Island Records Extends Partnership with HEY JUNE!; Landmark Second Album Slated for 2026
Island Records Philippines, a division of Universal Music Group (UMG) Philippines, announces a renewed, multi-project strategic alliance with the dynamic alternative rock band, HEY JUNE!. This long-term commitment underscores the label’s strong belief in the band’s vision and their pivotal role in shaping the future of OPM.
Since forming in 2021, the trio—comprising Jim Mase (Vocals, Guitars, and Songwriter), Coey Ballesteros (Bass and Back-up vocals), and Aci Fodra (Drums and Back-up vocals)—has quickly become one of the most exciting acts in the country. Their breakout hit, “Lasik,” dominated the Spotify Philippines Viral 50 chart and ranked among the biggest songs of 2025. This rapid ascent, also recognized with the 36th Awit Awards Breakthrough Artist of the Year (2023). This new contract is a testament to the immense potential the label sees in HEY JUNE! and their mutual dedication to elevating their music globally while prioritizing the local OPM landscape.
Curiousity Killed The Cat Album Celebration Tour
As a thank you to the dedicated fanbase that propelled Curiosity Killed The Cat to chart success, HEY JUNE! is hitting the most vital live music venues in Metro Manila. This four-stop bar tour is a celebration of OPM, featuring the band alongside some of the Philippines’ most legendary and influential rock acts:
- November 7 (Friday) at Velvet Playground: The explosive opening night featuring rock heavyweights Dilaw and long-time collaborators Gracenote.
- November 8 (Saturday) at Jess & Pat’s: Sharing the stage with OPM icons Moonstar88, joined by The Vowels They Orbit.
- November 22 (Saturday) at Takeover Lounge: A stacked event featuring veterans 6cyclemind, alongside Better Days, Lucy Dee, and Flight 6.
- November 27 (Thursday) at Mow’s Bar: The grand tour finale, set to be an epic event with rock royalty Sandwich, supported by a fresh lineup of SHANNi, CLNO, Fitterkarma, and Manic Season.
In addition to the bar tour, HEY JUNE! will be performing at the Watsons Playlist: All the Feels Concert at Araneta Coliseum, solidifying their place among the top-tier OPM artists today.
The Next Phase: The Highly Anticipated 2026 Album
This renewed agreement is centered around HEY JUNE!’s long-term plan to stay local and remain true to OPM, a strategy fully backed by Island Records Philippines.
Moreover, having established their signature sound and their deep connection with the Filipino audience, HEY JUNE! is heading back to the studio to work on their second full-length album, slated for a landmark 2026 release. Positioned to be the band’s most ambitious, finely tuned, and also impactful record yet. Furthermore, this highly anticipated new album will be the core of their next phase and expected to be one of the definitive OPM releases of the new year, designed to cement HEY JUNE!’s lasting legacy in the industry.
