Imago (band)
Encyclopedia
Imago is a Filipino pop rock band
composed of Aia De Leon
(vocals/guitars), Myrene "Maps" Academia (bass), Tim Cacho (guitars) and Zach Lucero (drums) known for songs such as Akap
, Anino, Ewan, Taralets and Sundo.
and was able to record their debut album titled Probably Not But Most Definitely under the helm of producer/musician Bob Aves. The album was released in 2001 and included 19 tracks which included their pre-album songs like "Rainsong" and "Alay" as well as an electronica remix of "Rainsong" by friend and musician Raymund Marasigan under the Squid 9 nom de musique. The album was highly regarded by the alternative industry for their courage to take a more Celtic/World Music feel in their music rather than the rap-growl (lovingly called "Hupaw" by most music critics) scene that was growing at the time, as well as the poetic approach to their lyrics.
The band has picked up a handful of Katha and NU107 Rock Awards
(Best Female Award for Aia De Leon and Best Music Video for "Akap") from the first cd. All this while maintaining a consistent public presence around the Metro, playing in various venues with other bands in the lineup as well as part of various production events such as Admit One and Sunday Grabe Sunday. During this time, Aia also joined the all-girl alt-pop band Fatal Posporos, as a bassist, replacing their original member Annette Ortiz who left for the United States and now a member of the newly reformed Filipino band, Prettier than Pink
.
During this time period, both Arvin and Michelle had to part ways with the band for personal reasons. Arvin now plays with metal band Eternal Now while pursuing his business career; Michelle pursued her passion for racecar driving and became a regular competitor in the Filipino motorsports scene. She also hosted the NBC TV show, Auto Review, and was an associate editor for C! Magazine. She is now living happily in Orange County, U.S. and is once again single after being married to Wolfgang's drummer, Wolf Gemora, for 3 years. It was then announced that Myrene Academia, former NU107 DJ and Sandwich
bassist had been invited to join the crew, while Michelle's duties remain vacant and now seem unnecessary since Imago has taken a new direction in their music.
Imago’s second album was released four years after, though they had been playing most of their new material during gigs. Recorded in 2003, the cd’s release was delayed by unexpected record label setbacks and was thus aptly titled Take 2 which was clearly a reflection of the band's second attempt to release the album and their triumph at having finally gotten it out. Now backed by a new record label, EMI Music-Philippines, the album composed of eleven new cuts (plus four remixes by some of Manila’s premiere electronica acts), the material is relatively heavier compared to the first album, trading in the ethereal cum New Age sensebilities with a modern pop flavor, even incorporating rap along with the staccato-type of singing they had been known for. Released independently, Take 2 featured hit songs such as Akap and Anino [2]. While the album was a disappointment to some of their earlier fans, it was still well accepted and the new sound gave the band a wider audience, having been played in some mainstream CHR (Current Hit Radio) format stations. "Taning" was also included in the soundtrack to the Peque Gallaga
comeback experimental film, Pinoy Blonde.
In 2006, Imago released their third album, "Blush" under Universal Records with "Taralets" as the lead single which was one of the certified hits of 2006 in the radio and music video channels. The song was also used as a theme song for the movie "Pitong Dalagita" and as a campaign jingle for a Philippine senatorial candidate. In the same year, they recorded a revival of Ewan, which was originally sung by the Apo Hiking Society
. In 2007, they earned a nomination for Favorite Artist in the 2007 MYX Music Awards
. They also released their second single of their "Blush" album, "Sundo". The music video was directed by Marie Jamora which was also the director for their previous videos, Akap and Taralets.
After the success of the third single Walang Misteryo, their fourth single, entitled "Under Repair" was recently released. The video of the latest single features the band impersonating ABBA
.
"Blush" has also been certified Gold Record last January 2008, shortly after the release of the album's Special Edition CD.
Last March 2008, the band was invited to be one of the many other artists from all over the world to perform in the annual Mosaic Music Festival in Singapore
. Lead vocalist Aia de Leon, also shared vocal duties with Broken Social Scene
's Kevin Drew during his band's opening number at the same event.
