December Avenue (band)

Last updated
December Avenue
December Avenue logo (black).jpeg
Logo of the band since 2020
Background information
Also known asSense of Sound (formerly)
Origin Metro Manila, Philippines
Genres
Years active2007–present
Labels
  • Tower of Doom
MembersZel Bautista
Jem Manuel
Don Gregorio
Jet Danao
Gelo Cruz
Website www.decemberave.com

December Avenue is a 5-piece indie pop/alternative rock band from Manila, Philippines known for their viral compositions online. [1] [2] The band is one of the most streamed OPM bands of all-time. The band is composed of Zel Bautista on vocals and guitars, Jem Manuel on guitars, Don Gregorio on bass, Jet Danao on drums and backing vocals, and Gelo Cruz on keyboards and backing vocals.

Contents

Bautista, Manuel, Gregorio, and Danao started out in their alma mater University of Santo Tomas in 2007. Cruz, an alumnus of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, was later added in 2016. Bautista is the chief composer of the band. Originally known for their predominantly English songs, the band has released Tagalog songs since 2016.

Career

2007–2015: Formation

December Avenue began as a college band in their alma mater University of Santo Tomas in 2007. [3] [4] All students of UST's Conservatory of Music, it featured Zel Bautista on vocals and guitar, Jem Manuel on lead guitar, Don Gregorio on bass and Jet Danao on drums. [5] Their name, December, Avenue, is based on the music they want to make, helping people move on in life with December "being the last month" and an avenue "toward a new year". [6] In 2009, they performed at the "Pilipino:Kaya Natin Ito" concert that raised funds for Gawad Kalinga. [7]

Their first song "Time to Go" was released. That single helped them break into the mainstream and they started getting more gigs, mostly in the underground scene. [6] [8] However, in their early years, they earned little from their gigs, and often had to fund themselves. [9]

2016–2018: Breakthrough and December Avenue

In February of 2016, December Avenue released their first full-length, self-titled album. [10] One of the songs from that album, "Eroplanong Papel", became one of their most famous singles. They also added Gelo Cruz on keyboards that year and released "Sa Ngalan ng Pag-Ibig", which boosted their fanbase and became one of their most defining singles. During this time, they started writing more songs in Tagalog. [8] They ended the year with their first headlining concert in Greenhills that featured guests such as Clara Benin, as well as Gabby Alipe and John Dinopol of Urbandub. [6] The concert sold out in a few days. [11]

In 2018, December Avenue collaborated with Gracenote and Autotelic for the single "Summer Song". The song was used for 7-Eleven's summer campaign. [12] They then released several singles including "Bulong", a song on mental health, and "Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw", their collaboration with Moira dela Torre. [13] [14] "Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw" and their song "Sa Ngalan ng Pag-ibig" were featured in the film Hello Love, Goodbye. [9]

2019–present: Langit Mong Bughaw

In 2019, December Avenue recorded the song "Magkunwari ('Di Man Tayo)" for the GMA series TODA One I Love . [15] They also featured on the soundtrack for the indie film Tayo Sa Huling Buwan ng Taon with "Huling Sandali". [16] For 2019, they were named as the most streamed artist on Spotify for the Philippines. They are the first Filipino act to top Spotify Wrapped, with "Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw" claiming the top spot as the Most Streamed Track for 2019. [17] At the end of the year, they released their second album Langit Mong Bughaw on December 20. [18]

After the release of their album, December Avenue performed with Boyce Avenue and I Belong to the Zoo during Boyce Avenue's concert on February 14, 2020. [19] On April 5, December Avenue launched the single "Bakas Ng Talampakan", which was a tribute to Bautista's dog. [20] They were then featured on Rico Blanco's tribute album "Rico Blanco Songbook" with a cover of "Umaaraw, Umuulan". [21]

