Yaelokre
Yaelokre brings an imaginative blend of intimate folk, surrealism, pop accessibility, visual art, and fable-like storytelling to Union Transfer, with Ben Caplan. The project is the creation of Filipino-Icelandic artist Keath Ósk, who uses they/it pronouns and voices every character in an expansive fictional world called Meadowlark.
The songs follow four masked children—Cole Seymour, Clémente Dearworth, Peregrine August, and Kingsley—who perform together as The Lark. They act as representatives of the Harkers, mythical beings associated with nature, wonder, and chaos. Although the project has a childlike surface, its lyrics also explore gothic horror, the harshness of the natural world, personal struggles, and the lessons that come from growing up.
Yaelokre’s world draws heavily on Keath’s own life and divides different aspects of their childhood among the four Larks. The project emphasizes compassion, courage, open-mindedness, living in the present, learning from the past, and accepting chaos rather than fearing it. Keath’s music, artwork, lore, and voice acting combine into an immersive live experience with a distinctive theatrical and storytelling-driven character.
Since launching in January 2024, Yaelokre has released seven tracks that have accumulated more than 180 million Spotify streams. The project has also developed a highly engaged online community, including 1.5 million TikTok followers, a fan-created wiki, and active fan discussion, art, cosplay, and theories. The upcoming “Composing Colentine” EP is set to include “Cole’s Response” and “Hearken,” along with “Kid & Leveret,” “My farewells to the fields,” and “Bird cage blue and yellow.” The latter incorporates Filipino and Icelandic lyrics in a reflection of Keath’s family heritage.
When: November 23
Showtimes: Not provided
Venue: Union Transfer
With: Ben Caplan
Ages: All ages
Tickets: Price not available
Run time: Not provided
Music and performance: Yaelokre combines folk music, surrealism, pop melodies, illustration, folklore, character performance, and voice acting. The live show is built around the Meadowlark narrative and the four Larks.
Featured material: “Hartebeest,” “Harpy Hare,” “Cole’s Response,” “Hearken,” “Kid & Leveret,” “My farewells to the fields,” and “Bird cage blue and yellow.”
Artist background: Keath Ósk was raised by a Filipino mother who sang in competitions to support the family and an Icelandic father who encouraged an interest in illustration, fantasy, and folklore. Without formal study in music, art, or storytelling, Keath developed their multidisciplinary practice independently. The name Yaelokre is an approximation of “yellow” and “ochre,” colors associated with the nostalgic visual palette of the project.
Accessibility: The venue’s page provides an accessibility assistance phone number, (888) 226-0076. This number is for website accessibility issues and is not a ticketing hotline.