In 2010, Imago released its fourth album entitled "Effect Desired None" with "Huling Yakap Ng Mundo" as the lead single.
:
Pinoy rock
Pinoy rock, or Filipino rock, is the brand of rock music produced in the Philippines or by Filipinos. It has become as diverse as the rock music genre itself, and bands adopting this style are now further classified under more specific genres or combinations of genres like alternative rock,...
composed of Aia De Leon
(vocals/guitars), Myrene "Maps" Academia (bass), Tim Cacho (guitars) and Zach Lucero (drums) known for songs such as Akap
AKAP
The A-kinase anchor proteins are a group of structurally diverse proteins, which have the common function of binding to the regulatory subunit of protein kinase A and confining the holoenzyme to discrete locations within the cell. At least 20 AKAPs have been cloned. There are at least 50 members...
, Anino, Ewan, Taralets and Sundo.
History
Imago was formed in 1999 With Aia de Leon on vocals and rhythm guitar, Tim Cacho on lead guitar, Arvin Gatmaitan on bass and back up vocals, Zach Lucero on drums and Michelle Pritchard on violin. After their tribal-sounding track titled "Rainsong" spent considerable time being played on NU107's In The Raw, a program for independent bands in the country, it eventually graduated into the station's mainstream playlist. They were then signed a recording contract with Viva RecordsViva Records (Philippines)
VIVA Records is Philippine record label. It is subsidiary of VIVA Entertainment.- Artists & Album Releases :* 18 Greatest Hits ** Andrew E.** Basil Valdez ** Jun Pulistico...
and was able to record their debut album titled Probably Not But Most Definitely under the helm of producer/musician Bob Aves. The album was released in 2001 and included 19 tracks which included their pre-album songs like "Rainsong" and "Alay" as well as an electronica remix of "Rainsong" by friend and musician Raymund Marasigan under the Squid 9 nom de musique. The album was highly regarded by the alternative industry for their courage to take a more Celtic/World Music feel in their music rather than the rap-growl (lovingly called "Hupaw" by most music critics) scene that was growing at the time, as well as the poetic approach to their lyrics.
The band has picked up a handful of Katha and NU107 Rock Awards
NU Rock Awards
The NU Rock Awards was an annual recognition program sponsored from 1994 to 2010 by the defunct Metro Manila based radio station NU 107.1. 1994 saw the birth of what is to become the biggest annual gathering of the finest rock musicians in the country—the NU 107 Rock Awards! The very first NU 107...
(Best Female Award for Aia De Leon and Best Music Video for "Akap") from the first cd. All this while maintaining a consistent public presence around the Metro, playing in various venues with other bands in the lineup as well as part of various production events such as Admit One and Sunday Grabe Sunday. During this time, Aia also joined the all-girl alt-pop band Fatal Posporos, as a bassist, replacing their original member Annette Ortiz who left for the United States and now a member of the newly reformed Filipino band, Prettier than Pink
Prettier Than Pink
Prettier Than Pink is an all-female pop rock group from the Philippines. The band went professional in 1991 with original members- Lei Bautista , Annie Trillo , Gretchen Gregorio , and Vanessa Garcia . Many music enthusiasts consider the group unique among pinoy girl groups because the members...
.
During this time period, both Arvin and Michelle had to part ways with the band for personal reasons. Arvin now plays with metal band Eternal Now while pursuing his business career; Michelle pursued her passion for racecar driving and became a regular competitor in the Filipino motorsports scene. She also hosted the NBC TV show, Auto Review, and was an associate editor for C! Magazine. She is now living happily in Orange County, U.S. and is once again single after being married to Wolfgang's drummer, Wolf Gemora, for 3 years. It was then announced that Myrene Academia, former NU107 DJ and Sandwich
Sandwich
A sandwich is a food item, typically consisting of two or more slices of :bread with one or more fillings between them, or one slice of bread with a topping or toppings, commonly called an open sandwich. Sandwiches are a widely popular type of lunch food, typically taken to work or school, or...
bassist had been invited to join the crew, while Michelle's duties remain vacant and now seem unnecessary since Imago has taken a new direction in their music.