On May 19, 2021, the band released their single "Drive", which featured R&B sounds. [22] It was followed by the release of "Isang Himala" on August 7. [23] They then performed at the Expo 2020 Dubai, then went on a US tour alongside Zack Tabudlo. [24] [25] After their tour, they released a new single "Saksi Ang Langit", which differed from their previous work due to its more uplifting sound. [26]

In February 2023, it was announced that their album Langit Mong Bughaw had become the most streamed Filipino album of all-time on Spotify, with over 720 million streams. [27] Soon after, December Avenue released a single "Ilang Beses Kitang Mamahalin". [28] They also went on tour in several major cities of Australia and New Zealand. [3] On June 30, they released their collaboration with Belle Mariano "Wala Nang Iba". [29] To close out the year, they released the song "In My Arms Is Where I’ll Keep You", a tribute to Bautista's partner. [27]

For 2024, December Avenue was supposed to hold their 15th anniversary concert initially scheduled for February 11. [30] That was postponed to August 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena. [31] In between dates, they released "Face of God". [32] Another international tour was announced before their anniversary concert. [9] The concert, entitled "Sa Ilalim Ng Mga Bituin : December Avenue Concert", sold out and featured Barbie Almalbis as a special guest. [31]

Artistry

Their music has been described as pop rock, indie rock and alternative rock. [6] [22] [23] Baby A. Gil of The Philippine Star described their sound as "pop rock of the light kind that echoes early Manila Sound" with sweet and simple lyrics. [5] Their music has also been influenced by pop. [3] Lead vocalist Zel Bautista has been influenced by the R&B genre. [22]

According to them, the songs they write are for helping people move on in life. [6] They are based on their real-life experiences. [4] Their lyrics are honest and sentimental, yet optimistic. Although they are known for songs about "life and loss", they also want to cover more inspirational and hopeful themes in their future projects. [33]

Members

From left to right: Jem Manuel, Jet Danao, Zel Bautista, Gelo Cruz, and Don Gregorio December Avenue (band).jpg
From left to right: Jem Manuel, Jet Danao, Zel Bautista, Gelo Cruz, and Don Gregorio
December Avenue logo, 2018.png
Logo until 2020
December avenue logo.webp
Logo since 2020
Members
Touring substitutes

Discography

Studio albums

EPs

Awards and nominations

Award ceremonyYearCategoryNominee(s)/work(s)ResultRef.
EdukCircle Awards2019Most Influential OPM Band of the Year"December Avenue"Won [34]
MOR Pinoy Music AwardsBest Collaboration"Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw" with Moira Dela Torre Won [35]
Band of the YearNominated [36]
Song of the YearNominated
Digital Artist of the Year"Bulong"Nominated
MYX Music Awards Group of the Year"December Avenue"Nominated [37]
Collaboration of the Year"Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw" with Moira Dela TorreWon
PMPC Star Awards for MusicCollaboration of the YearWon [38]
Song of the YearNominated [39]
Wish Music AwardsWishclusive Collaboration of the YearNominated [40]
Wishclusive Rock Performance of the Year"Kahit Di Mo Alam"Nominated
Wish Group of the Year"December Avenue"Nominated
Awit Awards2020Best Song Written for Movie/TV"Huling Sandali"Won [41]
Best Ballad Recording"Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw" with (Moira Dela Torre)Nominated [42]
Best CollaborationNominated
Best Pop RecordingNominated
Song of the YearNominated
Wish Music AwardsBronze Wishclusive Elite Circle"Kahit Di Mo Alam"Won [43]
"Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw" with (Moira Dela Torre)Won
Silver Wishclusive Elite CircleWon
"Sa Ngalan Ng Pag-Ibig"Won
Wish Group of the Year"December Avenue"Nominated
Wish Rock/Alternative Song of the Year"Huling Sandali"Nominated

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joey Ayala</span> Filipino singer-songwriter (born 1956)

