Live Report: Liliana brings raw pop ballads to the Hot Press Y&E Series

Aged just 17, singer-songwriter Liliana has already established herself as a thrilling new force in Irish music, following the release of her latest single 'Again', earlier this year.

Inspired by the likes of Dua Lipa, Adele and Olivia Rodrigo, the track follows her debut single, 'What Are We Now?', released in 2021. More recently, Liliana's been busy writing songs, and working with her team to ensure there's plenty more singles in the pipeline.

Kicking off her set with debut single 'What Are We Now?', Liliana is in bright and bubbly form as she explains the meaning behind the track. Exploring a 'situationship' where the connection feels unstable and confusing, the song calls out someone for deliberately using her. With vocals reminiscent of Christina Aguilera at the height of her fame, and more recently, Dua Lipa's sultry tones, the Dubliner is at the top of her game.

Slipping into an unreleased song titled 'Get In Line', Liliana goes down the route of empowering pop ballads as an antidote to heartbreak anthems. Realising that a person is treating you as an option rather than a priority, the track is about realising the strength you truly possess. The likes of Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo clearly inspire the lyricism and vulnerability, but Liliana's voice is one of a kind.

Speaking of the Grammy winning SOUR artist, Liliana offers a cover of Rodrigo's gut-wrenching song 'Traitor' next. Chatting with her livestream audience throughout, her personality easily shines through the screen. Her take on the 2021 single shows off her effortless, honey-toned voice to perfection.

"Badass" number 'Waste of Time', another unreleased gem, follows the gorgeous cover. It's got more punch and bite than her other love songs, adding a layer of fierce passion to the setlist. 'Half of You' is a classic tearjerker, exploring the feeling of worthlessness when you offer your whole self to a person who only gives half back.

Concluding her first ever appearance on the Y&E Series with previous single 'Again', the catchiest of melodies and pop power of the single cements her rising star status in style. Catch her full performance below!

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