Keath Ósk Launches Solo Era with Debut Album ‘Foreword’ and Bold Single ‘And The Hound’

Step into Keath Ósk’s evolving soundscape with the debut solo album ‘Foreword’ and its striking lead single ‘And The Hound’.

If you’ve followed the ethereal artistry of Yaelokre, you’ll know that Keath Ósk is a creative force who thrives on weaving magic through music and visuals. Now, stepping out in their own name, Keath is unveiling a new chapter with the debut solo album Foreword, backed by the dramatically reimagined single ‘And The Hound’ — a sonic journey that feels like a fresh breeze over familiar terrain.

A New Chapter Begins: From Yaelokre to Keath Ósk

Set to drop on September 4 via Atlantic Records, Foreword isn’t just another album; it’s a rebirth. Fans of Yaelokre will recognize the roots — the Filipino-Icelandic singer-songwriter, illustrator, and multimedia creator revisits songs from their earlier catalog, songs that had a soft, acoustic indie-folk vibe enriched with mythological storytelling.

But this time around? Keath Ósk ventures beyond the cozy acoustic textures and immerses the listener in bold, cinematic soundscapes.

“I feel like it’s a really good way to close the first chapter of Yaelokre and introduce me coming into music in my own right.” – Keath Ósk

The subtle, intricate, and otherworldly tones that once defined Yaelokre have been swapped for what Ósk describes as a “beguiling, desert-noir brass backdrop.” Imagine richer, layered instruments — brass, woodwinds — mingling with hints of alt-pop, jazz, and even hip-hop influences. It’s ambitious yet intimate, a true evolution marked by depth and daring.

‘And The Hound’: The Single That Grew Up

The first taste from Foreword comes with the revamped single ‘And The Hound’, which has transformed from its original delicate form into a grand, dramatic anthem. It’s clear that this song holds a special place in Ósk’s heart.

“‘And The Hound’ has always been my favourite out of all of the songs that I released as Yaelokre. I just kept adding more and more into it. I added more lyrics, sang it differently every time, and expanded it. It helped me stay creative, and I felt the need to honor it in this way.” – Keath Ósk

The track’s new incarnation is a testament to growth — both artistic and personal — and it’s impossible not to get swept away by the lush arrangements and the haunting brass that give the song new life.

Check out the official music video here:

Collaborations and Inspirations Behind ‘Foreword’

For this project, Keath Ósk teamed up with London-based writer, producer, and composer Jack Hardman (also known as Good Dog). Together, they expanded the sonic palette with brass instruments and woodwinds, adding layers that nod to alternative pop, hip-hop, and jazz — genres that might seem worlds apart from Ósk’s folk origins but somehow fit seamlessly into this new sound.

In a surprising twist, the album also includes a heartfelt cover of Bonnie Tyler’s iconic ‘80s hit ‘Holding Out For A Hero’. This choice reflects Ósk’s desire not just to reinvent their music but to pay homage to the anthems of youth and the powerful emotions they evoke.

Tracklist: The Full Foreword Experience

• Hartebeest
• Harpy Hare
• And The Hound
• Neath The Grove Is a Heart
• My Farewells To The Fields
• Bird Bage Blue And Yellow
• Kid & Leveret
• To Douse A Scalded Tongue
• Kamahalan
• Keath’s Response
• Hearken
• Holding Out For A Hero

Each title hints at stories and emotions waiting to be uncovered, demonstrating Ósk’s gift for blending the poetic with the theatrical.

On the Road: Tour Dates Announced

To celebrate this new era, Keath Ósk is hitting the road with a world headline tour. Starting October 7 in Europe, the tour will hit cities across Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Spain, the UK, and more — including a much-anticipated show at London’s O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on October 29.

Then, in November, the tour crosses the Atlantic for shows throughout North America, kicking off in Orlando, Florida, and concluding at Houston’s White Oak Music Hall on December 20. It’s a journey designed to bring the lush, immersive sound of Foreword to life on stage.

Europe Tour Highlights (October)

• Oct 7: Gent, Belgium – Club Wintercircus
• Oct 8: Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg
• Oct 9: Hamburg, Germany – Fabrik
• Oct 14: Warsaw, Poland – Progresja
• Oct 22 & 23: Madrid & Barcelona, Spain – Lula Club & Razzmatazz 2
• Oct 29: London, UK – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

North America Tour Highlights (November - December)

• Nov 9: Orlando, FL – The Beacham
• Nov 22: New York, NY – Webster Hall
• Nov 29: Chicago, IL – House of Blues
• Dec 15: Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre
• Dec 20: Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall

Mark your calendars, because these shows promise to be a sensory feast for fans old and new.

A World Built on Myth and Music

Before stepping fully into their solo spotlight, Keath Ósk’s project Yaelokre was celebrated as a “folk-pop troubadour in their own land of make-believe.” The intricate lore of Meadowlark, where four masked children’s stories unfolded, captured imaginations worldwide — so much so that fanart and cosplay flourished alongside the music.

The 2026 essential emerging artists list had already recognized Yaelokre’s unique blend of storytelling and sound, noting the artist’s commitment to worldbuilding and dramatic flair.

“Keath Ósk takes worldbuilding seriously… Yaelokre’s intricate, absorbing universe welcomes fanart and cosplay, and listeners all over the world have obliged with fervour: their first world tour was sold out.”

Now, Foreword acts as a bridge — honoring the past while confidently stepping into a new identity. It’s a creative evolution that invites listeners to journey alongside Keath Ósk as they carve out their own distinct space in the music world.

FAQ

• What is the significance of the album title ‘Foreword’?
  ‘Foreword’ symbolizes a fresh beginning for Keath Ósk as a solo artist, revisiting and reinventing past work while stepping into their own musical identity.
• How does the solo music differ from Yaelokre’s original style?
  While Yaelokre’s sound was rooted in acoustic indie-folk with mythological themes, Keath Ósk’s solo work embraces lush, cinematic arrangements with brass, woodwinds, and influences from alt-pop, jazz, and hip-hop.
• Who collaborated with Keath Ósk on this album?
  Keath Ósk teamed up with Jack Hardman (Good Dog), a London-based producer and composer, to expand the sonic landscape of the album.
• What can fans expect from the ‘And The Hound’ single?
  The single is a dramatic and larger-than-life reimagining of a favorite track, featuring richer arrangements and an expanded lyrical narrative.
• When and where is Keath Ósk touring?
  The world tour kicks off in Europe on October 7, with stops across major cities including London, then moves to North America starting November 9, concluding in Houston on December 20.

Feeling inspired by Keath Ósk’s creative journey? Brighten your space with a favorite album cover poster from our store — a perfect way to celebrate Foreword and keep the music close. Shop here.