Lola Amour
Lola Amour is a Filipino indie rock band formed in 2013 in Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, originating from the merger of two rival high school groups, Sinigang na Baboy and Decaf, at De La Salle Santiago Zobel School.[1][2] The seven-piece ensemble, led by Pio Dumayas on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, blends elements of modern rock, funk, pop, and Filipino influences to create a distinctive sound that has resonated widely in the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) scene.[1][3] Known for their emotive lyrics exploring themes of love, longing, and urban life, the band achieved breakout success with singles like "Raining in Manila" (2023), which set a Spotify Philippines record for most streams in a single day (841,300) and topped OPM charts for 33 days.[1][4] The band's current lineup includes Zoe Gonzales on lead guitar, Raymond King on bass and backing vocals, David Yuhico on keyboards and backing vocals, Angelo Mesina on trumpet, Jeff Abueg on saxophone, and Raffy Perez on drums, following lineup changes including the departure of keyboardist Martin Kim in 2021.[1] Early milestones include winning the Wanderband 2017 competition as a rookie act, which boosted their visibility, and releasing their debut EP Don't Look Back in 2017.[1][5] Over the years, Lola Amour navigated challenges like limited gigs and small audiences, evolving from high school collaborators into one of the Philippines' most prolific indie acts through persistent performances and strategic releases.[2][6] Their self-titled debut studio album, released on April 10, 2024, after nearly a decade in the making, features hits such as "Namimiss Ko Na," "Pwede Ba," and "Fallen," alongside tracks that mix joyful disco, rap, and melancholy to reflect personal growth and emotional depth.[3][4][7] The album marked a significant step in their career, solidifying their status with over 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a loyal fanbase drawn to their live energy and community-building efforts.[8] In 2025, celebrating nearly 12 years, Lola Amour continues to thrive in the burgeoning OPM landscape with the release of their second studio album Love On Loop on August 15, advocating for emerging artists while planning global expansions and expressing optimism for the scene's diversity and perseverance.[2][6][9]History
Formation and early years (2013–2016)
Lola Amour was formed in 2013 in Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, through the merger of two rival high school bands, "Sinigang Na Baboy" and "Decaf," from De La Salle Santiago Zobel School. The collaboration began when the groups united for the school's senior graduation ball, blending their members' skills—such as discovering that Sinigang Na Baboy's bassist could play saxophone and Decaf's drummer had trumpet capabilities—to create a fuller sound. This impromptu union marked the band's origin, evolving from competitive school rivals into a cohesive ensemble focused on indie rock with funk and pop elements.[1][10][11] The band name "Lola Amour" was inspired by the grandmother of lead vocalist Pio Dumayas, affectionately known as Lola Amor, reflecting a personal touch amid the group's transition from high school hobbyists. The initial lineup included Pio Dumayas on vocals and rhythm guitar, Zoe Gonzales on lead guitar, Raymond King on bass, Joxx Perez on saxophone, Renzo Santos on drums, Angelo Mesina on trumpet, and Mico Fernandez on guitar. Keyboardist Martin Kim joined in 2016. Following graduation, the members, who had initially viewed music as a casual pursuit, decided to continue performing together seriously, booking early local gigs in Metro Manila to hone their craft and build a following.[12][3][11] By 2016, Lola Amour gained significant early exposure through their performance at the Wanderland Music and Arts Festival, showcasing their genre-blending style to a wider audience. This appearance, along with their victory in the Wanderband competition later that year (for the 2017 edition), solidified their presence in the local indie scene and paved the way for professional opportunities.[12][13]Debut EP and rising popularity (2017–2018)
