A school assignment about fictional children in animal masks has transformed into a global phenomenon, complete with a major record deal and a devoted following of millions. Keath Ósk, the Icelandic-Filipino artist operating under the moniker Yaelokre, has moved from creating music in their bedroom to releasing a debut album and commanding nearly three million monthly listeners on streaming platforms. The project, which centres on the hand-drawn world of Meadowlark, has become a sanctuary for gen Z and queer audiences seeking refuge in a carefully crafted universe of folklore and wonder.
The journey began unexpectedly. In summer 2024, a track called Harpy Hare—featuring fictional child characters singing over a guitalele (a hybrid of guitar and ukulele)—became an unlikely viral sensation on TikTok, climbing to the top of Spotify's Global Viral Songs chart. The song opens with the haunting line
"Harpy Hare, where have you buried all your children?"performed by the masked inhabitants of Ósk's imagined realm, illustrated in delicate, fey artwork. At that moment, Yaelokre existed almost entirely in the shadows: no Reddit community, minimal online presence, and all creative work happening from a bedroom.
The transformation has been swift. Ósk released the five-track EP Composing Colentine in February 2026, followed by the single Hearken, building momentum toward their full-length debut. On 4 September 2026, Foreword arrived as a 12-track album totalling 38 minutes and 19 seconds, released through Atlantic Records UK. The record represents a significant sonic shift from earlier Yaelokre material, with Ósk reinterpreting previously released tracks in a bolder, more expansive arrangement. Last year, they completed a sold-out tour across the UK and Ireland, and they have now stepped into the public eye for the first time, revealing their identity and personal history.
Who is Keath Ósk?
In their first substantial interview, conducted in a London café, Ósk emerges as a thoughtful, playful figure in their early twenties, dressed entirely in earthy beige tones with a bleached-blonde mop of hair. Despite being a recent arrival in the capital, they speak with a distinctly plummy British accent. They do not disclose their gender or precise age, preferring to let their work speak for itself.
Ósk grew up predominantly on Luzon island in the Philippines, with occasional visits to Iceland to see their father's family. They describe a childhood shaped by financial hardship and cultural richness in equal measure.
"I grew up really, really poor,"they explain, noting that their mother would enter regional singing contests to earn money for essentials like milk. This experience left a lasting impression:
"It's such a wonderful and also a sad thing"they reflect on the culture of competitive singing as a path out of poverty.
The influence of Filipino culture runs deep through their artistic identity. Singing occupies a central place in Filipino life, from the ubiquitous home karaoke sessions to the competitive contests that dot the nation.
"You'd know your neighbour was having a birthday party because you could hear their auntie screaming their lungs out."Ósk grew up absorbing this musical tradition alongside their father's passion for fantasy media—video games like Skyrim and fantasy literature shaped their imagination from an early age.
"We are huge nerds!"they say with evident delight.
How did Meadowlark begin?
The Meadowlark universe originated as a school project centred on a simple friendship between four characters: a hare, a goat, a tree, and a baby moose. What began as a modest creative exercise evolved into something far more ambitious. Ósk initially considered writing a traditional book but found themselves daunted by the prospect of constructing a full narrative arc. Instead, they turned to music, discovering that songs could generate their own mythology and emotional resonance without requiring a conventional plot structure.
The project took shape as what Ósk describes as a
"diary turned storybook,"blending personal reflection with fictional worldbuilding. They had long harboured ambitions to become an illustrator for children, and they signed their early artwork with the name Yaelokre—a portmanteau of yellow and ochre. Music arrived as a natural extension of this creative impulse. Ósk practised voice acting obsessively, performing different characters until their mother would catch them talking to themselves and express concern about their wellbeing. This habit of inhabiting multiple voices eventually merged with their love of fables and storytelling, giving birth to the theatrical sound world that now defines Yaelokre.
What makes Meadowlark resonate with listeners?
