By: Kaylyn Bell
Q) Who are your musical influences, and did your time in Mexico introduce you to any new inspiring artists?
A) My musical influences are Bruno Mars, Megan Trainor and Alicia Keys. Mexico introduced me to Karol G and La Rosalia and Maluma. I really enjoy their music!
Q) You put your music career on hold to take a missionary journey through Mexico. Why was now the right time for you to step into your own artistry with this first solo song “Que Rico Sola?”
A) I believe God has a plan and a time for everything. I wanted to drop this first single because it was a Spanish/English crossover song and I was able to share not only my love for the people of Mexico but also their language and what I’ve learned there.
Q) What is the story behind your new single? Was there a specific moment that sparked the idea for the song?
A) The story behind my new single comes from me reflecting on my own life and how I’m different from other people. I don’t fit in with this generation in many aspects and I am often judged and criticized for not following the crowd or the majority. But I have learned to accept who I am, and I understand my self-worth and find happiness and joy in my uniqueness. So, this song reflects that feeling of just being happy with who you are and celebrating your uniqueness.
Q) “Que Rico Sola” is about self-worth and being unapologetically yourself. Why was it important to you to share that message through this song?
A) I feel like this message is so empowering and so needed especially in this day and age when everyone is comparing themselves to who they see on social media, and that can get people really down. So, I wanted to encourage others to embrace who you are instead of trying to change yourself to please others.
Q) What are some specific sounds or production choices you used to capture the song’s summery, feel-good tone?
A) I love that I was able to share my Hawaiian heritage with the ukulele that strums in the background the entire song. The ukulele is a happy instrument and makes people smile. The drums give the dance and the reggaeton vibe and that’s really all you need to capture this summer anthem!
Q) As your first solo release, how did creating this song feel different compared to your previous work?
A) I feel like I’ve grown a lot musically and my mission helped me learn and mature a lot. I am also bilingual now and so I was so excited to release this song sharing some of it in the Spanish language.
Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can begin to work on lyrics?
A) It all depends on how I feel. Music speaks to me in different ways. Sometimes I think of the tune first and then the lyrics follow or vice versa. That’s the fun and joy of creating; there is no set way to do it!
Q) “Que Rico Sola” is a song in Spanish and English, different from your prior music. How, if at all, did creating a bilingual song change your approach to songwriting?
A) It expanded my songwriting and my opportunities to build bridges and connect with a whole different audience. When I write bilingual songs, I think about the culture of the people and their music, and I try to incorporate those elements in my songwriting.
Q) People may know you from “American Idol.” How did that experience influence your new music?
A) “American Idol” gave me the opportunity to show the world that I am also a songwriter, and it gave me a chance to become an independent artist and do whatever I wanted. That’s why I enjoy writing in different genres and now in a different language.
Q) “American Idol” judges and viewers connected with your standout songwriting. How do you feel your songwriting has grown from what you shared on the show to what you’re creating in your new music now?
A) I’m definitely older and more mature than when I was on “American Idol.” At that time, I was only sixteen years old. Now, with more experience and especially with learning how to produce my own music, my songwriting skills have reached a whole new level.
Q) Who are some of the contestants you have kept in touch with from the show?
A) My brother! In fact, we wrote a song together in Spanish and English and it will be part of my new album this year. He served a mission himself in Buenos Aires Argentina and just returned a few weeks ago. So now we both speak Spanish and can write together!
Q) Your debut album, Just Me, Liahona, will be coming out later this year. What themes will it explore throughout its 12 tracks?
A) I’m so excited about this album because it really reflects who I am and you will see a lot of my personal struggles, joys, triumphs, my dreams, pain, weaknesses and strengths. You’ll really get to know who I am and it’s Just Me, Liahona. You will see pop, rap, R&B, Latin pop, reggaeton, funk and some ballads. I don’t like to stay in one genre because I love all types of music. I’m proud of this new album and can’t wait for you to hear it!
Q) Who are some artists you would love to collaborate with on music in the future?
A) Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, Ryan Tedder, Julia Michaels, Benny Blanco and Rihanna.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your work?
A) I love you guys so much! Thank you for being with me on this journey and believing in me. You’re the reason why I keep going. Can’t wait to go on tour and meet all of you!