In 2017, Lola Amour released their debut extended play (EP), Don't Look Back, on May 16, marking the band's first official recording project.[14] The four-track EP featured "Fools," "Maybe Maybe," "No Tomorrow," and "Piece of Mind," showcasing a blend of funk-pop rhythms with rock influences that highlighted the group's evolving sound rooted in their high school origins.[15] The project was launched with a live performance at Mow's Bar in Quezon City on May 17, drawing local indie music enthusiasts and signaling the band's transition from informal gigs to structured releases.[16] Building on the EP's momentum, Lola Amour's visibility grew through key festival appearances, including their performance at the Wanderland Music and Arts Festival in 2017, following their win in the associated Wanderband competition the previous November.[13] These events helped establish a burgeoning fanbase in the Philippine indie scene, with the band incorporating live energy from their sets into their music's upbeat, groove-oriented style. By late 2017 and into 2018, their shows at local venues and festivals expanded, reflecting a shift from hobbyist college performances to semi-professional commitments as they balanced day jobs with increasing gig demands.[4] The band's rising profile culminated in the release of their lead single "Pwede Ba" on June 15, 2018, a soulful track that captured themes of hesitant romance and quickly resonated with audiences.[17] The song gained initial traction through social media shares and emerging radio airplay on stations like those in the OPM circuit, positioning Lola Amour as an up-and-coming act in Manila's music landscape.[18] This period solidified their fanbase, with "Pwede Ba" serving as a breakthrough that blended their funk-rock elements into accessible, radio-friendly pop, paving the way for broader recognition without overshadowing their EP roots.[19]Pandemic-era releases and challenges (2019–2021)
In 2019, Lola Amour released the single "Sanity," which marked a thematic shift toward more introspective explorations of lingering emotional attachments and the difficulty of moving on from past relationships.[20] The track, described by the band as addressing "the lingering ghosts we remain tethered to despite their absence," featured a blend of funk-rock elements with vulnerable lyrics, building on the momentum from their earlier hit "Pwede Ba."[20] The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted the band's trajectory, leading to the indefinite shelving of their planned debut album, which had been in early development stages with around ten tracks envisioned.[21] Lockdowns halted in-person recording and promotional activities, forcing Lola Amour to pivot toward virtual formats for creativity and fan interaction. In response, they collaborated with rapper Al James on the original track "Sundan Mo Ko" for Coke Studio Philippines Season 3, a performance that captured themes of balancing adult responsibilities with moments of joy and became a viral hit with over 3 million YouTube views.[22] Later that year, the band released the Don't Look Back (Revisited) EP on November 12, reimagining four tracks from their 2017 debut EP with stripped-down, acoustic arrangements to evoke a sense of nostalgia amid isolation.[23] As restrictions persisted into 2021, Lola Amour continued adapting through digital platforms, participating in virtual events like the Wanderland Music Festival's online edition and hosting their own "Looking Back: An Online Concert and Documentary" to maintain fan engagement via live streams and social media interactions.[24][25] This period also saw the release of the single "Fallen" on June 25, a poignant reflection on vulnerability and emotional descent during the pandemic's isolating effects, with lyrics like "What if I told you that I've fallen" capturing the band's personal struggles with uncertainty.[26][27] Compounding these challenges, keyboardist Martin Kim departed the band in July 2021, returning to South Korea due to pandemic-related personal commitments and family obligations, marking the first major lineup change and prompting a special farewell podcast episode hosted by the group.[28][29]Lineup shifts and tour beginnings (2022–2023)
In 2022, Lola Amour released several singles that marked their post-pandemic musical return, including "Click" featuring Leanne & Naara and "Madali," both of which appeared on their collaborative EP The Lunchtime Special.[30] These tracks explored themes of romance and connection, with "Click" drawing inspiration from modern dating dynamics.[31] Later that year, on October 12, the band issued the single "dahan-dahan," a romantic ballad that complemented the earlier releases and highlighted their evolving indie pop sound.[32] Together, "Click," "Madali," and "dahan-dahan" formed a cohesive body of work often referred to as the "dahan-dahan trilogy" for their shared introspective lyricism.