Music career
In 2017, Syd Hartha began posting videos on YouTube, featuring song covers such as "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None The Richer, which was the first video she uploaded. [5] In same year, she released her original tracks "Need You" (Kailangan Kita) and "Sa Dulo" (At the End). [6] She released with her debut single "Paruparo" (Butterfly), and earned her a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2020 MYX Music Awards. [7]
In 2018, she broke into the music scene with "Tila Tila" (Like a Star). She evolved into a songwriter unafraid to showcase "unguarded moments of vulnerability with captivating rawness" through tracks such as "Ayaw" (Don't Want), "Paruparo", and "Hiwaga" (Mystery). [8] [9]
In 2021, she was featured by Japanese music project Tokimeki Records released a cover of city pop-version "Carnival" by The Cardigans. [10] [11]
In 2022, she collaborated with former Munimuni vocalist TJ de Ocampo (known as stage name Toneejay) on his single "Bawat Piyesa (Secret Verse Version)". [12]
In 2023, she released her debut extended play, Gabay (Guide) under Sony Music Philippines, which explores her personal struggles and journey toward reclaiming her identity. The EP was produced by Brian Lotho. [13] The recording of Gabay was initially scheduled for March 2020 but was delayed for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and personal challenges. [14] The tracks "Kung Nag-aatubili", "Pakay" (Purpose), and "3:15 (featuring kiyo)" were written by herself years ago during a dark period in her life, while the title track "Gabay" and "Lipad" (Fly) were composed during the pandemic. [15] [16]
In 2024, she released her new single "Panalangin" (Prayer), a cover of Apo Hiking Society's early 1980s hit. [17] At the 37th Awit Awards, Gabay was nominated for Best Traditional Contemporary Folk Recording. [18]
Syd Hartha was part of the lineup for Globe Music Fest at Sinulog 2025, which also featured Denise Julia, Shoti, and Mandaue Nights. [19]
Artistry
Songwriting style and themes
Hartha's music blends elements of folk and pop, often characterized by primarily acoustic instrumentation. Her debut EP Gabay, showcases this fusion, chronicling her pains, traumas, and musings as a young woman. [20]
She is known for her delicate vocals and lyrical complexity, often exploring themes of abuse, existentialism, and self-forgiveness. Her songs serve as a medium for expressing deeply personal experiences, many of which she admits she has yet to fully heal from. In an interview with Bandwagon , she shared, "There are songs I wrote about experiences I honestly haven’t completely healed from yet and struggle to talk about, but the fact that I’m not just doing all this for myself empowers me and makes me want to fight more." [21]
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