Syd Hartha
{{Short description|Filipino singer-songwriter (born 2001)}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| image =
| name = Syd Hartha
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2001|10|31}}
| birth_place = Manila, Philippines
| genre = {{hlist|Indie|pop-folk|acoustic}}
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar|}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Musician|singer|songwriter}}
| years_active = 2017—present
| label = Sony Music Philippines
| website = {{URL|https://www.sonymusic.com.ph/artist/syd-hartha/}}
}}
Sonia del Rosario (born October 31, 2001), known professionally as Syd Hartha (stylized in lowercase) is a Filipino singer-songwriter and musician. She released her debut extended play (EP) Gabay, released on March 22, 2023, which features the tracks "Kung Nag-aatubili" (If You’re Reluctant) and "3:15" (with Filipino rapper kiyo).{{Cite web |date=2023-03-23 |title=Syd Hartha shares trauma, personal struggles in debut EP 'Gabay' |url=https://www.philstar.com/music/2023/03/23/2253617/syd-hartha-shares-trauma-personal-struggles-debut-ep-gabay/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.philstar.com |language=en-US}} She is currently signed under Sony Music Philippines.{{Cite web |title=syd hartha |url=https://www.sonymusic.com.ph/artist/syd-hartha/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Sony Music Philippines |language=en-US}}
Early life
Sonia del Rosario was born in Manila, Philippines. The daughter of Eraserheads guitarist Marcus Adoro.{{Cite web |title=Marcus Adoro reaches out to daughter Syd Hartha ahead of Eraserheads reunion concert {{!}} GMA News Online |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/846092/marcus-adoro-reaches-out-to-daughter-syd-hartha-ahead-of-eraserheads-reunion-concert/story/?amp |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.gmanetwork.com}} She began creating music at the age of 12, experimenting with various instruments despite having no formal training.{{Cite web |title=syd hartha |url=https://www.sonymusic.com.ph/artist/syd-hartha/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Sony Music Philippines |language=en-US}}
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.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=4srArEHXBG14aNNx&v=bbY3RlolhFA&feature=youtu.be |title=Kiss Me- Sixpence None The Richer (cover by Syd Hartha Chua) |date=2017-05-18 |last=syd hartha |access-date=2025-03-23 |via=YouTube}} In same year, she released her original tracks "Need You" (Kailangan Kita) and "Sa Dulo" (At the End).{{Cite web |date=2021-01-28 |title=Asia Spotlight: syd hartha on making music for herself on her own pace |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/syd-hartha-collaboration-sarah-barrios-sony-music-philippines-interview-january-2021 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Asia Spotlight: syd hartha on making music for herself on her own pace {{!}} Bandwagon {{!}} Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. |language=en}} She released with her debut single "Paruparo" (Butterfly), and earned her a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2019 MYX Music Awards.{{Cite web |last=Gerona |first=Joshua |date=2024-03-02 |title=SPOTLIGHT: Syd Hartha, empowering women through music |url=https://republicasiamedia.com/ra-spotlight/spotlight-syd-hartha-empowering-women-through-music/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=RepublicAsia Media, Inc. |language=en-US}}
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).{{Cite web |last=Gerona |first=Joshua |date=2024-03-02 |title=SPOTLIGHT: Syd Hartha, empowering women through music |url=https://republicasiamedia.com/ra-spotlight/spotlight-syd-hartha-empowering-women-through-music/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=RepublicAsia Media, Inc. |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=On Healing and Self-Rediscovery: syd hartha Releases Debut EP, ‘gabay’ |url=https://www.wish1075.com/article/syd-hartha-debut-ep-gabay |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.wish1075.com |language=en}}
In 2021, she was featured by Japanese music project Tokimeki Records released a cover of city pop-version "Carnival" by The Cardigans.{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Daniel |date=2021-09-29 |title=Syd Hartha sings disco-infused cover of The Cardigans’ ‘Carnival’ by Tokimeki Records |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/syd-hartha-sings-disco-infused-cover-of-the-cardigans-carnival-by-tokimeki-records-3057515 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Amrie |date=2021-09-30 |title=Syd Hartha is on the city pop version of The Cardigans' 'Carnival' |url=https://preen.ph/127379/syd-hartha-city-pop-version-of-the-cardigans-carnival/amp |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Preen.ph |language=en-US}}
In 2022, she collaborated with former Munimuni vocalist TJ de Ocampo (known as stage name Toneejay) on his single "Bawat Piyesa (Secret Verse Version)".{{Cite web |last=Ng |first=Scott |date=2022-10-28 |title=Toneejay and Syd Hartha release collaborative single 'Bawat Piyesa (Secret Verse version)' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/toneejay-and-syd-hartha-release-collaborative-single-bawat-piyesa-secret-verse-version-3338178 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}