[33] The The Lunchtime Special EP, released on September 14, 2022, featured collaborations with artists like Clara Benin on "Closer Than Before," emphasizing the band's emphasis on fresh partnerships amid recovery from pandemic disruptions.[30] This project, produced under Warner Music Philippines, captured a lighter, more optimistic tone compared to their earlier virtual-era efforts. Complementing these studio releases, Lola Amour issued the live album Looking Back (Live at the PETA Theater, 2022) in August 2022, documenting a special performance that revisited early hits like "Fools" and "Fallen" to celebrate their origins.[34] The recording served as a nostalgic bridge, reflecting on the band's journey while honoring their foundational sound.[35] That same year, the band underwent significant lineup changes, with longtime saxophonist Joxx Perez and drummer Renzo Santos departing to pursue individual paths.[35] The Looking Back concert doubled as a farewell event for Perez and Santos, whose contributions had shaped Lola Amour's funky, horn-driven style since the mid-2010s. To maintain their momentum, the group welcomed saxophonist Jeff Abueg and drummer Raffy Perez as replacements, integrating them seamlessly into the core ensemble of Pio Dumayas, David Yuhico, Zoe Gonzales, and others.[36] These shifts refreshed the band's dynamic without altering its signature blend of rock, funk, and pop. Lola Amour launched their Fallen Tour in late 2022, marking a triumphant return to live performances across major Philippine venues. The tour, which began in July and extended through December, included stops at Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati, Glorietta in Taguig, Marquee Mall in Pampanga, and other sites in cities like Davao, Bacolod, and Cagayan de Oro, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager for in-person experiences after years of restrictions.[37] Featuring extended versions of fan favorites like "Fallen," the shows highlighted the new lineup's energy and set the stage for broader touring ambitions.[38] Building on this momentum, 2023 saw the release of the breakthrough single "Raining in Manila" on June 15, a poignant track about longing and separation that quickly went viral on platforms like TikTok, amassing millions of streams and inspiring global covers.[39] The song's emotional resonance led to high-profile international recognition, including a live collaboration with Coldplay's Chris Martin during their January 2024 concert in Manila.[40] To capitalize on the track's success, Lola Amour followed with the Raining in Manila (Tour Edition) EP on June 14, 2023, which included live renditions captured during their ongoing tours, such as performances at Spryta, alongside a playful parody "Waiting Here sa Pila" featuring comedian Michael V.[41] This EP underscored the band's growing live prowess and solidified their transition to a more expansive, tour-focused phase.Debut album and ongoing evolution (2024–present)
Lola Amour released their self-titled debut studio album on April 10, 2024, comprising nine tracks that showcased the band's matured pop-funk sound, including the single "Namimiss Ko Na."[3][42] The album built on the momentum from their 2023 hit "Raining in Manila," which had achieved diamond certification and widespread acclaim, propelling the band toward their first full-length project.[43] To mark the release, the band held launch concerts, starting with a major event on April 13, 2024, at Circuit Makati Event Grounds in Manila, followed by a performance in Cebu on April 27.[44][45] In March 2024, bassist Raymond King announced his departure from the band after eight years, with his final performance occurring at the Manila album launch concert.[46] He was replaced by Manu Dumayas, brother of vocalist Pio Dumayas, who joined as the permanent bassist while also contributing on trumpet.[47] Later that year, on November 29, 2024, the band issued a live album titled Lola Amour: The Album Concert, capturing the energy of their April launch show at Circuit Makati with 15 tracks performed before a live audience.[48][49] Entering 2025, Lola Amour expanded their catalog with singles "Maria," a collaboration with Australian artist Oliver Cronin released on January 30, marking their first international feature, and "Dance with My Mistakes" on April 2, which explored themes of redemption and return.[50][51] The band celebrated their twelfth anniversary with a free concert on May 30 at Rizal Park's Open Air Auditorium in Manila, drawing thousands despite rainy conditions and coinciding with the debut of new single "Misbehave."