Music has a way of capturing emotions we struggle to put into words, like a familiar scent that brings back memories or a gentle wave that carries our thoughts to places long forgotten. If you’ve ever felt a song speak to your soul, there’s a good chance it was a December Avenue track.
Let’s take a deep dive into the story of this remarkable Filipino band and explore the music that has made them an OPM powerhouse.
Who Is December Avenue?
Breaking through the mainstream in the early 2010s, the band gained popularity for their knack for blending raw acoustic sounds with electric energy. Their music is both a diary of personal experiences and a mirror reflecting the collective emotions of their listeners.
December Avenue has carved out a niche that speaks directly to the hearts of a generation longing for genuine, emotionally-charged music.
Meet The Band:
- Zel Bautista: The soulful voice and guitarist who often pens the band's poignant lyrics.
- Gelo Cruz: The keyboardist and backing vocalist who joined in 2016, enriching their sound.
- Jem Manuel: The lead guitarist adding those intricate riffs.
- Don Gregorio: The bassist laying down the rhythmic foundation.
- Jet Danao: The dynamic drummer and backing vocalist.
Formation and Early Years
December Avenue began as a college band in their alma mater University of Santo Tomas in 2007. 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.
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," they decided to pick the phrase as their band's name. In 2009, they performed at the "Pilipino: Kaya Natin Ito" concert that raised funds for Gawad Kalinga.
Their first song, "Time to Go," was released, helping them break into the mainstream and gain more gigs, mostly in the underground scene. However, in their early years, they earned little from their performances and often had to fund themselves.
Struggles Before Stardom
Success didn’t come easy for December Avenue. Despite their growing popularity in the indie scene, the band members had to juggle their passion for music with day jobs just to make ends meet. For nearly a decade, they faced financial struggles, performing in small gigs while working regular jobs during the day.
The lack of stable income from music made it difficult for them to sustain their craft, but their dedication never wavered. They held on to their dreams, pouring their hearts into their music until their breakthrough finally came. Their perseverance paid off in the late 2010s when their emotionally charged songs gained massive traction online, propelling them to mainstream success.
December Avenue’s Biggest Hits
Let’s talk about the songs that have defined December Avenue’s legacy. Their discography is filled with tracks that you might find yourself playing on repeat, each one a chapter in the band’s ongoing story.
“Sa Ngalan Ng Pag-Ibig” – This track is arguably their anthem—a soulful ballad that captures the bittersweet nature of love. Its poetic lyrics and mellow melody have made it a go-to song for anyone who’s experienced the highs and lows of romance.
“Eroplanong Papel” – A heartfelt song about dreams and aspirations, "Eroplanong Papel" captures the innocence and struggles of chasing one's goals, making it a favorite among fans who resonate with its deep message.
“Saksi Ang Langit” – This song explores themes of longing and heartbreak, with its poetic lyrics painting a vivid picture of love and loss. The emotional intensity in the melody and words makes it a standout track.
“Kung 'Di Rin Lang Ikaw” – A massive hit featuring Moira Dela Torre, this song became an anthem for the brokenhearted. Its melancholic yet beautiful lyrics about unfulfilled love struck a chord with many listeners.
“In My Arms Is Where I'll Keep You” – One of their English tracks, it’s a tender love song that conveys warmth and security, this track showcases December Avenue's ability to create comforting and deeply emotional music.
Discography
Starting with English tracks, December Avenue initially carved a niche in the indie pop and alternative rock scene. However, their transition to Filipino lyrics around 2016 marked a significant evolution, resonating deeply with local audiences.
EPs
- Time to Go (2010) – Their first official
release, this EP introduced their early alternative rock sound.
Featuring tracks that blend deep lyricism with smooth melodies,
"Time to Go" helped December Avenue gain recognition in
the indie music scene.
- Sleep Tonight (2011) – This EP showcased their evolving style, incorporating more emotional storytelling into their music. Songs from this release resonated with listeners looking for heartfelt, melancholic tunes, cementing their place in the OPM landscape.
Studio Albums
- Self-Titled Debut Album (2016): This album introduced us to gems like "Eroplanong Papel," capturing the essence of youthful dreams and aspirations.
- Langit Mong Bughaw (2019): Their sophomore album solidified their status in the OPM industry. "Langit Mong Bughaw" holds the distinction of being the most streamed Filipino album on Spotify.
Why Their Music Resonates
December Avenue's music blends elements of pop rock, indie rock, and alternative rock, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Their melodies have been compared to the early Manila Sound, with a modern touch that appeals to today’s listeners.
Baby A. Gil of The Philippine Star describes their music as "pop rock of the light kind" with sweet, simple lyrics that are easy to sing along to. One of the reasons their music connects so deeply is its honesty. Their songs are inspired by real-life experiences, making them relatable to anyone who has loved, lost, or struggled to move on.
While they are best known for their sentimental ballads about heartbreak and loss, December Avenue also seeks to explore more uplifting and inspirational themes in their future projects. The band’s ability to capture raw emotions in their lyrics, combined with lead vocalist Zel Bautista’s R&B influences, gives their sound a unique identity in the OPM scene.
Awards and Accolades
Not convinced yet that December Avenue is truly an OPM giant? Take a look at these achievements:
- EdukCircle Awards (2019) – Most
Influential OPM Band of the Year
-
MYX Music Awards (2019) – Best
Collaboration for "Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw" with Moira Dela
Torre
-
Awit Awards (2020) – Best Song Written for
Movie/TV for "Huling Sandali"
- Wish Music Awards (2020) – Bronze Wishclusive Elite Circle for "Kahit Di Mo Alam"
- Wish Music Awards (2020) – Silver Wishclusive Elite Circle for "Sa Ngalan Ng Pag-Ibig"
Final Thoughts to Ponder
Like a road that stretches endlessly beneath a starry sky, December Avenue’s music leads listeners on a journey—one of love, loss, and finding one’s way back home. For those seeking solace, inspiration, or simply a soundtrack to their story, December Avenue remains a guiding light in the vast landscape of OPM.
So, whenever you need a song to carry you through, just follow the avenue—they’ll be there, singing your heart’s story back to you.
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