The characters inhabiting Meadowlark transmit messages of bravery, courage, and childlike wonder in a world determined to suppress such qualities. Ósk's folkloric approach has created a deeply parasocial fandom, with followers discovering solace in this outsider realm. Many listeners, particularly those identifying as LGBTQ+ or neurodivergent, find personal meaning in the music and illustrations. One parent shared online that their 10-year-old child, who had experienced bullying,
"found her people"at a Yaelokre concert—a testament to the community Ósk has cultivated.
The fanbase has grown so devoted that attendees write elaborate fan fiction about Meadowlark's inhabitants and create detailed cosplay costumes inspired by the hand-drawn characters. Questions circulate on Reddit about practical matters—such as whether bells attached to a costume should be removed during performances—reflecting the depth of engagement. This enthusiasm extends to sustainable practices; Ósk stages clothing swaps at live shows, encouraging fans to cherish a sense of wonder while reducing waste.
How does Ósk balance their personal identity with their artistic creation?
The release of Foreword marks a deliberate expansion of Ósk's artistic scope. The album showcases their vocal range across multiple styles: sometimes delivering karaoke-style belting, channelling the Filipino rapper Gloc-9 on the scattered delivery of And the Hound, and reinterpreting Bonnie Tyler's Holding Out for a Hero as an epic poem rather than an 80s power ballad. Ósk also sings in Tagalog throughout the record, a choice rooted in representation and pride.
"I want to be able to represent where I came from,"they say.
"I'm so patriotic. When people ask about my gender, I just go, I'm Filipino …"
This expansion does not signal an abandonment of Meadowlark. Ósk is clear that new music involving the animal mask-wearing characters is in development. However, they are also asserting their own multifaceted identity beyond the project.
"I have so many layers and [Yaelokre] is not my only world. I have my own history and truth outside it. A lot of my young audience are going to grow up with Yaelokre. I grew up with Pinoy hip-hop!"This perspective reflects a maturity about their role as both creator and person.
What challenges has the fandom presented?
Rapid growth has brought complications. Earlier this year, Ósk removed two characters from Meadowlark lore after members of the fanbase began sexualising them. Some fans interpreted this action as a sign of anger, but Ósk rejects that characterisation.
"I want to be able to filter as much as possible so that the community is safe, but I'm not angry. I think people are still learning. My one rule is please don't sexualise any of my characters, because they represent me."This boundary-setting reflects their commitment to maintaining a wholesome space where vulnerable listeners can feel secure.
What happens next for Yaelokre?
A 49-date winter 2026 tour has been announced, with European and UK dates beginning on 7 October 2026, followed by North American shows starting on 9 November 2026. The touring schedule reflects the global reach Ósk has achieved in a remarkably short timeframe.
Beyond the immediate tour cycle, Ósk's vision extends toward something more profound than commercial success.
"There's a space for people to learn and to be themselves and to be kind,"they explain, describing the community they have built.
"and to have a community where they don't feel like they're alone in this world."When asked whether they would have benefited from such a space during their own childhood, the answer is unequivocal:
"Most definitely. Making this story is what I could call my moral compass. It's less about getting into playlists or winning awards and more about reaching the kids who didn't grow up with these principles – I want to be able to share my wisdom and what I've learned."
Key Facts
- Yaelokre's 2024 viral hit "Harpy Hare" reached No 1 on Spotify's Global Viral Songs chart, launching the project from obscurity to mainstream attention
- Keath Ósk, the Icelandic-Filipino artist behind Yaelokre, now commands nearly three million monthly Spotify listeners and has signed with Atlantic Records
- The debut album Foreword, released on 4 September 2026, contains 12 tracks and represents a sonic evolution from earlier Yaelokre material, incorporating Tagalog vocals and diverse musical styles
- Ósk grew up in poverty in the Philippines and draws inspiration from Filipino musical traditions, including competitive singing contests and home karaoke culture
- The Meadowlark universe began as a school project and has evolved into a deeply engaged fandom known for fan fiction, cosplay, and a commitment to maintaining a safe, wholesome community