José Íñigo Homer Lacambra Ayala, professionally known as Joey Ayala, is a Filipino singer, songwriter and former chairman of the music committee of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. He is well known for his style of music that combines the sounds of Filipino ethnic instruments with modern pop music. His public music life started when he released an album recorded in a makeshift studio in 1982 in Davao City. To date, he has released fourteen albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eraserheads</span> Philippine rock band

Eraserheads is a Filipino rock band formed in Quezon City in 1989. The band is composed of lead singer and primary songwriter Ely Buendia, guitarist Marcus Adoro, bassist Buddy Zabala, and drummer Raimund Marasigan. Regarded as “the Beatles of the Philippines”, the band is considered as one of the most influential and successful bands of the country, having sold 9 million copies of their albums throughout their career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pilita Corrales</span> Filipino actress and musician

Pilar Garrido Corrales is a Filipino pop singer, songwriter, actress, comedian and television presenter. She is best-known for her distinctive backbend when singing and is popularly referred to as the "Asia's Queen of Songs" for her vocal style and longevity.

Orange and Lemons is a Filipino pop rock band founded and formed in 1999 by lead vocalist and guitarist Clem Castro and former member Mcoy Fundales. Brothers Ace and JM del Mundo were later recruited to complete the mainstream lineup. Fundales served as the lead vocalist and guitarist since its formation until its initial breakup in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Itchyworms</span> Filipino rock band

The Itchyworms is a Filipino rock band. The band is composed of Jazz Nicolas on lead vocals, drums and piano, Jugs Jugueta on co-lead vocals, keys and guitars, Kelvin Yu on bass guitars, Chino Singson on lead guitars, Weckl Mercado on guitars, and Mikey Amistoso on guitars and keys. The group made their name in the OPM scene in 2006 with their second album, Noontime Show, with songs such as "Akin Ka Na Lang" and "Beer".

Donna Cruz Yrastorza-Larrazabal, professionally known as Donna Cruz, is a Filipina singer and actress. Since the middle of the 1990s, she has released 8 studio albums, and featured as an actress in local films. She has also appeared on four soundtrack albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">True Faith (band)</span> Filipino alternative rock band

True Faith is a band from the Philippines, formed in 1991. They have become one of the Philippines' most popular and accomplished bands.

Manila sound is a music genre in the Philippines that began in the mid-1970s in Metro Manila. The genre flourished and peaked in the mid to late-1970s during the Philippine martial law era and has influenced most of the modern genres in the country by being the forerunner to OPM.

<i>ASAP Music</i> Record label

ASAP Music is the record label of ABS-CBN's variety show, ASAP. ASAP hosts collaborated for the first time to produce music on its debut release, the album Hotsilog. It is said that producing the ASAP album took over a year; the reason being that most of the hosts/performers were already signed with other major record labels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Razorback (band)</span> Filipino hard rock band

Razorback is a Filipino hard rock band formed in 1990. Originally known for being regulars at the now-defunct Kalye, a club in Makati, the band has performed at full-scale concerts and opened for Silverchair, Rage Against the Machine and Metallica.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aicelle Santos</span> Filipina singer and actress (born 1985)

Aicelle Anne Coronel Santos-Zambrano is a Filipino singer, songwriter, pianist and actress who first emerged in the Philippine music scene as a contestant in Star in a Million. She has been known as the "First Undefeated Pinoy Pop Superstar", when she achieved eight straight wins in GMA Network's Pinoy Pop Superstar.

Maria Cecilia Beronilla Bisa van Ommen, also known as Acel Bisa, is a Filipino singer and songwriter.

Basil Salvador Valdez is a Filipino singer. He has received several Tinig Awards and the 1991 Tanglaw ng Lahi Award from Ateneo de Manila University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">With a Smile (Eraserheads song)</span> 1999 single by Eraserheads

"With a Smile" is a song by the Philippine alternative rock band Eraserheads from their second album Circus (1993). It was later released in May 1999 as a promotional single for their compilation album Aloha Milkyway, released in 1998 for the Southeast Asian market.

