Celebrating 9 years, Lola Amour hopes to see new acts in thriving OPM

Nine years ago, pop-rock band Lola Amour began their musical journey as a simple high school group. Now, known for their chart-topping hit "Raining in Manila," the band is reflecting on their path and expressing hope for the next wave of OPM artists.

Lead vocalist Pio Dumayas shared insights ahead of their free 9th-anniversary show, recalling how the band started purely for the love of it. He mentioned that the current vibrant state of OPM makes them wish to see new bands, much like they once were, get their moment in the spotlight.

The band originally formed at De La Salle Zobel through the merger of two school groups. Their rise began to pick up steam in 2018 with the release of "Pwede Ba?", blending funk, pop, and modern rock into their signature sound.

However, the early years were far from easy. Dumayas recounted a challenging period of self-doubt over three years, where gigs were scarce and audience numbers small. He admitted that there were moments where they felt it was a "loss being in the band" because of the lack of traction.

Despite the difficulties, these defining moments eventually solidified their commitment. Dumayas noted that as their songs started gaining popularity, they realized that their passion had evolved into a genuine career.

Offering advice to up-and-coming musicians, Dumayas emphasized the importance of the initial phase for falling in love with the craft, regardless of financial returns. Keyboardist David Yuhico added that experiencing challenges is a natural part of any band's growth within the industry.

Ultimately, Lola Amour's message to young artists is to pour their hearts into their music, give their absolute best, and love what they do without expecting immediate rewards. Speaking from their own experience, Dumayas urged them "never to be discouraged" in pursuing their musical dreams.