[52] In June, they performed at the Hyundai 3rd Anniversary event on June 20 at BGC Amphitheatre, alongside ongoing regional tours that included Cebu stops as part of their post-album promotions.[53] The band's evolution continued with the July 18 release of "The Moment," a cross-cultural collaboration with KOKORO of Japan's PSYCHIC FEVER, blending funk grooves with smooth R&B vocals to capture fleeting romance.[54] This track served as a lead single for their sophomore album Love on Loop, issued on August 15, 2025, under Warner Music Philippines, which delved into various facets of love through eight songs produced by Korean hitmaker Hyuk Shin and featuring global influences.[55][56] The album's launch included a September 12 concert in Manila, solidifying Lola Amour's shift toward broader, loop-driven pop experimentation while maintaining their signature lyricism.[57] In November 2025, the band achieved further acclaim at the 38th Awit Awards on November 16, winning Record of the Year and Best Alternative Recording for "Namimiss Ko Na," among other honors. On November 13, they announced a Tokyo show in 2026 as part of their "Around The World" tour, expanding their international presence following US and Canada dates.[58][59]Artistry
Musical style and influences
Lola Amour's music is characterized as Filipino indie funk-pop, blending elements of modern rock, soul, and R&B, with a distinctive use of brass instrumentation that evokes a retro, vibrant energy.[60][61] The band's core sound features groovy basslines, upbeat rhythms, and layered harmonies, often highlighted by the trumpet and saxophone contributions from members Angelo Mesina and Jeff Abueg, which add a jazzy, symphonic flair to their tracks and distinguish them within the Philippine indie scene.[61] This brass-driven approach creates a lively, danceable texture reminiscent of classic funk ensembles, while integrating contemporary pop sensibilities for broad appeal.[62] The band's sound has evolved from the raw, funk-rock foundations of their early EPs, such as the 2017 release, to a more refined and polished pop orientation in their 2024 self-titled debut album and subsequent works.[63] Early material emphasized improvisational jams and eclectic rock-funk fusions, reflecting a chaotic yet organic studio process that prioritized live energy.[6] By their 2024 album, the production became sleeker, incorporating structured pop elements and international collaborations that smoothed their edges without losing the improvisational spark, as seen in tracks born from spontaneous chord explorations.[64] This progression continued into their 2025 sophomore album Love On Loop, where they adopted an "art of subtraction" philosophy, stripping back layers to better serve each song's emotional core.[65] Lyrically, Lola Amour explores themes of love, nostalgia, and the rhythms of urban life in Manila, often conveyed through a mix of Filipino and English to capture intimate, relatable narratives.[66] Songs like "Raining in Manila" exemplify this, using the city's perpetual rain as a metaphor for longing and heartbreak amid everyday metropolitan solitude.[67] Their influences draw from global funk icons such as James Brown and Red Hot Chili Peppers for rhythmic drive, Japanese city pop artists like Mariya Takeuchi and Miki Matsubara for melodic nostalgia, and Filipino rock pioneers like Eraserheads for local indie ethos.[68][65] These inspirations manifest in their recordings through live instrumentation and subtle improvisations, fostering a sound that bridges retro funk vibes with modern pop accessibility.[69]Songwriting and production approach
Lola Amour's songwriting process is spearheaded by lead vocalist Pio Dumayas, who typically composes the initial lyrics and melodic frameworks inspired by personal themes such as relationships, urban solitude, and emotional introspection.[70][4] Dumayas often draws from real-life experiences, including grief and regret, to craft deeply personal narratives that the rest of the band refines collaboratively.[6] Keyboardist David Yuhico has described this dynamic as a blend of contrast and synergy, where Dumayas' melancholic lyrics are balanced by the group's input to add layers of funk and optimism.[70] Newer members, such as bassist Manu Dumayas, have increasingly contributed ideas, marking an evolution toward more inclusive creation since 2022.[71] In their formative years from 2013 to 2019, the band's production approach was distinctly DIY, with members self-recording in home setups and crowdfunding to finance their early EPs, emphasizing resourcefulness amid limited resources.