Liana Flores has the quiet air of someone who’s more comfortable letting her music do the talking. Her debut album Flower of the Soul is a delicate mix of bossa nova, British folk, and ‘60s American pop, but it all somehow feels entirely unique to her.
A theme of transformation runs through this album, and it seems to mirror Liana’s own journey: from a quiet zoology student to a rising musical star, all thanks to an unexpected viral hit.
‘I don’t know about the big comparisons,’ she admits, somewhat self-consciously. ‘But I do love the dreamy, otherworldly qualities of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sometimes I’ll imagine what a party of fairies would be dancing to and try to put that to song.’
It’s a whimsical notion that finds its way into tracks like ‘Orange-coloured Day,’ where the lofty beauty of nature meets meditation. ‘That song is about enjoying a day in nature, but also that dizzying feeling of smallness and transience in the grand scheme,’ she adds.
Her connection to nature is palpable in both her writing and life. ‘I love feeling oneness with the planet through encounters with nature,’ she explains. This closeness has given rise to songs that offer solace and contemplation, grounding her music in a genuine appreciation for the world around her. But it’s not all ethereal musings; her music also reflects the tension and revelations found within these moments.
When I bring up ‘Rises the Moon,’ the song that unexpectedly went viral while she was finishing her degree, Liana is surprisingly frank about the whirlwind that followed. ‘It was a turning point for me in terms of taking music more seriously,’ she admits. ‘Up until that point, I was going to try and find work in zoology research.’ The sudden success was overwhelming.
‘I stayed away from TikTok for a while because I didn’t know what to do with it all. But I’m really grateful. It’s allowed me to pursue music as a career.’ You can sense she’s still adjusting to this quick shift in her life, but there’s a quiet resolve behind her words.
Liana’s music marries genres almost as effortlessly as she chats about them, though she insists there’s no master plan behind it. ‘The genre blend isn’t usually super deliberate,’ she explains. ‘My main focus is whether the song feels right to me.’
Reflecting on ‘Nightvisions’, she goes a bit further: ‘The focus was on combining a folky storytelling lyrical approach with Milton Nascimento-inspired chord changes in the chorus.’ There’s a casualness in her response, as if this mix of influences came naturally rather than through calculated experimentation.
When discussing her evolution as a songwriter, Liana reflects on her earlier work with a touch of self-deprecating humour. ‘My earliest music was driven by raw emotion and a desire to express myself without thinking too much about if it was good,’ she says. ‘I’m a little embarrassed by it now, but also kind of impressed by the lack of creative inhibition, which I can never return to.’
There’s a sense of nostalgia in her words, but also recognition that her approach has become more deliberate over time. ‘Since my second EP, I’ve approached things with more awareness of influences, songcraft, and focus on themes.’
Recording Flower of the Soul marked another big shift, as it was Liana’s first time in a professional studio. Working with renowned producer Noah Georgeson was an eye-opener. ‘It was nerve-wracking at first,’ she admits. ‘Music-making was very solitary to me before, so this was a big change.’
She’s quick to praise the musicians involved, though she’s honest about collaboration still being something she’s getting used to. ‘I like to think I’ve gained confidence as a result,’ she says, though she reflects that collaboration is still a learning process.
Liana’s live shows have taken on a life of their own, with fans dressing in fantasy costumes inspired by her music. When asked about it, she’s modest. ‘It’s just for fun!’ she says. ‘Definitely not unique either, I saw other artists doing similar things.’ Still, she clearly enjoys the sense of community these shows have fostered. ‘People have been meeting friends at shows. It’s really cool.’
As for what’s next, Liana seems more focused on personal growth than chasing the next big hit. ‘I’m excited to continue working on my songwriting and guitar playing, and potentially to write for other artists too.’ It’s clear that while Flower of the Soul marks a significant milestone in her career, Liana is more interested in the journey than the destination.
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