
Manila, Philippines — While we were all probably busy making dalgona coffee and baked cheesy sushi, in the heart of the pandemic, a unique musical synergy was born. Meet Hey June!, a trio formed in June 2021, consisting of Jim Mase (vocals and guitar), Chloe Ballesteros (bass and backup vocals), and Aci Fodra (drums). From being total strangers to bandmates and now really good friends, it really showcases the impact of what music could do to connect people.
How It Started
The band's origin story is as compelling as their music. Jim recalls initially hesitating to join a band, but after posting on Facebook, he found himself diving headfirst into the project. "I didn’t want to be in a band at first, but then I said, okay, let’s be in a band," he shares.
Chloe, who had been playing guitar since she was in junior high, received encouragement from a neighbor, Herbert Hernandez, the guitarist from Moonstar88 and 6CycleMind. Despite her parents' initial reservations about her joining a band due to gender stereotypes, she knew she couldn’t pass it up and seized the opportunity.
Aci, originally from Romblon and previously played for Velvet Playground, was recruited after showcasing his drumming skills to the band’s manager.
Inside The Studio
As a band, Hey June! approaches songwriting with a collaborative spirit. Jim takes the lead as the primary songwriter, while Chloe and Aci contribute to the arrangement, dynamics, and overall feel of their music. "It usually runs down to demos, then pre-production, where we fix a lot of stuff," Jim explains. This structured approach ensures that each member's contributions are integrated seamlessly.
“Songs become tighter in the studio,” he adds. “We ensure that each part reflects the individual members’ strengths.” With guidance from their producer, Eunice from Gracenote, they strive to create music out of their collective passion.
Aci, who used to play heavier metal before joining the band, emphasizes the need to really know the song and not just simply play. “Be one with your instrument, know the song. Hindi lang basta yung practice, dapat play with your heart. Aralin mo talaga, at prayers.”
What sets Hey June! apart is their willingness to experiment. “As a three-year-old band, we haven’t conformed to what society expects,” Chloe says. They embrace a sound that is uniquely theirs, unconcerned with following trends. “We’ve been very experimental with our sounds. Our creative juices are still very wild.”
Jim agrees, stating, “We try to stay in the middle. The songs we create are not only for ourselves but also for people to understand. They can interpret themselves through our music, put it into character na parang, ‘Uy! Ako yun!’, parang gano’n.”

Beyond Music
The trio draws inspiration from various sources outside of music. Chloe finds creativity in animated films and series, like Arcane, appreciating how animation artists express complex narratives. Also an active advocate and pet lover on her socials, she expresses her admiration for how she learns a lot from animals, as she says it, “love without judgment,” and it shows in her craft as well.
Jim, on the other hand, is inspired by visual art, particularly photography. He believes that the lens through which one views the world can significantly influence musical interpretation.
Aci, known for his active lifestyle, sees parallels between sports and drumming, improving his endurance to always give his top notch performance every time he steps on stage.
Looking Ahead
Outside of their music careers, each member has personal aspirations for the near future. Chloe mentions her focus on physical fitness, wanting to work on her powerlifting and overall have a healthy state. Additionally, with her reflections, she wants to keep their close-knit bond and channel any internal conflict, find peace in everything they do. “I wish it among my members, to find inner peace in all aspects.”
Aci shares his personal goal as well to become a businessman outside of music, and to be able to improve his current interests right now like his sports; potentially explore more and try more.
And for Jim, he shares, “Being able to do music, I think that’s enough for me, and personal growth para sa isa’t isa.”
Chloe also adds emphasis to the importance of building relationships, both with fans and fellow artists. "We want to create a community for Hey June! and foster connections for ourselves, for our fans, fellow artists, and of course, for the future."

Advice to Their Younger Selves
Reflecting on their journeys, the band members share valuable insights for aspiring musicians. Aci advises young drummers to practice with a metronome to develop timing, while Jim encourages discipline and exploration in music. "Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and explore your surroundings," he says.
Chloe adds, "Be comfortable with your instrument and know what you're doing. It’s hard to perform if you’re not at ease with your craft."
In Conclusion
Hey June! is more than just a band; they’re a close-knit family brought together by their passion for music and their common experiences. With vision clear as Lasik, their diverse backgrounds, creative approaches, and dreams, they are making their mark in the music industry. As they evolve both as individuals and as a group, one thing is certain: Hey June! is here to stay, making the most out of their youth and freedom, sharing their lively sound and relatable stories with fans all around.

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