[64] This hands-on method allowed for experimentation but often extended timelines, as seen in the multi-year development of their debut album, which began in 2019.[6] Following their signing with Warner Music Philippines in 2021, they transitioned to professional facilities like Line In Records for mixing and mastering, incorporating collaborators such as engineer Nikhil Amarnani to polish their sound.[72] This shift enabled greater sonic depth while retaining the band's raw essence. The group's production techniques highlight layered arrangements, featuring brass sections for rhythmic punch, electronic synths for atmospheric texture, and occasional looping effects to build dynamic progressions that mimic their live performances.[4] During the COVID-19 pandemic, they adapted by constructing makeshift quarantine studios at home, using remote tools for file-sharing and virtual collaboration to continue recording despite lockdowns.[73] Throughout, Lola Amour prioritizes capturing live energy in the studio—often recording full band takes to preserve their interpersonal chemistry and improvisational spark, ensuring tracks translate the vibrancy of their stage presence.[4]Band members
Current members
As of 2025, Lola Amour's current lineup consists of seven core members, each contributing distinct instrumental and creative roles to the band's signature blend of funk-infused rock and pop.[74] Pio Dumayas serves as the band's lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, while also acting as the primary songwriter and founder since its inception in 2013.[75][2] His songwriting often draws from personal experiences, shaping the band's introspective lyrics and melodic structures.[76] Zoe Gonzales has been the lead guitarist since the band's formation, specializing in melodic solos and intricate arrangements that enhance the group's dynamic soundscapes.[4][77] Angelo Mesina plays trumpet, infusing the band's tracks with vibrant brass flair that amplifies their funk elements and live energy.[4] David Yuhico handles keyboards, delivering synth and piano layers that add atmospheric depth; he joined full-time after Martin Kim's departure in 2021, transitioning from session work.[29][4] Jeff Abueg performs on saxophone, having replaced Joxx Perez in 2022, and contributes prominently to the horn sections that define the band's groovy, layered arrangements.[4][78] Raffy Perez joined as drummer in 2022, bringing energetic rhythms that drive the band's upbeat tempos and live performances.[4][63] Manu Dumayas took over bass duties and additional trumpet in 2024 following Raymond King's exit, providing foundational grooves and extra brass support to the ensemble.[79][63] This roster has powered Lola Amour's recent tours, including their 2025 album launch concerts.[80]Former members
Lola Amour's former members include several founding and long-term contributors who shaped the band's early sound and evolution before departing for personal and professional pursuits. Mico Fernandez served as the band's guitarist from its formation in 2013 until 2016, contributing to the initial merger of two rival high school groups that birthed Lola Amour's jazz-rock foundations.[81][82] Martin Kim joined as keyboardist and backing vocalist in 2016, providing melodic support during the band's rising popularity phase, including key tracks like "Raining in Manila," before leaving in 2021 amid the pandemic to relocate to South Korea for career opportunities.[28][83][84] Nathan Domagas served as keyboardist from 2018 to 2020, contributing during the band's early releases and performances.[81] Renzo Santos was the original drummer from 2013 to 2022, anchoring the rhythm section through early EPs and live performances that defined the band's funky indie style, until he departed alongside saxophonist Joxx Perez to live abroad.[12][35][85] Joxx Perez played saxophone from 2013 to 2022, adding distinctive brass elements to Lola Amour's sound on releases like the debut EP Lola Amour, before exiting with Santos for opportunities overseas.[35][85][86] Raymond King handled bass and backing vocals from 2013 to 2024, forming the core rhythm alongside Dumayas and influencing the band's shift toward more introspective pop during the pandemic era, prior to leaving to pursue long-term personal plans.[46][87][88]Timeline
