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December Avenue (band)

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December Avenue
Logo of the band since 2020
Logo of the band since 2020
Background information
Also known asSense of Sound (formerly)
OriginMetro Manila, Philippines
Genres
Years active2007–present
Labels
  • Tower of Doom
MembersZel Bautista
Jem Manuel
Don Gregorio
Jet Danao
Gelo Cruz
Past membersMr. A
Liam Rivera
Michael Garcia
Samuel Torres
Theodore Castro
Websitewww.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.

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

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2007–2015: Formation

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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

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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

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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

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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

[edit]
From left to right: Jem Manuel, Jet Danao, Zel Bautista, Gelo Cruz, and Don Gregorio
Logo until 2020
Logo since 2020
Members
  • Zel Bautista – vocals, acoustic guitar (2007–present)
  • Jem Manuel – lead guitar (2007–present)
  • Don Gregorio – bass guitar, backing vocals (2007–present)
  • Jet Danao – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2007–present)
  • Gelo Cruz – keyboards, backing vocals (2016–present)
Touring substitutes
  • Jaco Sosmeña – drums, percussion
  • Eo Marcos – drums, percussion
  • Carissa Ramos – bass guitar

Discography

[edit]
Main article: December Avenue discography

Studio albums

EPs

  • Time To Go (2010)
  • Sleep Tonight (2011)

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee(s)/work(s) Result Ref.
EdukCircle Awards 2019 Most Influential OPM Band of the Year "December Avenue" Won [34]
MOR Pinoy Music Awards Best Collaboration "Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw" with Moira Dela Torre Won [35]
Band of the Year Nominated [36]
Song of the Year Nominated
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 Torre Won
PMPC Star Awards for Music Collaboration of the Year Won [38]
Song of the Year Nominated [39]
Wish Music Awards Wishclusive Collaboration of the Year Nominated [40]
Wishclusive Rock Performance of the Year "Kahit Di Mo Alam" Nominated
Wish Group of the Year "December Avenue" Nominated
Awit Awards 2020 Best Song Written for Movie/TV "Huling Sandali" Won [41]
Best Ballad Recording "Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw" with (Moira Dela Torre) Nominated [42]
Best Collaboration Nominated
Best Pop Recording Nominated
Song of the Year Nominated
Wish Music Awards Bronze Wishclusive Elite Circle "Kahit Di Mo Alam" Won [43]
"Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw" with (Moira Dela Torre) Won
Silver Wishclusive Elite Circle Won
"Sa Ngalan Ng Pag-Ibig" Won
Wish Group of the Year "December Avenue" Nominated
Wish Rock/Alternative Song of the Year "Huling Sandali" Nominated

References

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  1. ^ December Avenue profile on Bandwagon
  2. ^ December Avenue | Tower of Doom
  3. ^ a b c 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. ^ a b "Alamin kung bakit 'December Avenue' ang ipinangalan sa pop rock band na ito". Balitambayan. May 16, 2019. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  5. ^ a b Gil, Baby A. (November 9, 2018). "The triumph of December Avenue". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  6. ^ a b c d e 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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b c 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. ^ a b c Singh, Surej (2021-05-20). "Listen to December Avenue's smooth new single 'Drive'". NME. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  23. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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.
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