In sparkling form on her dazzling bossa nova-inspired new EP, the British-Brazilian singer-songwriter delves into her inspirations, heritage, and the joys of collaboration.
A bittersweet breeze. The trickle of a gentle stream. Blue skies above. A face beams back at you; beneath the warmth, there’s a cool, wistful tinge.
Close your eyes and listen to British-Brazilian songsmith Liana Flores’ wonderful new EP, and the above might begin to feel very familiar. It’s joy and dreams, nostalgia and reflections. Thread together by a web of intricate musicianship, delectable vocals and poignant songwriting. All in all, it’s utterly delightful.
It’s been eight years since the 27-year-old lyricist, vocalist and musician blessed us with her debut project “The Water’s Fine!”, a dainty yet daring depiction of broad sonic ideas. A year later came a second body of work, “recently”, and its mind-bogglingly popular opening track, “rises the moon”, a stripped-back acoustic ballad that currently sits just over 50 million streams shy of a billion.
Flores was quiet on the release front in the early 2020s, until her 2024 debut album, Flower of the soul, cemented her as one of the UK’s most expressive writers and technically proficient guitarists. Now, with a move to London from bucolic Norfolk as the seed of inspiration – as well as a growing exploration of her Brazilian roots through the complexity and syncopation of bossa nova – Flores unveils a new work.
“And so it goes…” is as rewarding a listen as any EP you’ll hear all year. Subtly challenging, remarkably refreshing, beautifully performed, the six-track opus finds its feet from the opening gushing of the title track until the divine melancholy of its closer, “The way I say goodbye”. Speaking on her new project, her heritage and more, Flores dives in below.
Listen to “And so it goes”…
Read the interview…
Hey Liana! How has your summer been? Any highlights?
Hello, it’s been good thank you. I’ve been learning to drive.
You’ve got an immigrant Brazilian mother and a British father in East Anglia. How has your dual heritage shaped you as an artist?
That’s true, and I’m interested in Brazilian and English music. That said, I don’t think my heritage is as much of a factor as other things. The main things that shaped my approach to music to begin with were the isolation of the rural area I grew up in and, therefore, being drawn out of necessity towards any music that was interesting but could be written and played on my own with minimal equipment. Bossa nova and folk music both fit into this category.
You’ve recently collaborated with the likes of bossa nova legend Roberto Menescal and rising star Mei Semones. What do you look for in a collaboration?
I enjoy collaboration; it brings out the uniqueness in what each person has to offer, and mixes them together to create something new.
Congratulations on your new EP, “And so it goes…”, it’s gorgeous. What’s the origin of the title?
The phrase is the title of one of the tracks, and it just ended up sticking. It’s an EP of mostly bossa nova songs, and I think that “And so it goes…” is something relevant both to the loungey, breezy image of bossa nova, and to the British attitude to adversity.
You worked with Paul Butler in recording the EP – how was that creative process?
It was fun. I came to the studio with the songs written, so most of the creative aspect was in the collaboration with the musicians I recorded with, seeing what they brought to the songs with their playing. It was great to record some of the songs with my touring band this time, we have fun together.
Where did the core sonic and thematic influences for the project stem from?
Bossa nova and pop. I wanted to zero in on melodies this time, make something fun and uplifting. In terms of artists: Tom Jobim (and Astrud Gilberto’s interpretations), Margo Guryan, Sergio Mendes, Everything but the Girl, Harry Nilsson, Michel Legrand musical soundtracks
You’re heading out on an accompanying tour this autumn. What can attendees expect from this upcoming run of shows?
A rip-roaring ride through the mystifying world of bossa nova. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will, if you haven’t already, buy a ticket right NOW.
Why music? Why do you create art?
Big questions! I’ve always found music fun and foundational for my identity, a way of making sense of the world. And I create art to connect with people and to attempt to make myself understood. These days it’s also a good excuse for a road trip.
Words – Ben Tibbits
