Liahona Olayan Blends Latin Rhythms and Pop Soul in Magnetic New Single “Strum That Guitar”
2 minutes and 19 seconds are enough to notice the magnetic energy of Liahona Olayan. That’s exactly what she shows in her new single, “Strum That Guitar,” a song infused with Latin rhythms and bilingual lyrics, blending to create a danceable, infectious anthem that could easily break into the charts without warning.
Starting modestly, the track builds momentum second by second, layering synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, and more into a sonic construction so Latin it feels like it was crafted in the heart of Puerto Rico.
Packed with bold, high-production details typical of reggaeton, the singer-songwriter proves she’s unafraid to experiment with music. Co-written with Alih Jey De Peña and produced by Grammy-nominated Luigie “Lugo” Gonzalez, “Strum That Guitar” is the first taste of Liahona Olayan’s upcoming debut album, a 12-track project titled “Just Me, Liahona,” set to release later this year under Lioness Records LLC. The single will be followed by “Cállate La Boca,” expected to hit digital platforms in early August.
This creative process took shape after a life-changing volunteer mission in Mexico. The immersive experience not only transformed her perspective but also sparked her deep love for the country’s culture, including its music.
“Leaving behind my music career and my family for 18 months while I served as a missionary in Mexico has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. Being able to teach and help others, to see the joy on their faces, knowing they mattered, and helping to create meaning and purpose in their lives. Being of service to those less fortunate made it all worth the sacrifice. I learned a lot about humility and patience. Now that I can speak Spanish fluently, I have been able to incorporate Latin pop into my music. I can’t wait to share this music with the world and especially with the people of Mexico. I hope to continue to serve them through my music,” she shared.
Liahona Olayan first rose to fame alongside her brother Ammon during their appearance on American Idol, where she earned praise from judges like Katy Perry, who compared her to artists such as Lorde and Alessia Cara, predicting a bright future as a singer-songwriter.
Her performance of the original song “Listen To My Heart” (now known as “I Don’t Wanna Be Alone”) went viral, propelling her career with over 11 million views and earning standing ovations from Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
While her polished vocals and undeniably commercial appeal could place her squarely in the “safe” category, her purposeful artistry and unique life story set her apart from the thousands of voices fighting for plays.
At just 21 years old, Liahona Olayan not only has the experience of leaving everything behind to serve in Mexico but also grew up in a tent on the Big Island of Hawaii, where she connected with her roots and lived off the land.
This fusion of spiritual and organic experiences, paired with a remarkable voice and a rare ability to connect with everything around her, is the perfect recipe for Liahona Olayan to shine as a truly one-of-a-kind artist in a business overrun with copycats.