It’s almost surreal to sit down and write about Letter Day Story again—this time as a feature. I still remember watching them live during our Eto na Nga! production with Groovelabs Productions last year. Sila ‘yung klase ng banda na kahit matagal mo nang hindi napapakinggan, isang tugtog lang, and it all comes back. Sobrang bait nila in person, too. Kaya when the chance came up to do a feature, I didn’t hesitate. And now, here we are.

In a sea of new faces and shifting sounds in the local music scene, Letter Day Story stands tall—quietly and steadily making music, unshaken by trends, and guided by something far deeper than fame.

From Conservatory Classrooms to Center Stage

Back in 2002, a group of students from the UST Conservatory of Music came together, bonded not just by friendship but by a shared itch to create something of their own. The lineup may have evolved over the years, but what hasn’t changed is their dedication to music—and to each other.

The heart of the band beats stronger than ever with Dex on vocals, Oli and EJ holding down the rhythm and soul of the group, and Niko, the newest official member, who’s no stranger to the family. “He’s been our long-time sessionist—around a decade na rin,” they shared. “Finally, now, he’s officially with us.” Niko’s quiet loyalty and consistency through the years earned him a place not just on stage but at the very core of LDS.

Together, they’ve weathered it all—grief, change, and countless milestones. And through it, one truth remains: LDS is nothing without its members.

Their big break came in 2008, when they joined and surprisingly won Nescafe Soundskool. “We weren’t even aiming to win,” they said. “We just wanted to enjoy playing our music on stage and perform our original song, Ikaw pa Rin.” But fate had other plans. What they thought was just a finalist roll call turned out to be the awarding. They had won. And with it came a deal with Sony Music, leading to radio tours, out-of-town gigs, albums, and collaborations with names like Gloc-9, Yeng Constantino, and even the late Pepe Smith.

It was a whirlwind, but it was only the beginning.

Music That Mirrors Life

When you talk to Letter Day Story about their music, you don’t get canned answers or vague inspirations. Their songs are lived-in. They’re part of their journey.

Take Mithi, for example—one of the band’s most meaningful tracks. “When Dex wrote it, the message really mirrored our band’s own struggles,” they shared. “There were times when even our parents didn’t believe in what we were doing. They’d say there was no future in this.”

Mithi became more than a song. It became their reminder to keep going.

Then there’s Sama-Sama, a song about staying together, weathering everything as a unit. “There’s even a line at the end of the song, a chant that goes sulat araw kwento,” they said. “That’s letter day story—our name and our story.”

It’s rare to see a band that writes not just about life, but through it.

From Covers to Craftsmanship

The band’s evolution wasn’t just emotional—it was technical too. They started out doing covers but quickly found themselves wanting more. They wanted to write. Create. Innovate. That hunger led them to work with producers and artists that would shape their sound.

One key piece of their story was their guitarist, Notnot, who passed away in April 2024. Long before that, though, he had carved his mark not just as a musician, but as a sought-after sound engineer. His work with IV of Spades, Juan Karlos, Gloc-9, and others reflected just how far he’d come.

“His work was highly regarded,” the band shared, their pride evident even through typed words. And even in his absence, his spirit lives on in their new material. DSY (Dahil Sayo) was his last song—and what a beautiful, aching piece it is.

The Indie Life and Its Realities

Since parting ways with Sony in 2011, Letter Day Story has been an indie band in every sense. No label. No hype machine. Just passion, persistence, and presence.

“Being independent now is much better than before,” they admitted. “Back then, it was hard for our music to be heard unless a big label signed us to get on the radio. Today, there are so many chances for indie artists. We can create and release music whenever and however we want.”

Still, the road isn’t easy. Getting on Spotify’s top playlists, competing for organic streams—it’s a different kind of hustle. One that doesn’t always come with instant results.

“We can’t control trends,” they added. “But artists shouldn’t worry too much. The most important thing is to love music and love what you do.”

Then and Now: From Jumping Crowds to Phone Lights

If you’ve ever been to a Letter Day Story gig, you know the kind of energy they bring. Rehearsals aren’t just for precision—they’re about heart. “In the actual show, we play from the top of our lungs,” they said. “Making music is a huge stress reliever and a source of pure fun.”

Back in the 2010s, their crowds were often fully immersed—jumping, shouting, singing along. These days, things have shifted. “Most people in the crowd are now holding up their phones,” they said, noting how the digital era changed how we consume live music.

But they’re not bitter. In fact, they’re grateful. “Even new generations who are watching or hearing us for the first time show us love. And our old fans… still manage to love and support our music and our band.”

Next Collabs and Big Dreams

The band remains wide-eyed when it comes to today’s scene. “We’d love to collaborate with artists like One Click Straight, Zild, Blaster, Dionela, Skusta Clee, and Setsuna,” they said. Their tastes reflect the openness they’ve cultivated over the years. Pop, R&B, hip-hop—it’s all music. It’s all art.

And yes, they’ve got new music, too. After 13 years, they’ve released DSY and just dropped NUNG IKA’Y NAWALA last June 27. It’s a track born from heartbreak, about being left without answers, and the slow process of letting go.

More singles are on the way. A promo tour is in the works. Studio sessions are ongoing.

Letter Day Story isn’t slowing down. They’re just getting better at telling their truth.

Staying Lit, Staying Inspired

So, how do they do it? How do they keep the fire alive after more than two decades?

“It really comes down to having the same mindset and heart,” they said. “Even with our different professional day jobs and family commitments, we still make time for music and truly enjoy it.”

That might just be the secret. Not chasing trends. Not trying to one-up themselves. Just showing up—with full hearts, loud amps, and a willingness to grow.

NUNG IKA’Y NAWALA: A Visual Story of Letting Go

Released on June 27, NUNG IKA’Y NAWALA is more than just a single—it’s a gut-punch of a song that lingers. Written from a place of quiet heartbreak, it speaks to the pain of being left behind with no closure. “When someone leaves you for no reason, and you’re left searching for answers,” the band shared. “You try not to give up. But in the end, the pain is so deeply shattering that you finally let go.”

And just as powerful as the song is the music video that goes with it.

Directed with striking emotional weight, the official music video brings the story to life—capturing the emptiness, longing, and slow-burning grief that follows a sudden goodbye. It’s intimate, cinematic, and quietly devastating in all the right ways.

If you haven’t seen it yet, now’s the time:
Watch “NUNG IKA’Y NAWALA” on YouTube

Whether you’ve been with Letter Day Story since the beginning or you’re just discovering their music today, NUNG IKA’Y NAWALA is the kind of track—and video—that pulls you in and stays with you.

For the Fans and the Future

“To all our longtime amazing fans,” they wrote, “thank you for continuously supporting us and for never forgetting our music! It means so much that you’re even sharing our songs with your kids.”

Their message to younger bands is simple but weighty: “Never think that moving forward with music is only about chasing fame. Focus deeply on your craft. And love your passion.”

As for their legacy?

They want every performance to matter. Every moment to count. “Pour your soul into every note you play and every word you sing,” they said. “Let your passion ignite the stage.”

That’s the kind of legacy that doesn’t fade—even after the lights dim.

Letter Day Story is now streaming on all major platforms. Their latest single “NUNG IKA’Y NAWALA” is out now.
Catch them live, if you ever get the chance. I know I will. And if luck’s on our side, maybe we’ll get to share another production stage with them soon. Eto na nga, diba?