British-Brazilian singer-songwriter Liana Flores says that she wishes for the rain, “because it makes the flowers grow.”
Her debut album, naturally titled “Flower of the soul,” captures Liana’s whimsical nature as she guides listeners through a dark fairytale-esque collection of graceful melodies accompanied by poetic prose.
Liana’s peaceful yet wandering sound, while unique, can be compared to fellow indie pop artists like Mitski and TV Girl. Instrumentally, the album reminds listeners of musicians like Laufey, who Liana opened for in the 2022 “Everything I Know About Love” Europe tour.
“I’m terrified of performing,” Liana admitted. Opening for Laufey helped her overcome those fears, she said.
As well as fellow contemporary artists like Laufey, Liana finds inspiration in literature and media.
She looks at gothic fantasy, anywhere from the animated musical-fantasy Corpse Bride to the vampire romance Twilight. She sneaks Tim Burton-inspired melodrama into her music videos.
Books like Rebecca and Jane Eyre, stories about women's grief and longing during their progression into adulthood, helped Liana envision the world where she created “Flower of the soul.”
“Castles, thunderstorms, gothic romances, [and] obsession,” were some of Liana’s key motivations in forming her artistic vision.
When asked by FeverDreamZine what she finds to be the most necessary aspect in keeping her creativity flowing while working in a tough industry, Liana answered that she is always listening to music.
“I find listening to a lot of different stuff—hmm, what have I been listening to lately?” Liana said, pausing for a moment to open her Spotify account. “Oh, Thievery Corporation.”
The single “I wish for the rain” casts a warm and melodic image of missing a past love, wanting to fill the emptiness that lingers. Lyrics like “I wish for the rain whenever you go / And I’m digging my grave after the show” bring to life the nostalgic, melancholic feeling that Liana writes about in her songs.
Liana described “I wish for the rain” as the representation of a shift in her composing style. This refined personalization in songwriting shines through when listening to “Flower of the soul,” which feels like a magical forest made up of Liana’s emotions.
In the “Nightvisions” music video, Liana further explores this mystical worldbuilding as she frolics through a forest wearing a Victorian Era-esque gown. Hues of grays and blues with themes of flora, an eerie sense of nostalgia, and vintage cinematography are a reflection of Liana’s powerful imagination and incredible storytelling skills.
“Silver wings blossom through my skin / My soul floats out of the window / For I am a woman in love,” Liana sings in the video, describing the feeling of experiencing dreams that blur the lines of fantasy and reality.
“Flower of the soul” features beautiful storytelling and worldbuilding elements that, both lyrically and musically, creates a portrayal of eerie wistfulness and gothic enchantment. For lovers of exploration, fantasy, and self-reflection, Liana Flores’ music is a perfect world to escape to.
Listen to “Flower of the soul!” HERE