Imago (band)

Imago is a Filipino rock band composed of Kharren "Kurei" Granada (vocals), Myrene "Maps" Academia (bass), Tim Cacho (guitar), Zach Lucero (guitar) and Mervin Panganiban (drums).

Imago
Origin	Quezon City, Philippines
Genres	Alternative rock OPM Pinoy rock pop rock
Years active	1997–present
Labels	Viva Records Universal Records Philippines Soupstar Entertainment EMI/PolyEast Records
Members	Kharren Granada Myrene Academia Tim Cacho Zach Lucero Mervin Panganiban
Past members	Aia de Leon Michelle Pritchard Arvin Gatmaitan Mayumi Gomez Kiara San Luis

History

Imago was formed in 1997 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 London-born Michelle Pritchard on violin.^[1] After their tribal-sounding track entitled "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 Records and were able to record their debut album entitled, Probably Not But Most Definitely under the helm of producer/musician Bob Aves and Grace Nono.^[2] The album was released in June 27, 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 (former Eraserheads drummer) Raimund Marasigan under the Squid 9 nom de musique. The album was highly regarded by the alternative industry for their courage to take on a Celtic/World Music feel in their music rather than the rap-growl (fondly known as "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.^[3] All this while maintaining a consistent public presence around Metro Manila, 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.

Around this time period, bassist Arvin Gatmaitan and violinist Michelle Pritchard parted ways with the band. Arvin played with progressive metal band Eternal Now and is currently pursuing a business career. Michelle followed her other passion, race car driving and became a regular competitor in the Philippine motorsports scene. Michelle was also hosting the NBC TV show, Auto Review and was associate editor for C! Magazine. Michelle was briefly married to Wolfgang drummer, Wolf Gemora and has now returned to her London roots and is now married to Irish-born Kevin Byrne with whom she has two young boys. Michelle's signature Celtic-influenced violin strokes were missed by many early fans as Imago's sound morphed into mainstream pop shortly after Myrene Academia, former NU107 DJ and Sandwich bassist joined the band.

Imago's second album was released 2 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 in releasing an album.^[4] The material is relatively heavier compared to the first album, trading in the ethereal cum New Age sensibilities with a modern pop rock 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]. Take 2 produced the new sound and 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.^[5]

In 2006, Imago released their third album, "Blush" under Universal Records.^[6][7] 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 in the Philippines January 2008, for reaching 15,000 copies, shortly after the release of the album's Special Edition CD.^[8]

In 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.^[9]

In April 2013, lead vocalist Aia de Leon left the band.^[10] On September 13, it was announced that Mayumi Gomez would be the band's new lead vocalist.^[11]

On June 25, 2014, Imago released its Kapit album. With 8 tracks on the album, Imago fans recognized the familiar sound of the group they were accustomed to. The album is produced by Raimund Marasigan of Sandwich and Eraserheads fame.^[12]

The beginning of 2019 brought about the departure of Mayumi from Imago due to her move to the US to focus on her new life as a wife. Kiara San Luis takes over as the vocalist of the band.

Members

Current members

• Kharren "Kurei" Granada– lead vocals (2022–present)
• Myrene Academia – bass guitar, backing vocals (1997–present)
• Tim Cacho – lead guitar (1997–present)
• Zach Lucero – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals, occasional drums and percussion (1997–present)
• Mervin Panganiban – drums and percussion (2013–present)

Former members

• Aia de Leon – lead vocals, guitars (1997–2013)
• Michelle Pritchard – violin (1997–2002)
• Arvin Gatmaitan – bass guitar (1997)
• Mayumi Gomez - lead vocals, keyboards (2013–2019)
• Kiara San Luis – lead vocals, guitar (2019–2022)

Discography

Probably Not But Most Definitely (2001)

1. Pretty me
2. Pauna
3. Rainsong
4. Bathala
5. The Box
6. Tugon
7. Hiwaga
8. On Shadows & Tendencies
9. Do
10. Alay
11. Salitoo
12. Otherwise
13. Idlip
14. Salitree
15. Unwed
16. Wishlist
17. Laya
18. 18
19. (Bonus Track) Rainsong Remix

Take 2 (2004)

1. Freefall
2. Phoenix
3. Akap
4. Bihag
5. Taning
6. Anino
7. Reset
8. Gratitude
9. One Way
10. Soft Return
11. Rush
12. Roasted Anino Mix (Bonus track)
13. Preset/Reset (Bonus track)
14. Taning/Mahal kong Kalaguyo (Bonus track)
15. Taning/Ipagpatuloy ang Kasalanan (Bonus track)

Blush (2006)

1. Zelo
2. Lula
3. Sundo
4. Under Repair
5. Highway
6. Lights Out
7. Last Dance
8. Closer
9. Taralets
10. Walang Mysteryo
11. So Be It
12. S.R.O

Effect Desired None (2010)

1. Bawal
2. Ang Huling Yakap Ng Mundo
3. Sutil
4. Sa Ngalan Mo
5. Yahoo
6. Effects Desired None
7. Premonition
8. Can I
9. Sagad
10. Spare Change Glitter

Kapit (2015)

1. Kapit
2. Nagkalimutan
3. Then was Forever
4. Summer Baby
5. Sa Wala
6. Malaya
7. Then Was Forever (Remix)
8. Kapit (Remix)

