The viral success of the song “Harpy Hare” by Yaelokre feels like a relic from a different century, yet it captured the digital zeitgeist of the 2020s. Driven by the rhythmic strumming of a guitalele—a hybrid of guitar and ukulele—the track opens with the haunting inquiry, “Harpy Hare, where have you buried all your children?” This lullaby, performed by fictional characters from the imaginary world of Meadowlark, features figures adorned in animal masks. What began as an obscure project two years ago transformed into a massive TikTok phenomenon, eventually topping Spotify’s Global Viral Songs chart in the summer of 2024.
At the time of its initial rise, the project was entirely self-produced. Keath Ósk, the Icelandic-Filipino artist behind the creative endeavor, was crafting music and illustrations from their bedroom, drawing from a personal “diary turned storybook.” Today, the project has evolved significantly. Ósk now commands nearly three million monthly listeners on Spotify and recently completed a sold-out tour across the UK and Ireland. Their debut albumForewordwas released under their own name, marking a new chapter for a fanbase comprised largely of Gen Z and queer listeners who actively engage with the lore through fan fiction and elaborate cosplay.
The world of Meadowlark serves as a vessel for themes of bravery, childlike wonder, and resilience. For many followers, the music provides a sense of solace, with some listeners interpreting the lyrics through LGBTQ+ or neurodivergent lenses. The impact of this community is tangible; one parent shared online that their bullied 10-year-old child finally “found her people” while attending a Yaelokre live performance. Ósk, who maintains a playful, earthy aesthetic and speaks with a distinct British accent, notes that the project began as a form of personal escapism. Growing up as a fan of fantasy literature and video games likeSkyrimÓsk initially used the name Yaelokre—a portmanteau of yellow and ochre—to sign their early illustrations.
Ósk’s upbringing was split between the Philippines, specifically Luzon island, and Iceland, where they visited their father’s family. Their background is marked by both hardship and a deep appreciation for Filipino culture. Recalling their childhood, Ósk speaks openly about their family’s financial struggles, noting that their mother often entered regional singing contests to afford necessities like milk. This competitive singing culture, while often a path out of poverty, left a lasting impression on the artist. These experiences inform their musical versatility, which ranges from karaoke-style belting to the rapid-fire, scatter-gun delivery reminiscent of Filipino rapper Gloc-9 on tracks like “And the Hound.”
The transition from a school project about a hare, a goat, a tree, and a baby moose to a professional music career happened rapidly. After deciding that writing a full-length book was too cumbersome, Ósk channeled their storytelling into music. By early 2025, they had signed with Atlantic Records. Since moving to London earlier this year, they have rerecorded 11 original tracks forForewordadding a bolder, more polished sound. This evolution includes a reimagining of Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero,” which they transformed into an epic poem, and the inclusion of Tagalog lyrics to honor their heritage. Ósk views these layers as essential, stating, “I want to be able to represent where I came from.”
Despite the commercial success, Ósk remains protective of their creative boundaries. Earlier this year, they removed two characters from the Meadowlark lore after discovering they were being sexualized by some fans. While some followers misinterpreted the move as a sign of anger, Ósk clarifies that their intention is simply to maintain a safe, wholesome environment. “My one rule is please don’t sexualize any of my characters, because they represent me,” they explain. Looking ahead, Ósk continues to foster this community through initiatives like sustainable clothing swaps at concerts, reinforcing their core mission: “There’s a space for people to learn and to be themselves and to be kind, and to have a community where they don’t feel like they’re alone in this world.” The report also notes that reaching No 1 on Spotify’s Global Viral Songs chart, but two years ago it became an unlikely TikTok hit. The report also notes that wide-eyed, playful, clad entirely in earthy shades of beige, with a messy bleach-blonde mop; they have a surprisingly plummy British accent for a, they don’t share their gender or age but appear to be in their early 20s. The report also notes that as: “My costume has bells [on it], should I remove them for the concert?”. The report also notes that meadowlark’s kids transmit messages of bravery and courage and celebrate childlike wonder in a world determined to stamp it out. The report also notes that they say when we meet in a London cafe for their first proper interview, the project started as a kind of escapism for Ósk.