American Idol Alumni, and innovative, Singer, Song writer – Liahona Olayan is so thrilled about her newest single, “Strum That Guitar.” Her debut album, “Just Me, Liahona”, on Lioness Records LLC, will be released later this year.  Just recently returning from a missionary journey throughout Mexico, Liahona brings new bold Latin rhythms to her latest endeavor. It promises to wow both her existing Pop, and now Latin fans around the world. This, get on your feet and dance song, is a guaranteed chart topper. 

Liahona wrote “Strum That Guitar” describing how music can take you to another world.  When the music takes over, you’re no longer in reality.  The sound of the guitar in this song is what gave Liahona this idea, the instrument being the key to another dimension. The chorus is really catchy, and it really makes you want to get up and dance and go strum a guitar.  “Strum That Guitar” was co-written by Alih Jey De Pena. The album was recorded and produced in Los Angeles, with Grammy nominated producer Luigie “Lugo” Gonzalez. Liahona plans on releasing the next single, “Cállate La Boca”, August 8, and the next one August 5. All 12 songs on this album are just sensational.

First things first — “Que Rico Sola” is such an infectious, empowering title. What does being rica sola mean to you, and how does it tie into where you are in life right now?

To me, Que Rico Sola means you don’t have to fit in or be like everyone else to be happy. Life is so much better when you embrace who you truly are. Right now, I’m doing exactly that — especially with my music. My new album reflects a mix of different genres and styles, all representing different aspects of my life and who I am.

You’ve called your missionary experience in Mexico a “blessing” that changed your perspective on everything. What’s one lesson from that journey that most surprised you — and how does it show up in your music today?

It taught me so much about the power of faith. When we have faith in God, nothing is impossible. That message resonates in several songs on my album, telling the story of how I’ve overcome trials, how I dealt with loneliness, and how I stayed resilient even after being knocked down by others.

Your sound now folds in Latin pop alongside your already eclectic mash-up of pop, soul, hip-hop, and faith-based music. How did learning Spanish and immersing yourself in Mexican culture spark that shift in your creative process?

Living in Mexico and learning Spanish was like stepping into another world — it was so exciting, and I felt like I was on an incredible adventure! I was able to pick up the language in just three months. Through much prayer, faith, and humility, God gave me the ability to learn Spanish quickly so I could share His message of hope. I was eager to incorporate the Spanish language and Latin pop into my new music, and it’s been such a fun journey!

This album marks your first solo project after so many years of sharing the spotlight with your brother Ammon. How does it feel to step fully into your own artistic voice — liberating? Scary? Both?

I love it! It feels so liberating because I can really lean into my own sound and style. My brother will definitely collaborate with me more in the future — in fact, one of the songs on my new album actually features him. I’m excited to share the stage with him again!

You’ve worked with Grammy-nominated producer Luigie “Lugo” Gonzalez and co-writer Alih Jey De Peña on this record. What was the studio energy like while bringing “Que Rico Sola” and the rest of the album to life?

The energy was amazing! Being able to work with such talented people is a huge blessing. We had so much fun, and we’re all really excited about this project!

You grew up in a tent in Hawaii, writing songs and living close to the land. How does that experience still ground you in an industry that can feel anything but?

That was definitely a humbling time, and having nothing reminds me that everything I have now is because of God. All the glory goes to Him, and I’ll always remember that.

Faith clearly plays a huge role in who you are, but you also speak about bringing contemporary confidence — and even a little sass — to your music. How do you balance spirituality with this bold pop persona?

By remembering who I am and where all my blessings come from. I can be bold, sassy, and have fun while still keeping it clean. What I wear, how I speak, and what I sing about all play a big role in keeping myself grounded and spiritually minded.

Katy Perry famously compared you to Lorde and Alessia Cara back on Idol, and now you’re carving out a sound all your own. Looking back at that moment, how do you feel you’ve grown as a songwriter and performer since then?

I’ve grown and changed in so many ways — that was six years ago! Now I can produce my own music, and my writing has matured through all the life experiences I’ve had. I’m also much more confident and comfortable onstage. I’m performing a concert on October 10 after my full album drops, and I can’t wait!

You’ve said you want this music to especially reach the people of Mexico. What message do you hope Mexican fans hear when they listen to “Que Rico Sola”?

I want them to hear that I love them as a people — I love their culture, their music, their food, their language — and I hope to continue to serve them through my music.

Finally — you’ve already announced follow-up singles like “Strum That Guitar” and “Cállate La Boca.” How would you sum up the journey this debut album takes listeners on, in just three words?

Fun, free-spirited, spontaneous.