The Pamusikatan: 7th PMPC Star Awards for Music. It was held at the Kia Theatre, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City on November 10, 2015, hosted by Kim Chiu and Enchong Dee with DJ Tom Taus, directed by Bert De Leon. It was aired on ABS-CBN's Sunday's Best on November 29 at 10:45pm.

<i>December Avenue</i> (December Avenue album) 2016 studio album by December Avenue

December Avenue is the debut studio album by Filipino band December Avenue. It was released on February 15, 2016, by Tower of Doom Records.

Filipino indie pop/alternative rock band December Avenue has released two studio albums, one live album, two extended plays (EPs), twenty-seven singles, four promotional singles and ten music videos. The group is composed of Zel Bautista on vocals and guitars, Jem Manuel on guitars, Don Gregorio on bass, Jet Danao on drums and backing vocals, and Gelo Cruz on keyboards and backing vocals.

<i>Langit Mong Bughaw</i> 2019 studio album by December Avenue

Langit Mong Bughaw is the second studio album by Filipino band December Avenue. It was released on December 20, 2019, by Tower of Doom Records. It is currently the most streamed Filipino album of all time on Spotify.

April Boys are a Filipino musical duo whose members are brothers Vingo and Jimmy Regino. Older brother April Boy Regino was also a member upon the group's formation in 1993. He appeared on their first album before leaving to become a solo artist in 1995.

