New P-pop group AZTER makes its musical debut with univerZity, a seven-track album that turns the experiences of youth into music, exploring friendship, heartbreak, uncertainty, healing, and self-discovery.
The 12-member group—Kean, Charlie, Tatin, Gee, Alas, Laurence, Wayne, Loyd, Kiel, Gem, Miguel, and Cray—builds a fictional university around the album, with each “classroom” representing different experiences and life lessons.
AZTER’s name draws inspiration from the aster flower, symbolizing blooming, and the idea of a star shining brightly. This reflects the group’s mantra to “blossom like a flower and shine like a star.” The letter “Z” also represents Zodiac, one of the group’s two sub-units alongside AXIS.
The album features seven tracks: “Parang May Mali,” “Kupido,” “Kick Ball Challenge,” “K Dot,” “OTW,” “Unlove You,” and “Boys Night Out.” The songs were composed and produced by Roel Rostata, Patrick Rodriguez, John Reinard Fernandez, Jungee Marcelo, Renz Jomel Salazar, Ron Pangyarihan, Randy Preysto, and AZTER member Gee, with StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos serving as overall producer.
Beyond performing, the members contributed to the album’s music, visuals, concepts, and choreography. Gee wrote and solely composed three songs, while several members worked with their coaches to develop the choreography.
Leading the album is “Parang May Mali,” a track about feeling stuck while holding on to hope for change. The group immediately connected with the song during their listening session and saw it as the perfect introduction to AZTER’s sound.
Through univerZity, AZTER hopes to create music that evolves beyond trends while inspiring young listeners to embrace their individuality, believe in themselves, and pursue their dreams.
AZTER’s univerZity is available now on all major digital streaming platforms.