Imago’s second album was released four years after, though they had been playing most of their new material during gigs. Recorded in 2003, the cd’s release was delayed by unexpected record label setbacks and was thus aptly titled Take 2 which was clearly a reflection of the band's second attempt to release the album and their triumph at having finally gotten it out. Now backed by a new record label, EMI Music-Philippines, the album composed of eleven new cuts (plus four remixes by some of Manila’s premiere electronica acts), the material is relatively heavier compared to the first album, trading in the ethereal cum New Age sensebilities with a modern pop flavor, even incorporating rap along with the staccato-type of singing they had been known for. Released independently, Take 2 featured hit songs such as Akap and Anino [2]. While the album was a disappointment to some of their earlier fans, it was still well accepted and the new sound gave the band a wider audience, having been played in some mainstream CHR (Current Hit Radio) format stations. "Taning" was also included in the soundtrack to the Peque Gallaga
Peque Gallaga
Peque Gallaga is a multi-awarded Filipino filmmaker. His most significant achievement in film is "Oro, Plata, Mata", which he directed after winning a scripwriting contest sponsored by the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines...
comeback experimental film, Pinoy Blonde.
In 2006, Imago released their third album, "Blush" under Universal Records with "Taralets" as the lead single which was one of the certified hits of 2006 in the radio and music video channels. The song was also used as a theme song for the movie "Pitong Dalagita" and as a campaign jingle for a Philippine senatorial candidate. In the same year, they recorded a revival of Ewan, which was originally sung by the Apo Hiking Society
APO Hiking Society
The Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, later popularly known as Apo Hiking Society or, simply, Apo, was a Filipino musical group. The group had its fledgling beginnings in 1969 at the Ateneo de Manila high school, with thirteen members: Lito de Joya, Sonny Santiago, Gus Cosio, Renato Garcia, Chito...
. In 2007, they earned a nomination for Favorite Artist in the 2007 MYX Music Awards
Myx Music Awards
The MYX Music Awards honor the biggest hitmakers in the Philippines. They debuted on MYX at Onstage Greenbelt on June 6, 2006.MYX viewers from all over the Philippines decide the winners in 17 major categories via sms text messaging....
. They also released their second single of their "Blush" album, "Sundo". The music video was directed by Marie Jamora which was also the director for their previous videos, Akap and Taralets.
After the success of the third single Walang Misteryo, their fourth single, entitled "Under Repair" was recently released. The video of the latest single features the band impersonating ABBA
ABBA
ABBA was a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm in 1970 which consisted of Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Agnetha Fältskog...
.
"Blush" has also been certified Gold Record last January 2008, shortly after the release of the album's Special Edition CD.
Last March 2008, the band was invited to be one of the many other artists from all over the world to perform in the annual Mosaic Music Festival in Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
. Lead vocalist Aia de Leon, also shared vocal duties with Broken Social Scene
Broken Social Scene
Broken Social Scene is a Canadian indie rock band, a musical collective including as few as six and as many as nineteen members, formed in 1999 by Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning. Most of its members currently play in various other groups and solo projects, mainly based around the city of Toronto...
's Kevin Drew during his band's opening number at the same event.
In 2010, Imago released its fourth album entitled "Effect Desired None" with "Huling Yakap Ng Mundo" as the lead single.
