MANILA, Philippines – In an era dominated by rapid-fire digital trends, the journey of a song from its initial release to widespread cultural phenomenon can be unpredictable. For Filipino indie rock band HEY JUNE!, this journey has culminated in the surprising and significant success of their track “Lasik,” a song that found its viral moment years after its debut, catapulting the group into the national spotlight.
Released originally in 2023 as part of the band’s debut album, “Curiosity Killed the Cat,” “Lasik” experienced a remarkable resurgence in 2025. This delayed explosion in popularity was largely fueled by widespread adoption and sharing across major social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram reels. The track’s catchy melodies and relatable lyrics resonated deeply with users, leading to its integration into countless videos and, subsequently, its entry into the mainstream consciousness.
The Ascent to Chart Success
The viral momentum translated directly into significant chart performance, a crucial metric for measuring a song’s impact in the contemporary music landscape. By June 2025, “Lasik” had ascended to the coveted #1 spot on the Spotify Philippines Viral 50 chart. This achievement signaled not only the track’s widespread online popularity but also its significant streaming traction within the country.
The success was not confined to digital streaming charts. In early July 2025, “Lasik” also made its appearance on various Billboard Philippines charts, further solidifying its status as a bona fide hit. Chart positions on platforms like Billboard are often seen as indicators of sustained popularity and industry recognition, highlighting the transition of “Lasik” from a viral trend to a legitimate commercial success within the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) scene.
Band Profile and Album Context
HEY JUNE! was formed in June 2021, establishing itself as a notable act within the burgeoning Philippine independent music scene. The band comprises three core members: Jim Mase, who handles vocals and guitar; Coey Ballesteros on bass; and Aci Fodra on drums. Their sound, rooted in indie rock, has garnered a dedicated following since their inception.
The now-viral track “Lasik” is featured on their debut album, “Curiosity Killed the Cat,” released in 2023. The album itself received critical attention upon its release, earning recognition as one of Billboard Philippines’ Top 15 Albums and EPs of 2023. The production of the album also featured notable support from Eunice Jorge, a prominent figure in the Philippine music industry known for her work with the band Gracenote. This foundational recognition likely played a role in the album’s and subsequently, “Lasik’s” eventual wider acceptance when it found its viral footing.
Beyond the Digital Realm: Live Performance Impact
The increased visibility and popularity generated by “Lasik’s” viral success have also translated into higher-profile performance opportunities for HEY JUNE!. Demonstrating their growing stature in the OPM scene, the band was featured at the Malaya Music Fest 2025, held at the prestigious Okada Manila.
Notably, HEY JUNE! headlined the event, sharing the stage with established and highly popular Filipino acts such as Kamikazee, Sandwich, and Silent Sanctuary. Headlining alongside such prominent names underscores the significant leap the band has made in terms of industry standing and fan base size, largely attributed to the widespread reach of their viral hit.
The Future of HEY JUNE! Post-Virality
The trajectory of “Lasik” serves as a compelling case study in the modern music industry, illustrating how older releases can gain unexpected traction through social media virality years after their initial launch. For HEY JUNE!, this phenomenon has provided a platform for increased exposure, chart success, and major performance slots.
While the ephemeral nature of online trends poses a constant challenge, the band’s ability to convert viral moments into tangible chart performance and high-profile gigs suggests a promising future. The success of “Lasik” positions HEY JUNE! as a band to watch in the OPM landscape, with expectations high for how they will capitalize on this newfound prominence and build upon the foundation laid by their sleeper hit.
