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Hey June!

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HEY JUNE!
Genres
Years active2021–present
Labels
Members
  • Jim Mase
  • Coey Ballesteros
  • Aci Fodra
Past members
  • Earl Paglinawan
WebsiteOfficial 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).[3] The band first gained attention with their debut single "Panahon" (lit. '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.[4][5]

History

[edit]

2021–2022: Formation and "Panahon"

Hey June! was formed in June 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.[6] The band was initiated by Earl Paglinawan and Jim Mase, after leaving a corporate job and was actively looking for bandmates.[4][7] With the help of Darwin Hernandez of Soupstar Music, 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.[4][8] Their first meeting as a band was on via Zoom, as two members (Ballesteros and Fodra) were based in the province. Paglinawan shared that by the time they met in person, the initial "awkwardness" had faded and their chemistry had formed. Fodra added that they became close right away.[5]

The band released their introduction single "Just A Hit" in late 2021, followed by the debut single "Panahon" in early 2022.[9][10] 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.[11] In June, the band released single "Lugar Kung S'an" (A Place Where), written by guitarist Earl Paglinawan.[12]

In October 2022, Hey June! officially signed with Island Records Philippines, a division of Universal Music Group (UMG Philippines).[9]

2023–present: Curiosity Killed the Cat

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On November 9, 2023, Hey June! released their debut album Curiosity Killed the Cat under Island Records Philippines.[13] The band released multiple singles including "Sino Mali" (Who is Wrong), "Orasan" (Clock), and "Lasik".[14] The album was produced by Eunice Jorge of Gracenote.[9]

The album was included in Billboard Philippines' list of "Top 15 Albums and EPs of 2023".[15] The band gained wider recognition after winning the People's Voice Award for Breakthrough Artist at the 36th Awit Awards.[16] They were also nominated for Best Performance by a Group and Best Alternative Recording for "Sino Mali".[17]

In 2024, the band released a single cover of "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears.[18]

Hey June! embarked on an active series of live performances across Metro Manila in 2025 to promote their album. On April 5, they performed at the iconic UP Fair: REV Music Festival held at the UP Sunken Garden, sharing the stage with major acts such as Imago and Gracenote.[19][20] On May 8, the band performed at Hardstop Productions' held at Imajin in Marikina City. The event featured a lineup of emerging independent acts, including 12th Street, ischi, Eliza Maturan, Kenaniah, and SHANNi.[21]

In June 2025, the band headlined the Malaya Music Fest 2k25 at Okada Manila, sharing the stage with acts such as Kamikazee, Sandwich, Silent Sanctuary, and Earl Agustin, in celebration of the festival's 5th anniversary.[22]

On June 26, 2025, they single "Lasik" reached the number one spot on the Spotify Philippines Viral 50 chart.[23]

Influence

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According to frontman Jim Mase, his band members come from different musical backgrounds, each with their own set of influences. While their individual influences differ, they have learned to work together creatively. Mase shared that his members are fans of the Eraserheads, citing the iconic band as a major influence on their music.[5]

Members

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Current members

  • James "Jim" Ligtas Mase – vocals, rhythm guitar, synth
  • Chloe "Coey" Ballesteros – bass, backing vocals
  • Aci Fodra – drums, backing vocals

Former members

  • Earl Andrie P. Paglinawan[a] – lead guitar (until 2024)

Discography

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Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with release date, label, and format shown
Title Details Ref.
Curiosity Killed the Cat [24]

Singles

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List of singles, showing year released, selected chart positions, and associated albums
Title Year Peak chart positions Album Ref.
PHL
[25]
"Just A Hit" 2021 — Non-album single [26]
"Panahon" 2022 — [27]
"Lugar Kung S'an" — [28]
"Orasan" 2023 — Curiosity Killed the Cat [29]
"Lasik" 39 [30]
"Sino Mali" — [31]
"Everybody Wants To Rule The World"[b] 2024 — Non-album single [32]


Notes

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Cover version of the song by Tears for Fears.

References

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  1. ^ "Catch Hey June on GMA Playlist this February 18 | GMA Music". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  2. ^ "'Hey June': New band right before 2021 ends". Manila Bulletin. December 24, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  3. ^ "6 Underrated Local Bands You Need to Add to Your Playlist ASAP!". Metroscene Mag - For the young, empowered & creative. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c UMG Philippines (April 21, 2023). Deep Dive with Hey June!. Retrieved June 18, 2025 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ a b c Miguel, Patrick V. (February 19, 2023). "TIME ON THEIR SIDE | HEY JUNE! on their 'natural flow' of evolving | Patrick V. Miguel". BusinessMirror. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  6. ^ "New band 'HEY JUNE!' launches right before 2021 ends". Inquirer Pop. December 24, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  7. ^ Lozare, Alexa (June 21, 2023). "Strangers to hitmakers: Meet young OPM band Hey June!". Rappler. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  8. ^ Rico, Jas (January 25, 2025). "Say Hey to Hey June!". The New Hue. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  9. ^ a b c "Hey June joins Island Records Philippines". Manila Bulletin. October 9, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  10. ^ "Hey June's time has come with their official release 'Panahon'". Manila Bulletin. January 5, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  11. ^ "Filipino indie rockers Hey June! share nostalgic music video for 'Panahon'". NME. January 7, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  12. ^ "Hey June! takes to their special place with the latest release 'Lugar Kung S'an'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  13. ^ "When did HEY JUNE! release Curiosity Killed The Cat?". Genius. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  14. ^ "Hey June! reveals romantic side in new single 'Lasik'". Orange Magazine. October 5, 2023. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  15. ^ "The Top 15 Albums and EPs of 2023: Billboard Philippines Staff Picks". Billboard Philippines. December 28, 2023. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  16. ^ Galang, Jelou. "Feeling drained, confused, or curious? Filipino band Hey June! has a song for you". scoutmag.ph. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  17. ^ "Hey June! Artist Profile". Soupstar Music. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  18. ^ Saulog, Gabriel (June 10, 2024). "Jose Miguel Brings Big Band Sounds To Manila Gigs – Review". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  19. ^ "HEY JUNE! @ U.P. Sunken Garden". Bandsintown. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  20. ^ "The Philippines Star – X". X. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
  21. ^ Go, Mayks (April 30, 2025). "A List Of Gigs In Manila This May 2025". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  22. ^ "Okada Manila celebrates 5 years of music at Malaya Music Fest". The Manila Times. June 12, 2025. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  23. ^ "HEY JUNE! Hits #1 on Spotify PH Viral 50 Chart With 'Lasik' | One Music PH". ABS-CBN. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
  24. ^ Curiosity Killed the Cat by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, November 9, 2023, retrieved June 18, 2025
  25. ^ Peak chart positions on Billboard Philippines' Hot 100:
  26. ^ Just A Hit by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, December 24, 2021, retrieved June 18, 2025
  27. ^ Panahon by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, January 1, 2022, retrieved June 18, 2025
  28. ^ Lugar Kung S’an by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, June 24, 2022, retrieved June 19, 2025
  29. ^ ORASAN by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, January 1, 2023, retrieved June 18, 2025
  30. ^ LASIK by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, April 21, 2023, retrieved June 26, 2025
  31. ^ SINO MALI by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, October 21, 2022, retrieved June 18, 2025
  32. ^ Everybody Wants To Rule The World by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, December 13, 2024, retrieved June 27, 2025
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