthrough Artist at the 36th Awit Awards.[14] They were also nominated for Best Performance by a Group and Best Alternative Recording for "Sino Mali".[15]
Members
[edit]Current members
- Jim Mase – vocals, rhythm guitar, synth
- Coey Ballesteros – bass, backing vocals
- Aci Fodra – drums, backing vocals
Past members
- Earl Paglinawan[a] – lead guitar (until 2024)
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]Title | Details | Ref. |
---|---|---|
Curiosity Killed the Cat |
|
[16] |
Singles
[edit]Title | Year | Ref. |
---|---|---|
"Just A Hit" | 2021 | [17] |
"Panahon" | 2022 | [18] |
"Lasik" | 2023 | [19] |
"Orasan" | [20] | |
"Sino Mali" | [21] |
Notes
[edit]- ^ In early 2024, guitarist Earl Paglinawan parted ways of the band. As of now, the band has not released any official statement regarding the reason for his departure.
References
[edit]- ^ "Catch Hey June on GMA Playlist this February 18 | GMA Music". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
- ^ "'Hey June': New band right before 2021 ends". Manila Bulletin. 2021-12-24. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ a b c UMG Philippines (2023-04-21). Deep Dive with Hey June!. Retrieved 2025-06-18 – via YouTube.
- ^ "6 Underrated Local Bands You Need to Add to Your Playlist ASAP!". Metroscene Mag - For the young, empowered & creative. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
- ^ "New band 'HEY JUNE!' launches right before 2021 ends". Inquirer Pop. 2021-12-24. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ Lozare, Alexa (2023-06-21). "Strangers to hitmakers: Meet young OPM band Hey June!". Rappler. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ Rico, Jas (2025-01-25). "Say Hey to Hey June!". The New Hue. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
- ^ "Hey June's time has come with their official release 'Panahon'". Manila Bulletin. 2022-01-05. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ "Filipino indie rockers Hey June! share nostalgic music video for 'Panahon'". NME. 2022-01-07. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ a b "Hey June joins Island Records Philippines". Manila Bulletin. 2022-10-09. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ "When did HEY JUNE! release Curiosity Killed The Cat?". Genius. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
- ^ "Hey June! reveals romantic side in new single 'Lasik'". Orange Magazine. 2023-10-05. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ "The Top 15 Albums and EPs of 2023: Billboard Philippines Staff Picks". Billboard Philippines. 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ Galang, Jelou. "Feeling drained, confused, or curious? Filipino band Hey June! has a song for you". scoutmag.ph. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
- ^ "Hey June! Artist Profile". Soupstar Music. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ Curiosity Killed the Cat by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, 2023-11-09, retrieved 2025-06-18
- ^ Just A Hit by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, 2021-12-24, retrieved 2025-06-18
- ^ Panahon by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, 2022-01-01, retrieved 2025-06-18
- ^ LASIK by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, 2023-04-21, retrieved 2025-06-18
- ^ ORASAN by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, 2023-01-01, retrieved 2025-06-18
- ^ SINO MALI by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, 2022-10-21, retrieved 2025-06-18