Probably Not But Most Definitely
- Pretty me
- Pauna
- Rainsong
- Bathala
- The Box
- Tugon
- Hiwaga
- On Shadows & Tendencies
- Do
- Alay
- Salitoo
- Otherwise
- Idlip
- Salitree
- Unwed
- Wishlist
- Laya
- 18
- (Bonus Track) Rainsong Remix
Take 2
- Freefall
- Phoenix
- Akap
- Bihag
- Taning
- Anino
- Reset
- Gratitude
- One Way
- Soft Return
- Rush
- Roasted Anino Mix (Bonus track)
- Preset/Reset (Bonus track)
- Taning/Mahal kong Kalaguyo (Bonus track)
- Taning/Ipagpatuloy ang Kasalanan (Bonus track)
Blush
- Zelo
- Lula
- Sundo
- Under Repair
- Highway
- Lights Out
- Last Dance
- Closer
- Taralets
- Walang Mysteryo
- So Be It
- S.R.O
Effect Desired None
- Bawal
- Huling Yakap Ng Mundo
- Sutil
- Sa Ngalan Mo
- Yahoo
- Effects Desired None
- Premonition
- Can I
- Sagad
- Spare Change Glitter
Miscellaneous
- Spolarium - Ultraelectromagneticjam!: The Music Of The EraserheadsUltraelectromagneticjam!: The Music Of The EraserheadsUltraelectromagneticjam!: The Music Of The Eraserheads is the first tribute album for the popular Filipino pop-rock band The Eraserheads. It was named after the band's first studio album UltraElectroMagneticPop! . The album was released under Sony BMG Music Philippines, Inc...
- Ewan - Kami nAPO munaKami nAPO MunaKami nAPO Muna is the first tribute album recorded to honor the 1970s Filipino musical group, APO Hiking Society. "Kami nAPO Muna", in Filipino, literally means "it's our turn", the phrase also being a play on the Apo name...
- Let It Snow - Close Up Season of Smiles
- Umagang Kay Ganda - Theme Song for ABS-CBNABS-CBNABS–CBN Corporation is a Philippine-based media conglomerate. It is the Philippines' largest media and entertainment conglomerate. The corporation was the merger of Alto Broadcasting System which at that time owned by James Lindenberg and Antonio Quirino, and the Chronicle Broadcasting Network ...
's "Umagang Kay Ganda" morning program - Love is in my hair (OST for the CineMalaya Film entry PISAY)
- Show Me Your Smile - Kami nAPO muna ulitKami nAPO Muna UlitKami nAPO Muna ULIT is the second and final compilation tribute album recorded to honor the 1970s Filipino musical group, APO Hiking Society. The album was released in 2007, and within two weeks was certified as a gold record.-Title and release history:...
Collaborations of Imago
- Ultraelectromagneticjam!: The Music Of The EraserheadsUltraelectromagneticjam!: The Music Of The EraserheadsUltraelectromagneticjam!: The Music Of The Eraserheads is the first tribute album for the popular Filipino pop-rock band The Eraserheads. It was named after the band's first studio album UltraElectroMagneticPop! . The album was released under Sony BMG Music Philippines, Inc...
(Sony BMG Music Philippines, 2005) - ROK ON! (Viva Records, 2005)
- Kami nAPO munaKami nAPO MunaKami nAPO Muna is the first tribute album recorded to honor the 1970s Filipino musical group, APO Hiking Society. "Kami nAPO Muna", in Filipino, literally means "it's our turn", the phrase also being a play on the Apo name...
(Universal Records, 2006) - Super! The Biggest Opm Hits Of The Year (Universal Records, 2006)
- Kami nAPO muna ulitKami nAPO Muna UlitKami nAPO Muna ULIT is the second and final compilation tribute album recorded to honor the 1970s Filipino musical group, APO Hiking Society. The album was released in 2007, and within two weeks was certified as a gold record.-Title and release history:...
(Universal Records, 2007) - The OPM Love Album (Universal Records, 2008)
Awards
NU 107 Rock Awards- 2001: Vocalist of the year- Aia de Leon
- 2001: Drummer of the year- Zach Lucero
- 2005: Rock Female Icon of the Year - Aia De Leon
- 2005: Music Video of the Year - "Akap"
- 2006: Bassist of the Year - Myrene Academia
Nominations
MYX Music AwardsMyx Music Awards
The MYX Music Awards honor the biggest hitmakers in the Philippines. They debuted on MYX at Onstage Greenbelt on June 6, 2006.MYX viewers from all over the Philippines decide the winners in 17 major categories via sms text messaging....
:
- 2006: Favorite Indie Artist - Imago
- 2007: Favorite Artist - Imago
- 2008: Favorite Music Video "Sundo"