Miscellaneous

1. Spolarium - Ultraelectromagneticjam!: The Music Of The Eraserheads
2. Ewan - Kami nAPO muna
3. Let It Snow - Close Up Season of Smiles
4. Umagang Kay Ganda - Theme Song for ABS-CBN's "Umagang Kay Ganda" morning program
5. Love is in my hair (OST for the CineMalaya Film entry PISAY)
6. Show Me Your Smile - Kami nAPO muna ulit
7. Taralets - Theme Song for Pitong Dalagita
8. Blue Kiss (song) - Cover song (Promotional Purposes only)

Collaborations of Imago

• Ultraelectromagneticjam!: The Music Of The Eraserheads (Sony BMG Music Philippines, 2005)
• ROK ON! (Viva Records, 2005)
• Kami nAPO muna (Universal Records, 2006)
• Super! The Biggest Opm Hits Of The Year (Universal Records, 2006)
• Pinoy Ako 2 (Star Music, 2006)
• Kami nAPO muna ulit (Universal Records, 2007)
• The OPM Love Album (Universal Records, 2008)
• Super Astig Hits (Universal Records, 2016)

Awards and nominations

Year	Award Giving Body	Category	Nominated Work	Results
2001	NU Rock Awards	Vocalist of the Year	(for Aia de Leon)	Won^[13]
		Drummer of the Year	(for Zach Lucero)	Won^[13]
		Best New Artist	—	Nominated^[14]
		Album of the Year	"Probably Not But Most Definitely"	Nominated^[14]
2003	MTV Pilipinas Music Award	Favorite New Artist	(for "Idlip")	Nominated^[15]
		Favorite Song	"Idlip"	Nominated^[15]
		Favorite Group	"Idlip"	Nominated^[15]
		Video of the Year	"Idlip"	Nominated^[15]
2005	NU Rock Awards	Best Female Award	(for Aia de Leon)	Won
		Music Video of the Year	"Akap"	Won
		Vocalist of the Year	(for Aia de Leon)	Nominated^[16]
		Rising Sun Award	—	Nominated^[16]
		Song of the Year	"Akap"	Nominated^[16]
		Best Female Award	(for Myrene Academia)	Nominated^[16]
		Album of the Year	"Take 2"	Nominated^[16]
		Artist of the Year	—	Nominated^[16]
2006	MYX Music Awards	Favorite Indie Artist	—	Nominated^[17]
	NU Rock Awards	Bassist of the Year	(for Myrene Academia)	Won
		Vocalist of the Year	(for Aia de Leon)	Nominated^[18]
		Best Live Act	—	Nominated^[18]
		Best Female Award	(for Aia de Leon)	Nominated^[18]
		Best Album Packaging	Electrolychee.com for "Blush"	Nominated^[18]
2007	MYX Music Awards	Favorite Artist	—	Nominated^[19]
	NU Rock Awards	Song of the Year	"Sundo"	Nominated^[20]
		Best Music Video	"Sundo"	Nominated^[20]
2008	MYX Music Awards	Favorite Music Video	"Sundo"	Nominated^[21]

References

1. "A band weaves magic into their music". Maui V. Reyes. 5 December 2001. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
2. . mtvasia.com. Jen Tagasa. Archived from the original on 4 September 2006. Retrieved September 4, 2006.
3. . Archived from the original on 2007-01-24. Retrieved 2007-01-29.
4. . philmusic.com. Philmusic. Archived from the original on 25 March 2006. Retrieved March 25, 2006.
5. Staying True
6. "Imago Blush Album". 9 September 2006. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
7. "Imago Blush". 11 September 2006. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
8. Gil, Baby A. "Imago celebrates 12th year with new album". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2021-10-24.
9. Mata, Justin John, "Imago's Effect Desired None!", stir.ph, retrieved October 6, 2010
10. Sallan, Edwin P., "No singer, no problem: Imago to carry on after Aia de Leon's exit", InterAksyon.com, retrieved July 18, 2013
11. Borja, Feliz. "IMAGO Announces New Band Lineup!". MYX Philippines. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
12. Villano, Alexa (6 July 2014). "Imago back with new album 'Kapit'". Contributor. Rappler.com. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
13. Archived from the original on 2006-03-25. Retrieved 2006-05-08.
14. . Philmusic. Archived from the original on 25 March 2006. Retrieved November 13, 2001.
15. "2003 MTV Pilipinas Music Award Nominees". 11 July 2003. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
16. "2005 NU Rock Awards nominees". philstar.com. Boy Abunda. Retrieved November 28, 2005.
17. Baby A. Gil (May 1, 2006). "List of 1st MYX Music Awards nominees". PhilStar. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
18. Gil, Baby A. (November 24, 2006). "NU 107 Rock Awards nominees". PhilStar.com. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
19. Baby A. Gil (February 5, 2007). "A MYX Magna for Apo nominees". PhilStar. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
20. Inquirer.net. 2007-11-26. Archived from the original on 2008-02-02. Retrieved 2008-06-04.
21. Jocelyn Dimaculangan (February 18, 2008). "Third MYX Music Awards to be held on March 26". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 26, 2020.

External links

• Official Yahoogroups