In 2025, the trailblazing Filipino ensemble Lola Amour solidified their international presence by securing the Special Award for Philippine Popular Music at the prestigious MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN—an event frequently hailed as the “Asian Grammys.” Their 2025 anthem, “The Moment,” garnered significant acclaim, largely due to a high-profile collaboration with Kokoro Kohatsu of PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE. This artistic alliance proved to be more than a studio session; it culminated in a series of live milestones, including Kohatsu’s high-energy guest appearance during Lola Amour’s inaugural Japanese showcase this past January.
Billboard JAPAN sat down with Lola Amour and Kohatsu to discuss the creative alchemy behind their partnership and how this cross-cultural exchange has reshaped their musical perspectives.
The Genesis of a Collaboration
What served as the catalyst for Kokoro joining “The Moment?”
Pio Dumayas (Vocals/Guitar): We are label-mates under Warner Music, and I happened to discover PSYCHIC FEVER’s track “Gelato.” The energy of that song resonated with the whole band; we actually spent time singing it a cappella for fun. We shared a clip of our rendition on Instagram, which caught the attention of the PSYCHIC FEVER team. That digital interaction opened the door to a real dialogue, eventually leading to Kokoro lending his talents to “The Moment.”
Kokoro, what was your initial reaction to the proposal from Lola Amour?
Kokoro: Since PSYCHIC FEVER hadn’t yet visited the Philippines, I was thrilled to establish that connection. I felt a genuine affinity for the song itself. I approached it with the intention of giving it my absolute best, as I could sense a powerful creative synergy waiting to happen.
Manu Dumayas (Trumpet/Guitar/Bass): When we extended the invitation, Kokoro’s enthusiasm was palpable. He had this incredibly open, “can-do” attitude that made the entire process effortless. Beyond the music, we shared a similar sense of humor, which made the working environment feel less like a job and more like a gathering of friends.
David Yuhico (Keyboards): Even though he was stepping into a new environment, he embraced every creative suggestion with grace. His vocal range and natural talent are staggering. In my view, Kokoro’s performance was the essential element that truly finalized the identity of “The Moment.”
Merging Worlds on Stage
Your first joint live performance took place in Manila at the Lola Amour Presents Love on Loop concert in September 2025. What were those early interactions like?
Pio: We first met in person during the Manila rehearsals. As a naturally reserved group, we were initially quite anxious about how the dynamic would work with an international artist. However, the ice broke immediately when we swapped band merchandise. We spent time teaching him Tagalog phrases and sharing local meals. Those moments transformed our professional relationship into a genuine friendship.
David: I recall being stunned by how quickly he mastered the Tagalog lyrics in the studio. His preparation was so meticulous that it surpassed all my expectations. In that moment, I knew the collaboration would be a resounding success.
Beyond “The Moment,” you also surprised fans by performing “Gelato” and “Raining In Manila” together. How did that come together?
Pio: Since we had already featured “Gelato” on our social media and Kokoro was familiar with “Raining In Manila,” it felt like a natural progression. Despite the pressure, he appeared completely composed on stage. His ability to improvise and engage with the crowd was masterly. Watching him perform actually encouraged me to be more spontaneous in my own sets.
Jeff Abueg (Saxophone/Clarinet): Kokoro’s Tagalog pronunciation was so authentic that fans were jokingly questioning if he was secretly Filipino. His phonetic precision was incredible.
Raffy Perez (Drums): The global feedback has been overwhelming. It wasn’t just local fans; listeners worldwide were moved by the unity on display. It stands as a testament to what a successful collaboration should look like.
Pio: I believe the audience can sense that this wasn’t a manufactured corporate crossover. It was born out of shared musical values and a real bond.
The “Asian Silk Sonic”
During your Tokyo performance in January, how did the dynamic shift with Kokoro playing to a home crowd?
Pio: He was in his element. His ability to command a room is exceptional. During “Gelato,” he took the lead and navigated the sections I found challenging with total ease. I was incredibly grateful for his guidance on his home turf.
Kokoro: Performing “Gelato” with a full live band was a rare and exciting opportunity for me. I wanted to ensure that both the band and the audience felt a unified energy. During rehearsals, I experimented with different ways to hype the crowd, and the Lola Amour guys were so supportive of my ideas. That collective spirit allowed us to transform the venue into something special.
An industry insider recently described this partnership as the Asian iteration of “Silk Sonic.” How do you respond to that?
Pio: That is a massive compliment. After a decade of playing together, reaching a point where we are mentioned in the same breath as such icons—and having this collaboration yield that kind of comparison—is a huge milestone. It motivates us to keep pushing those boundaries.
Reflections and the Path Forward
What do you consider the most significant outcome of this journey?
Pio: The friendship is the greatest reward. Despite the cultural differences between Japan and the Philippines, we found so much common ground. Professionally, I learned a lot from Kokoro’s stagecraft. He knows how to electrify an audience, even one primarily composed of our fans. We’ve gained insights and memories that will influence our music for years to come.
Kokoro: It’s rare to build such a profound international connection. I was deeply moved by their dedication to the craft and their “all-for-one” stage presence. In Lola Amour, every member is a vital protagonist. That’s a philosophy I want to bring back to my work with PSYCHIC FEVER. This experience proved that music truly transcends linguistic barriers.
Pio: We’ve already discussed what comes next. I’d love to co-write a brand-new track with Kokoro from scratch, building it from the ground up together.
Kokoro: I agree completely. Given the diverse genres we both explore, the potential for a new project is limitless. We have the rapport now to create something truly groundbreaking.
This interview, conducted by Kaori Komatsu, originally appeared on Billboard Japan.
