With the prevalence of music streaming and digital recording, just about anybody can become a recording artist, especially when you have the proper resources, right connection, and – if we must be strict about it – real talent.
Not everyone though has the noblest of purposes to become one.
Luis Harder, a tech CEO by profession, a creative lensman in his free time, and the president of Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) has another specific role that led him to an artist slot on Spotify and other popular music platforms of the current age: he is the father of Adeline Lois, a child with down syndrome.
The man who does everything for his family and serves as a leader for a community challenged by fate but standing strong through faith just dropped on digital platforms a song, his composition which he sang himself, best capturing the themes in their lives as father and daughter.
The track is called “Ang Pag-ibig, Walang Kapintasan,” which came out last month (Nov. 17) in time for the birthday of her now-teenage daughter. It quickly took the shape of what a theme song for families addressing life-raising children with special needs must be. Its Tagalog lyrics are deeply relatable to those who gallantly understand what it takes to have someone in the family born differently.
“With this song, I was able to summarize my experiences as a parent and express the depth of the emotions I have for my daughter Adeline Lois,” shared Harder who also acknowledges the presence of his wife Sannie as vital to his personal triumph.
At first, he searched for someone else to sing his composition, until the song’s record producer and arranger Aubrey Alamani convinced him to sing it himself, implying “no one else could better interpret it.”
Harder noted, “Literally my world turned into mere black, white, and gray when we found out our daughter’s condition. Hindi namin alam ang gagawin, that fear of the unknown. But then God has opened new windows and doors and we started realizing something good is coming out of our situation. Pakiramdam kong merong kanta that needed to be written down.”
I’ve seen some made men buy musical instruments, start playing and singing because they can afford and do it, and as a way of rewarding themselves after years of hard work.
But Luis, a cousin of actress Carmi Martin whom I met in my time profiling top photographers – professional and hobbyist – has innate talent, delivering when inspiration strikes.
The multi-hyphenate gentleman has an interesting backstory in music, too. In college he used to perform in a band and continuously gigged during his 20s, going around folk houses in Metro Manila, and provincial places like Baguio and Dagupan.
Prior to setting aside music to focus on business and family life, Harder had already developed his musical skills that included singing, bass playing, and songwriting. He even won in a songwriting tilt with a piece entitled “Isang Katauhan.”
His musical influences are a line-up of legends, including Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
He reiterated that he really liked playing music and singing, but had to dive into other pursuits, including becoming a worship leader wherein his music found a good avenue.
He said, “As president of DSAPI, I’ve seen and talked with countless number of parents like me and Sannie who have a child with Down Syndrome. Alam ko ang sentiments nila at iisa lang ang pintig ng puso namin.”
He added, “My song also goes to other children with Down Syndrome, and to other children with special needs, whether they belong to Filipino families or from different nationalities. If parents get to sing this song for their children, then the purpose is well-served.”
Luis Harder’s entry into the world of recording is not a one-shot deal. He is working on other songs he wishes to share with everyone. His move should inspire others about the beauty of revisiting your passion for music on a good note.