References

  1. ↑ December Avenue profile on Bandwagon
  2. ↑ December Avenue | Tower of Doom
  3. 1 2 3 Violata, Annalyn (July 23, 2023). "Their 'hugot' songs are relatable: Why the Filipino band December Avenue popular among young generation". SBS Language. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  4. 1 2 "Alamin kung bakit 'December Avenue' ang ipinangalan sa pop rock band na ito". Balitambayan. May 16, 2019. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  5. 1 2 Gil, Baby A. (November 9, 2018). "The triumph of December Avenue". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Enriquez, JM (September 2, 2018). "December Avenue: Their music is for moving on". BusinessMirror.
  7. ↑ "Mga pulitiko kinatatakutan sa Kaya Natin..." Philstar.com. November 29, 2009. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  8. 1 2 Policarpio, Allan (2019-05-02). "For December Avenue, music making the 'indie way' can be just as productive, lucrative". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  9. 1 2 3 Salterio, Leah C. (August 25, 2024). "December Avenue renews ties with director Paolo Valenciano". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  10. ↑ "MYXclusive: DECEMBER AVENUE Releases Self-Titled Album! - MYX | YOUR CHOICE. YOUR MUSIC". February 16, 2016. Archived from the original on 2019-08-04. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  11. ↑ "December Avenue to stage two-night concert at Teatrino". Wish 107.5. November 28, 2016. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  12. ↑ Bodegon-Hikino, Kara (2018-04-27). "December Avenue, Gracenote, Autotelic collab 'Summer Song' is now on Spotify". Bandwagon Asia. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  13. ↑ "WATCH: This is What Having a Mental Illness is Like - When In Manila". www.wheninmanila.com. 2018-06-09. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  14. ↑ Bodegon-Hikino, Kara (2018-09-24). "December Avenue & Moira Dela Torre unveil heartbreaking 'Kung 'Di Rin Lang Ikaw' music video – watch". Bandwagon Asia. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  15. ↑ Eusebio, Aaron Brennt (January 16, 2019). "LOOK: December Avenue records 'TODA One I Love' theme song". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  16. ↑ "December Avenue headlines 'Tayo Sa Huling Buwan Ng Taon' Soundtrack Launch - When In Manila". www.wheninmanila.com. 2019-04-22. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  17. ↑ "December Ave. Is most streamed artist in PHL". BusinessWorld . 5 December 2019.
  18. ↑ "December Avenue announce new Langit Mong Bughaw album launch date". Bandwagon Asia. 2019-12-09. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  19. ↑ Mancelita, Ram (2019-12-31). "Boyce Avenue with December Avenue & I Belong to the Zoo, LIVE in Cebu on Feb. 14". Sugbo.ph. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  20. ↑ Bodegon-Hikino, Kara (2020-04-06). "December Avenue deliver "a different take from the usual heart-breaking hits" with new single 'Bakas ng Talampakan' – listen". Bandwagon Asia. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  21. ↑ Laurena, Kobe Adam Joshua (November 27, 2020). "Sarah Geronimo, Ebe Dancel, December Avenue, and more assemble to cover Rico Blanco's iconic hits for the "Rico Blanco Songbook" | Pikapika | Philippine Showbiz News Portal". pikapika.ph. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  22. 1 2 3 Singh, Surej (2021-05-20). "Listen to December Avenue's smooth new single 'Drive'". NME. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  23. 1 2 Balbin, Micah Marah (2021-08-10). "December Avenue releases their latest single 'Isang Himala'". Your Guide to the Big City. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  24. ↑ "December Avenue on their return to the live stage in Dubai, plans for 2022: "Definitely surreal and nerve-wracking"". Bandwagon Asia. 2021-11-26. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  25. ↑ Singh, Surej (2021-11-29). "December Avenue and Zack Tabudlo announce joint US tour for 2022". NME. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  26. ↑ "December Avenue's new song 'Saksi Ang Langit' is an ode to love in its best forms". adobo Magazine Online. 2022-11-28. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  27. 1 2 Angan, Kara (2023-12-15). "December Avenue Release 'In My Arms Is Where I'll Keep You'". billboardphilippines.com. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  28. ↑ Castillo, Maddie (2023-03-21). "December Avenue to hold 'Ilang Beses Kita Mamahalin' single launch at 12 Monkeys". Bandwagon Asia. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  29. ↑ "December Avenue releases new song with Belle Mariano, trends on Twitter". ABS-CBN News. June 30, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  30. ↑ Fernandez, Jenny (2023-12-29). "December Avenue Reschedule 15th Anniversary Concert". billboardphilippines.com. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  31. 1 2 Asis, Salve (August 21, 2024). "December Avenue, 15 years ang hinintay para sa major concert". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  32. ↑ Angan, Kara (2024-03-15). "December Avenue Announce US Tour And New Single 'Face of God'". billboardphilippines.com. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  33. ↑ "December Avenue on Heartbreak and Being Hopeful". Wish 107.5. November 13, 2018. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  34. ↑ "9th EdukCircle Awards Winners". edukcircle.com. Retrieved 2019-09-21.
  35. ↑ "Winners of the MOR Pinoy Music Awards 2019!". onemusic.ph. Retrieved 2019-07-17.
  36. ↑ "2020 MOR Pinoy Music Awards Nominees". onemusic.ph. Retrieved 2019-04-19.
  37. ↑ "FULL LIST: Winners, MYX Music Awards 2019". rappler.com. 16 May 2019. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
  38. ↑ "And the winners of the 11th Star Awards for Music 2020 are..." pep.ph. Retrieved 2020-04-24.
  39. ↑ "Nominees for 2019 Star Awards for Music". news.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved 2019-10-30.
  40. ↑ "The 4th Wish 107.5 Music Awards: Nominees, New Categories, and More". Wish 107.5. December 12, 2018. Retrieved December 30, 2018.
  41. ↑ "FULL LIST: Winners, Awit Awards 2020". rappler.com. 29 August 2020. Retrieved 2020-08-29.
  42. ↑ "Moira bags most Awit Awards 2020 nominations". Manila Bulletin . August 20, 2020. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  43. ↑ "5th Wish 107.5 Music Awards: Complete List of Winners". wish1075.com. 19 January 2020. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.