Lola Amour formed in 2013 in Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, as a merger of two rival high school bands from De La Salle Zobel, initially comprising eight founding members: Pio Dumayas (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Zoe Gonzales (lead guitar), Angelo Mesina (trumpet), Raymond King (bass, backing vocals), Renzo Santos (drums), Joxx Perez (saxophone, occasional bass), Mico Fernandez (guitar), and others who contributed in early iterations.[11] The lineup remained relatively stable through the band's early years, with Martin Kim joining on keyboards and backing vocals in 2016, expanding the core ensemble to support their rising indie rock presence.[29] Key lineup shifts began in the pandemic era, reflecting personal pursuits and logistical challenges, leading to a post-2021 refresh that aligned with the band's evolution toward more structured touring and releases. In July 2021, Martin Kim departed to return to South Korea amid travel restrictions, marking the first major change; he was promptly replaced by David Yuhico on keyboards.[29] This was followed in May 2022 by the dual exits of longtime drummer Renzo Santos and saxophonist Joxx Perez, both founding members, to focus on individual careers; the band commemorated their contributions through the online concert and documentary Looking Back.[35] Replacements included Raffy Perez on drums and Jeff Abueg on saxophone, stabilizing the group for subsequent projects.[89] The most recent shift occurred in March 2024, when bassist Raymond King, a member since the band's inception, announced his departure after eight years to pursue long-term personal plans, with his final performance at the debut album launch concert on April 13.[46] He was succeeded by Manu Dumayas (Pio's brother) on bass, trumpet, and backing vocals, who had previously served as a session musician for the band from 2017 to 2024.[87] These changes coincided briefly with the release of the band's self-titled debut album in 2024, underscoring a period of renewal.[84] The band has occasionally relied on session musicians for live performances, particularly during tours and larger events, including Nian Sayoc on guitar and occasional backing vocals since 2018 (with increased involvement from 2024) and Tim Cruz on trumpet and live backing vocals starting in 2024.[90]| Year | Key Lineup Event |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Band forms with original eight members: Pio Dumayas, Zoe Gonzales, Angelo Mesina (trumpet), Raymond King, Renzo Santos, Joxx Perez, Mico Fernandez, and supporting early contributors.[11] |
| 2016 | Martin Kim joins on keyboards and backing vocals.[29] |
| 2016–2021 | Core lineup stable, including departures of early guitarist Mico Fernandez in 2016. |
| July 2021 | Martin Kim exits due to pandemic-related return to South Korea; replaced by David Yuhico.[29] |
| May 2022 | Renzo Santos (drums) and Joxx Perez (saxophone) depart; replaced by Raffy Perez (drums) and Jeff Abueg (saxophone).[35][85] |
| 2017–2024 | Manu Dumayas serves as session musician (bass, trumpet). |
| 2018–present | Nian Sayoc joins as session guitarist, with fuller role from 2024.[90] |
| March 2024 | Raymond King exits after eight years; succeeded by Manu Dumayas as full member.[46][79] |
| 2024–present | Tim Cruz joins as session trumpeter and backing vocalist.[90] |
Discography
Studio albums
Lola Amour's debut studio album, the self-titled Lola Amour, was released on April 10, 2024, marking the band's first full-length project after years of singles and EPs.[8] The album comprises nine original tracks that blend funk-pop elements with introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's evolution in sound. Notable inclusions are "Raining in Manila" and "Namimiss Ko Na," which highlight themes of longing and urban melancholy.[91] Produced under Warner Music Philippines, the record received widespread acclaim for its polished production and emotional depth, contributing to the band's rising prominence in the OPM scene.[3] The tracklist for Lola Amour is as follows:| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Umiinit | 3:00 |
| 2 | Saan Kakapit | 3:27 |
| 3 | Namimiss Ko Na | 4:10 |
| 4 | This Ain't Love | 3:20 |
| 5 | Raining in Manila | 3:45 |
| 6 | I'll Give My Heart | 3:52 |
| 7 | If I Ever Come Back | 3:35 |
| 8 | Lost for Words | 3:48 |
| 9 | Part II: Epilogue | 4:20 |
| No. | Title | Featured Artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The End | 0:25 | |
| 2 | The Moment | KOKORO | 3:40 |
| 3 | One Day Away | RIIKI REID | 3:04 |
| 4 | Did My Time | 3:17 | |
| 5 | Misbehave | 3:42 | |
| 6 | With You | 3:15 | |
| 7 | Dance with My Mistakes | 2:57 | |
| 8 | Love on Loop | 2:55 |