HEY JUNE! surprises fans with a fresh take on a beloved Filipino classic with their rendition of “Ai Shite Ruyo,” originally recorded by legendary pop group Smokey Mountain. The release marks a milestone for the band and the local music scene as it becomes the first special collaboration between EMI Records Philippines and Island Records Philippines.
By reimagining a song that has resonated across generations, HEY JUNE! brings a contemporary perspective to a timeless track while honoring its enduring legacy. The single further demonstrates the band’s commitment to celebrating Filipino music through their own distinct artistic lens.
Following their well-received cover of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” “Ai Shite Ruyo” becomes HEY JUNE!’s second officially released cover song. While remaining faithful to the emotional core of the original, the band infuses the track with their signature sound, introducing the song to both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners. The result is a version that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new, highlighting HEY JUNE!’s ability to reinterpret classics without losing their essence.
Adding another layer of significance to the release is the participation of bassist Coey as one of the featured vocalists on the track. For the first time in HEY JUNE!’s recording history, Coey takes on a singing role in an official release, joining bandmates Jim and Aci in bringing new life to the song. The collaboration highlights the band’s evolving creative dynamic and showcases a different side of their musical chemistry. Fans who have followed the group’s journey will be treated to a new dimension of the band’s sound through Coey’s contribution to the recording.
Originally released by Smokey Mountain as part of their critically acclaimed third album, Death Penalty in 1994, “Ai Shite Ruyo” remains one of the standout songs from the group’s celebrated catalog. More than three decades later, its themes and melodies continue to resonate, making it a fitting choice for reinterpretation by one of today’s rising acts. Through their version, HEY JUNE! bridges generations of Filipino music while paying tribute to a landmark era in OPM history. The release serves as both a celebration of Smokey Mountain’s enduring influence and a reminder of how great songs continue to find new audiences across generations.
The single artwork pays homage to the iconic Death Penalty album cover, with Jim, Coey, and Aci recreating the poses of the original Smokey Mountain members. Beyond the artwork, the band has also released an official visualizer that complements the track’s nostalgic yet contemporary spirit, giving listeners another way to experience the song. The artwork and visual elements may contain subtle details that pay tribute to the song’s history, offering a few clues and connections for those paying close attention.
