No matter what hurdles the past 16 years have thrown their way, We Are Imaginary are still here — and they are just getting started.

Since their formation in 2008, the indie rock group has been no stranger to change, riding the turning tides of time as gracefully as their music traverses its consistently emotionally-charged themes. Now, almost two decades later, they continue to navigate the Filipino music underground against all odds, evolving with the times while staying true to who they are.

Following their reformation into a duo this 2024, We Are Imaginary — now composed of siblings Ahmad Tanji (vocals and guitars) and Khalid Tanji (guitars) — are embracing change with open arms. As they welcome a brand-new chapter with their latest single, the heartache-driven “Pinkish Hue,” the duo are heading into the new year with an exciting vision for the future. Specifically, their forthcoming fifth full-length album.

With this, Billboard Philippines caught up with the Tanji brothers to discuss their journey as a band in the last 16 years, the creation of “Pinkish Hue” and their new album, the realities of being “indie,” and what lies ahead as they go into 2025.

Photographed by Chealsy Dale

Billboard Philippines: We Are Imaginary just released your latest single “Pinkish Hue,” marking a new chapter in your nearly two-decade journey as a band. How does it feel to have finally put this song out into the world, especially now that the band is moving forward as a duo?

Khalid: Overwhelming! We’re thrilled because the song turned out exactly how we envisioned it, even surpassing our expectations. It’s been years since our last release, so we’re ecstatic to finally share a new song.

Ahmad: I didn’t expect the loud and positive reception, to be honest. I mean we are always proud and unapologetic of what we write, but sometimes, a little external validation doesn’t hurt so thank you to those who are still tuned in. This new chapter, I admit, is a little scary as it feels like starting over once again. What can you do but ride with the change?

Quickly take us behind the creation of “Pinkish Hue” and your upcoming fifth album from start to finish. In particular, tell us about the dynamic of working together as a duo now compared to before where you had more members involved. In what ways has it streamlined the process of bringing songs to life? Oppositely, what have been, if any, the challenges involved in writing music now that the band is a duo? 

Khalid: I don’t think there was much difference in our process. Ahmad always has a bag of great songs to work on. This time, I had a few of my own. We share our stuff using phone recordings then give everyone the liberty to figure out their parts.

Ahmad: The album (and the single) was still done with longtime bassist Vhall Bugtong (who left for Canada this year). We had Jerros Dolino (of Megumi Acorda and spacedog spacecat) on board handling drum duties too, so this version of the band is a killer. I think the main difference is we had preproduction for a year before choosing the songs that will make the album. That gave us enough time to focus on the arrangement.

Khalid: Plus, with everyone juggling full-time jobs, one of our main challenges is finding the time to complete the production and recording.

Ahmad: “Pinkish Hue” was written way back 2015 and was supposed to be for my other project. It is moodier than our usual stuff, with less words than my signature style. That change somehow gave WAI the inspiration to make it sound the way it did.

Talking about dynamics, we also got mellow by age, so everything is just more open and confident in terms of communication and our contribution to the band.

Photographed by Max Santos

Going back to your forthcoming fifth album, what can your old, longtime fans as well as your newer listeners expect from the brand-new songs? In what ways would you say it’s different from your past releases, especially when compared to Swan Songs for Drifters? 

Khalid: I haven’t listened to the album’s final version yet, but I think it’s noisier than the previous one. Blending noise with pop sensibility, and adding that romantic view of a sad reality.

Ahmad: Heavier. Moodier. More space to breathe? I like to say we got all facets of indie rock covered on this one. Plus, with (producer) Joey Santos on deck, we know we are in good hands.

The album is also set to be released on vinyl. What was the reasoning or motivation behind putting out your forthcoming album in this format? For the band, what importance does releasing on physical media have for you and your craft? 

Khalid: We jumped at the chance to get the album on vinyl when it was offered by Rick Olivares of Eikon Records Philippines. I’m convinced these songs are vinyl-worthy and will be enjoyed by longtime listeners of our sound.

Ahmad: Being a collector, it is indeed a privilege. And I don’t know, but this set of songs needs the aural limits and warmth of a record player — whatever that means. (Laughs)

Khalid: The pressure of being released in this format also made us more meticulous in the recording process.

Photographed by Chealsy Dale

When speaking of your journey as a band, how does it feel to have been around, pursuing your craft, and sharing your music for almost 20 years now? When you started back in 2008, did you ever expect to last this long? 

Khalid: I feel old, but it’s rewarding. I’m always learning — that includes studying more guitar tricks and keeping up with the latest music technology. It’s also inspiring to see so many talented young bands producing great music, which pushes us to do our best.

Ahmad: With the lineup changes and challenges of being a working class citizen, I honestly did not think we will be going this long. But I am glad we are still here. And it is surprising to find people who still want to listen after 16 years.

From that journey, what can you say have been the most valuable lessons you’ve learned as musicians and performers that you believe the young indie artists of today deserve to know? 

Khalid: Learn about how the music business works here and laws regarding music copyrighting and ownership. Read the contract before you get too excited. Do not be complacent on what you have [and] what you know, continue to learn your instrument, and how to properly mix your sound. Lastly, practice and practice until you perfect your sound.

Ahmad: This advice is something I always give to fellow songwriters: try to finish school and get a decent job, away from your music. This way, you can pay all your bills and other responsibilities, resulting in you being more genuine with what you write and keep your focus on not chasing trends. 

Finally, aside from the release of more new songs and your fifth album, what else can we expect from We Are Imaginary this 2025?

Khalid: We’re all out about making music and sharing it with the world. I’m hoping we’ll get to play for other countries next year.

Ahmad: Definitely a kick-ass album. Maybe a music video or three. And more gigs in and out of the country, hopefully.

Listen to We Are Imaginary’s “Pinkish Hue” below: