ArtistDirect News
Hey June! Set to Perform New Hits at Rappler Live Jam on July 9
When the sun dips below Manila’s skyline on Thursday, July 9, 2026, the city’s pulse will shift to the rhythm of a trio that has been redefining Filipino pop‑rock in the past five years. At 8 p.m. local time, Rappler’s headquarters in Pasig will become a virtual arena as the band Hey June! launches its latest singles and pays homage to a 1994 classic, all streamed live on the outlet’s YouTube channel.
The group, formed in 2021, first appeared on the national radar with the modest single “Just A Hit.” The following year, the track “Panahon” broke through, drawing attention on social media and setting the stage for a more ambitious debut. In 2023, Hey June! released Curiosity Killed the Cat, a full‑length record that showcased the trio’s knack for blending melodic hooks with reflective lyrics. The album’s standout track, “LASIK,” slipped quietly into popularity in 2025, eventually exploding on TikTok and Instagram. The song climbed the Spotify Philippines Viral 50, surpassed five million streams, and earned a debut at number 39 on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 and number 20 on the Top Philippine Songs chart—an impressive feat for a local act.
The current year has seen the band stay prolific. “Sabihin Mo Lang” was issued ahead of a second studio album that the group announced for later in 2026. The single was followed by “Pagmamahal” and “Kung May Problema Ka,” each adding a new layer to the band’s evolving sound. In addition, Hey June! released a fresh rendition of Smokey Mountain’s 1994 hit “Ai Shite Ruyo.” The cover maintains the original’s emotional intensity while infusing modern production, offering listeners a bridge between past and present.
Rappler Live Jam, a livestreamed music series that spotlights both local and international talent, has become a vital platform for Filipino musicians to reach a nationwide audience. The July 9 performance will be streamed on Rappler’s YouTube channel, and the outlet has urged viewers to bookmark the event page or follow its social media accounts for timely reminders. By showcasing acts like Hey June!, the series supports the OPM ecosystem and helps artists promote new material to a broad, engaged audience.
The anticipated setlist promises a blend of the trio’s recent releases and the Smokey Mountain cover, delivering a mix of contemporary pop‑rock energy and nostalgic reinterpretation. Fans can expect Jim Mase on vocals, guitar, and synths; Coey Ballesteros on bass and backup vocals; and Aci Fodra on drums. Together, they have carved a distinctive niche in the Philippine music scene, and their appearance at Rappler Live Jam underscores their continued relevance and growth.
In short, on July 9, 2026, Hey June! will headline Rappler Live Jam with a lineup that showcases their latest singles and a heartfelt cover of a 1994 Filipino classic. The event highlights the band’s trajectory since its 2021 formation and its expanding footprint in the national music landscape.
The group, formed in 2021, first appeared on the national radar with the modest single “Just A Hit.” The following year, the track “Panahon” broke through, drawing attention on social media and setting the stage for a more ambitious debut. In 2023, Hey June! released Curiosity Killed the Cat, a full‑length record that showcased the trio’s knack for blending melodic hooks with reflective lyrics. The album’s standout track, “LASIK,” slipped quietly into popularity in 2025, eventually exploding on TikTok and Instagram. The song climbed the Spotify Philippines Viral 50, surpassed five million streams, and earned a debut at number 39 on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 and number 20 on the Top Philippine Songs chart—an impressive feat for a local act.
The current year has seen the band stay prolific. “Sabihin Mo Lang” was issued ahead of a second studio album that the group announced for later in 2026. The single was followed by “Pagmamahal” and “Kung May Problema Ka,” each adding a new layer to the band’s evolving sound. In addition, Hey June! released a fresh rendition of Smokey Mountain’s 1994 hit “Ai Shite Ruyo.” The cover maintains the original’s emotional intensity while infusing modern production, offering listeners a bridge between past and present.
Rappler Live Jam, a livestreamed music series that spotlights both local and international talent, has become a vital platform for Filipino musicians to reach a nationwide audience. The July 9 performance will be streamed on Rappler’s YouTube channel, and the outlet has urged viewers to bookmark the event page or follow its social media accounts for timely reminders. By showcasing acts like Hey June!, the series supports the OPM ecosystem and helps artists promote new material to a broad, engaged audience.
The anticipated setlist promises a blend of the trio’s recent releases and the Smokey Mountain cover, delivering a mix of contemporary pop‑rock energy and nostalgic reinterpretation. Fans can expect Jim Mase on vocals, guitar, and synths; Coey Ballesteros on bass and backup vocals; and Aci Fodra on drums. Together, they have carved a distinctive niche in the Philippine music scene, and their appearance at Rappler Live Jam underscores their continued relevance and growth.
In short, on July 9, 2026, Hey June! will headline Rappler Live Jam with a lineup that showcases their latest singles and a heartfelt cover of a 1994 Filipino classic. The event highlights the band’s trajectory since its 2021 formation and its expanding footprint in the national music landscape.