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.{{Cite web |title=Syd Hartha transforms trauma and darkness into healing on debut EP 'Gabay' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/99899/syd-hartha-transforms-trauma-and-darkness-into-healing-on-debut-ep-gabay/story?amp |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.gmanetwork.com}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-23 |title=Syd Hartha shares trauma, personal struggles in debut EP 'Gabay' |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/music/2023/03/23/2253617/syd-hartha-shares-trauma-personal-struggles-debut-ep-gabay/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.philstar.com |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-23 |title=Syd Hartha shares trauma, personal struggles in debut EP 'Gabay' |url=https://www.philstar.com/music/2023/03/23/2253617/syd-hartha-shares-trauma-personal-struggles-debut-ep-gabay/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.philstar.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Urrutia |first=Ian |date=2024-02-22 |title=Syd Hartha On Embracing Pain And Trauma Through Her Music |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/discover/syd-hartha-on-embracing-brokenness-gabay-ep-interview-2024/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=billboardphilippines.com |language=en-US}}
In 2024, she released her new single "Panalangin" (Prayer), a cover of Apo Hiking Society's early 1980s hit.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-18 |title=Folk-pop artist Syd Hartha puts spin on Apo Hiking Society's 'Panalangin' |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/07/18/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/folk-pop-artist-syd-hartha-puts-spin-on-apo-hiking-societys-panalangin/1958050/amp |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=The Manila Times |language=en}} At the 37th Awit Awards, her EP Gabay was nominated for Best Traditional Contemporary Folk Recording.{{Cite web |last=Saenz |first=Rome |date=2024-12-04 |title=Here Is The Full List Of Winners For The Awit Awards 2024 |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/here-are-the-winners-for-the-37th-awit-awards-lola-amour-sb19-bini-2024/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=billboardphilippines.com |language=en-US}}
Syd Hartha was part of the lineup for Globe Music Fest at Sinulog 2025, which also featured Denise Julia, Shoti, and Mandaue Nights.{{Cite web |title=Globe Brings Together Artists for G Music Fest in Sinulog 2025 |url=https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/newsroom/consumer/g-music-fest-sinulog-2025#gref |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.globe.com.ph |language=en-PH}}
Artistry
=Songwriting style and themes=
Rosario'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.{{Cite web |title=PULP MAGAZINE |url=https://pulpmagazine.com/article/long_story/74 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=pulpmagazine.com}}
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."{{Cite web |date=2021-01-28 |title=Asia Spotlight: syd hartha on making music for herself on her own pace |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/syd-hartha-collaboration-sarah-barrios-sony-music-philippines-interview-january-2021 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Asia Spotlight: syd hartha on making music for herself on her own pace {{!}} Bandwagon {{!}} Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. |language=en}}
=Influences=
Rosario cites Lorde and Jhené Aiko as major influences on her music.{{Cite web |title=PULP MAGAZINE |url=https://pulpmagazine.com/article/long_story/74 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=pulpmagazine.com}} Her music is rooted in the acoustic genre, influenced by her mother’s fondness for listening to Paramore during her childhood. She developed a passion for playing instruments, eventually learning to play the guitar and write songs. She has cited Original Pinoy Music (OPM) bands such as Spongecola and Parokya ni Edgar.{{Cite web |last=Mallorca |first=Hannah |title=Syd Hartha sees music as anchor to be honest with her feelings |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/600232/syd-hartha-sees-music-as-anchor-to-be-honest-with-her-feelings/amp |access-date=2025-03-23 |language=en-US}}
Discography
=EPs=
| class="wikitable" | ||
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 |
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+List of singles, with year released and album/EPs name shown ! scope="col" style="width:20em;" | Title ! scope="col" style="width:1em;" | Year ! scope="col" style="width:8em;" | Album/EPs |
| scope="row" | "Tila-tila"
| rowspan="2" | 2018 | — |
|---|
| scope="row" | "Iglap"
| — |
| scope="row" | "Paruparo"
|2019 | — |
| scope="row" | "Kung Nag-aatubili"
| rowspan="2" | 2021 | Gabay |
| scope="row" | "Sana'y Di Nalang"
|— |
| scope="row" | "3:15" (with kiyo)
| 2022 | rowspan="2" | Gabay |
| scope="row" | "Gabay"
|2023 |
| scope="row" | "Panalangin"
| rowspan="2" | 2024 | — |
| scope="row" | "Damdamin!"
| — |
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Authority control}}
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Category:Filipino women pop singers
Category:Filipino women singer-songwriters