Filipino singer-songwriter syd hartha makes her highly anticipated return with the release of her new single, “damdamin!,” available today via Sony Music Entertainment.
The evocative track showcases the Awit Award-winning artist’s growth as she embraces the present moment, reconnecting with her sense of self while learning to reciprocate love and affirm her right to happiness.
“Having experienced disappointment and heartbreak in both relationships and life, I used to be weighed down by the anxiety of losing someone or something important to me,” syd reflects. “Letting that fear take over only held me back from experiencing true happiness. Over time, I’ve realized that I can’t predict how long people or situations will stay in my life. Embracing this uncertainty has helped me view every experience as meaningful—something that’s meant to happen for me. I’ve learned that, despite the unknowns, I deserve joy, and I have the right to fully embrace it when it comes.”
“damdamin!” marks a pivotal moment in syd’s ongoing journey of self-discovery. The song, unapologetically about love and its transformative power, speaks to her evolving understanding of how to live in the present. On this track, she sheds the autopilot mindset that once held her back, allowing herself to feel deeply, to confront her emotions with honesty, and to let go of what cannot be changed. In doing so, she embraces the moment without hesitation or inhibition.
As syd explains, the lilting, guitar-driven pop track is a call to pause and savor life, especially the good music and great moments it has to offer.
“Life moves so fast, and it’s easy to let meaningful moments pass us by without fully appreciating them,” she says. “Everything is temporary. Tell the people you love that you love them. Take care of what you have. And when good things come to you, know that they’re a reflection of what you truly deserve.”
For syd, “damdamin!” represents a departure from her usual process of channeling pain and healing into her music. The song began with words taken straight from her personal journal entries, which she then turned into a musical story, crafting chords and melodies to complement its message.
“Writing damdamin! felt deeply fulfilling,” she says. “It started from such a personal place and turned into something that I could share with others. It was a process of growth, and I feel like the song reflects where I am now—at peace with myself, happy in my relationship, and learning to let love and gratitude guide me forward.”
The single also marks a shift in syd’s musical direction. Co-produced by her frequent collaborator Brian Lotho, “damdamin!” features a lighter, more minimalist arrangement than her previous work, with fewer elements to let the song’s core message shine through.
“I was persistent in wanting to keep a distinct Filipino sound in the track,” she adds. “It was important for me to preserve that touch, while still creating something fresh and authentic.”
syd hartha’s “damdamin!” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.