Independent Filipino artist Kumare Harvey knows what it’s like to spend years chasing opportunities that never seem to come.
For nearly six years, he built his career the way countless independent artists do—writing songs, performing wherever he could, building a following online and hoping the right people would eventually hear what he had to say.
Then everything changed.
Within eight days of joining talent discovery platform MyTalent, Harvey secured international radio support across North and South America, entered discussions that led to a recording agreement with Umbrella Records and began building relationships that would ultimately expand his reach far beyond the Philippines.
For an artist who spent years fighting to be heard, the speed of the breakthrough has been difficult to process.
“It feels surreal because everything is happening so fast,” Harvey told HipHopSince1987.
“As an independent musician, you’re used to waiting months just to release a new single. I’ve been working toward opportunities like this my entire career, and I’ve never been more ready.”
Built From the Ground Up
Harvey’s journey started during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he began writing lyrics and posting performances on TikTok.
What started as a creative outlet quickly evolved into something more.
As his confidence grew, so did his ambitions.
One of the turning points came through Club Euphoria, a collective that gave emerging artists opportunities to perform and develop their craft.
“They were the first people to truly believe in me and gave me opportunities to perform,” Harvey said.
“Those stages became my training ground.”
The exposure eventually led to songwriting opportunities and collaborations with some of the Philippines’ most recognizable entertainers, including Sassa Gurl, Marina Summers and performers associated with Drag Den and Slaysian Royale.
Those experiences helped establish Harvey as both a songwriter and performer while connecting him to one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing creator communities.
From Local Stages to International Airplay
Shortly after joining MyTalent, Harvey’s music began attracting attention outside the Philippines.
His records secured support from radio stations across North and South America while also entering rotation throughout Brazil, one of the world’s largest music markets.
His music is currently receiving support from stations including Ouro Verde FM 105.9, Nova Aliança FM 87.9, AEMULA, Rádio Estilo de Jogo, MAGA FM, Duca FM and several others throughout Brazil.
“It means a lot to me as an artist who simply wanted my voice to be heard,” Harvey said.
“Knowing that people in different countries are listening to my music is something I’m still trying to process.”
The Next Chapter
Harvey’s next release will become the first official project launched through his new partnership with Umbrella Records and MyTalent.
The release is expected to introduce his music to an even larger international audience while serving as a blueprint for how independent artists can leverage community, industry relationships and global distribution to expand beyond their local markets.
Despite the recent success, Harvey says his focus hasn’t changed.
The goal is still growth.
The goal is still creating.
And the goal is still reaching people through music.
Over the next year, he plans to release new music, pursue international collaborations and continue building a career that once seemed impossible.
“My favorite part of being an artist is being in the studio and creating,” Harvey said.
“That’s where the magic happens. The next chapter is going to be bigger, bolder and unapologetically me.”
A Message to Independent Artists
As someone who spent years wondering if his breakthrough would ever come, Harvey believes the biggest challenge facing independent artists is simply finding the right support system.
“The biggest challenge for independent artists is finding community,” he said.
“The creative world is built on relationships. Without support and collaboration, it’s difficult to build a network and grow.”
Today, his music is reaching listeners across multiple continents.
Less than a month ago, he was simply another independent artist uploading his work and hoping someone would notice.
His message to artists chasing their own breakthrough remains simple:
“Just put your work out there.”
“You never know who’s listening.”
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