How Kurei Granada became Imago’s vocalist

When Kharren ‘Kurei’ Granada auditioned for Imago, she was unable to finish several songs, yet she was surprised to be accepted into the band.

She joined the Filipino rock group in 2022 as vocalist, alongside bassist Myrene “Maps” Academia, guitarist Tim Cacho and drummer Mervin Panganiban.

“When I went there,  I didn’t think of it as an audition. I thought it was just a jam session,” she laughingly recalled at a presscon. “Honestly, I couldn’t finish their songs because I didn’t know them that well. I would stop midway, and then I was just surprised they chose me. I even asked, ‘Sure ba sila?’”

Among the auditionees, Kurei stood out, revealed Tim. “Siya yung nag-click eh. We just looked at each other na parang OK.”

The band asked the hopefuls to perform a couple of songs and to “play (each song) like you own it,” furthered Tim. “Kurei was very nervous at that time. Ayaw pa niya nung simula eh. Nakakatuwa tapos pala we would get along well.”

For Maps, the connection was “pretty organic.” “We didn’t set any intentions. We just wanted someone who could vibe with the rest of the group and get along with everybody and of course, who can sing. She can do that very well.”

With the addition of Kurei, their group’s dynamics have changed and their music has since taken a deeper level, Mervin observed.

“I personally feel that we’re lucky to have found her at that time that we needed her. Everything just kind of fall into place. She’s fun to be around with, parang she completes us,” Maps told The STAR.

“We’re like barkada. Mas importante sa amin yung barkada namin, yung each other. It fits her really well. We have a great time and I think that’s what’s important to all of us.”

“They don’t have a choice,” Kurei quipped and added how honored she was to be part of a well-respected band in the music scene. “It’s not every day that you are given an opportunity to be part of a band that is already established and very big na sa OPM (Original Pilipino Music). I’m very glad that I’m with them.”

“To those who don’t know, Kurei, already had a career before joining us,” said Tim. “She had her own thing going on… We needed a band member to move forward and we sort of found each other.

“And maraming magaling na kumanta. Maraming magaling na perfect pitch and everything pero hindi yun yung hanap namin. Mas importante yung hanap mo is yung ka-banda eh. And we’re so lucky na ka-vibes namin siya kahit medyo younger siya ng kunti. Kasundo kaming lahat.”

Imago was formed in 1997 with Aia de Leon on vocals and rhythm guitars. She left the band in 2013 and was replaced by Mayumi Gomez, who departed from the band in 2019 and was succeeded by Kiara San Luis. Kiara remained with the group until 2022.

Imago’s previously-released hits include Akap, Taralets, Rainsong and other tracks.

Just recently, they dropped their latest EP titled “Pasimple.” The five-track record was launched under Sony Music Entertainment and includes the key track Lagi Na Lang, Gulong-gulo, Pasimple, Andito na Tayo and a reimagined version of Manilyn Reynes’ Sayang Na Sayang.

“Pasimple” is produced and arranged by the band alongside longtime collaborators Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala.

“We’re at peak creativity with this album with songs inspired by our years as music lovers, plus fresh creative input from Kurei. The EP is a representation of the interlocking energy and vibes of the members, and our life experiences from the past until the present,” the band said in a statement.

(“Pasimple” is available for streaming on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment).