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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" (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

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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] 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.[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]

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.[18][19] 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.[20]

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.[21]

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

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List of studio albums, with release date, label, and format shown
Title Details Ref.
Curiosity Killed the Cat [22]

Singles

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List of singles, with year released shown
Title Year Ref.
"Just A Hit" 2021 [23]
"Panahon" 2022 [24]
"Lugar Kung S'an" [25]
"Orasan" 2023 [26]
"Sino Mali" [27]


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.

References

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  1. ^ "Catch Hey June on GMA Playlist this February 18 | GMA Music". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
  2. ^ "'Hey June': New band right before 2021 ends". Manila Bulletin. 2021-12-24. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  3. ^ "6 Underrated Local Bands You Need to Add to Your Playlist ASAP!". Metroscene Mag - For the young, empowered & creative. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
  4. ^ a b c UMG Philippines (2023-04-21). Deep Dive with Hey June!. Retrieved 2025-06-18 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ a b c Miguel, Patrick V. (2023-02-19). "TIME ON THEIR SIDE | HEY JUNE! on their 'natural flow' of evolving | Patrick V. Miguel". BusinessMirror. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  6. ^ "New band 'HEY JUNE!' launches right before 2021 ends". Inquirer Pop. 2021-12-24. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  7. ^ Lozare, Alexa (2023-06-21). "Strangers to hitmakers: Meet young OPM band Hey June!". Rappler. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  8. ^ Rico, Jas (2025-01-25). "Say Hey to Hey June!". The New Hue. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
  9. ^ a b c "Hey June joins Island Records Philippines". Manila Bulletin. 2022-10-09. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  10. ^ "Hey June's time has come with their official release 'Panahon'". Manila Bulletin. 2022-01-05. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  11. ^ "Filipino indie rockers Hey June! share nostalgic music video for 'Panahon'". NME. 2022-01-07. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  12. ^ "Hey June! takes to their special place with the latest release 'Lugar Kung S'an'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2024-06-24.
  13. ^ "When did HEY JUNE! release Curiosity Killed The Cat?". Genius. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
  14. ^ "Hey June! reveals romantic side in new single 'Lasik'". Orange Magazine. 2023-10-05. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  15. ^ "The Top 15 Albums and EPs of 2023: Billboard Philippines Staff Picks". Billboard Philippines. 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  16. ^ Galang, Jelou. "Feeling drained, confused, or curious? Filipino band Hey June! has a song for you". scoutmag.ph. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
  17. ^ "Hey June! Artist Profile". Soupstar Music. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  18. ^ "HEY JUNE! @ U.P. Sunken Garden". Bandsintown. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
  19. ^ "The Philippines Star – X". X. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  20. ^ Go, Mayks (2025-04-30). "A List Of Gigs In Manila This May 2025". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
  21. ^ "Okada Manila celebrates 5 years of music at Malaya Music Fest". The Manila Times. 2025-06-12. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
  22. ^ Curiosity Killed the Cat by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, 2023-11-09, retrieved 2025-06-18
  23. ^ Just A Hit by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, 2021-12-24, retrieved 2025-06-18
  24. ^ Panahon by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, 2022-01-01, retrieved 2025-06-18
  25. ^ Lugar Kung S’an by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, 2022-06-24, retrieved 2025-06-19
  26. ^ ORASAN by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, 2023-01-01, retrieved 2025-06-18
  27. ^ SINO MALI by HEY JUNE! on Apple Music, 2022-10-21, retrieved 2025-06-18
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