Liamani on Celebrating Her 16th Birthday With Debut Single, ‘Sunkissed’

Today, Oct. 24, marks a very special occasion for singer-songwriter and actress Liamani Segura, who's spending the day not just celebrating her 16th birthday, but also the release of her debut single, "Sunkissed."

But though this is her first release with Def Jam Recordings, there's a good chance you're already familiar with her incredible voice. The self-taught artist has also made a name for herself with various viral singing videos, and also starred as Emmy in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Her work has even won her some high-profile fans including Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey.

Now, fans can also fall in love with her songwriting prowess. "Sunkissed" was written to highlight the magic of the relationship she shares with her beloved older sister (who also stars in the video alongside Liamani), with a shimmery, warm sound befitting its uplifting message. We got the opportunity to chat with Liamani about making music, sisterly love and what's next in the interview below.

An Introduction to Liamani

Liamani: Hi. My name is Liamani Segura and I'm 16 years old. I've been singing my whole life, and music has played such an important role in my life. I've always had a love for singing, and I find myself so happy anytime I get to sing. Everyone says I was born with the gift of singing, and I have always said I got it from God. For the past nine years, I have been on such a fun, and crazy roller coaster and have met some incredible and talented people who have supported me tremendously along the way.

I recently, over the past three years, have learned how to write my own original music, and let me tell you, I love it so much. I feel like the gift of writing is not something everyone knows how to do, and I feel insanely blessed that I can share my thoughts, feelings and desires with the world through music. I always hope to make every single one of my fans and my team and family members proud, in everything I do. I would not be where I am without my wonderful fans. They have been nothing but loving and supportive to me, for as long as I can remember. This musical journey has been amazing, and the world has treated me so kindly. I can't wait for the world to hear what I have in store for them, and I am just so grateful.

(Photo credit: Cindy Romero)

 

The Story Behind 'Sunkissed'

Liamani: I have always wanted to write a song about the relationship that two sisters have. The bond is truly unbreakable. My sister, Anaya, has played a big role in creating this song. We have been the best of friends since birth, and she quite literally is my person that I go to for whatever, whenever, from doing each other's makeup to fighting over who got the pretty characters on Just Dance when we're little to riding our bikes together at grandma's house to gossiping about all of our boy problems, singing our favorite songs at the top of our lungs while driving.

We grew up together and are extremely lucky to have each other in this lifetime. I know that I can always rely on her for anything no matter what, and she'll be there the second I do. I just felt like there wasn't any song that resonated this feeling to me, so I took it into my own hands and brought the concept to the studio with me. I told all of my team members and producers in the room my concept. They asked, "What do you feel like you want to write about today?" and I simply told them everything I felt about the bond/friendship I have with my sissy. They loved the concept and helped me shape it into the beautiful record it is today.

 

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What 'Sunkissed' Means

Liamani: "Sunkissed" is one of my favorite songs I've written so far. I feel this way because not only does it resonate so much with me, but it also touches other people in ways you can't imagine. The first time my manager, family members, Wanyá my partner and head of Def Jam listened to it, they all said this record was so different, and they couldn't put their finger on what it was exactly. They just said that the message was so moving, and that so many others in the world feel this way. The song feels so authentic, original, dreamy, innocent and sweet.

What I love most about "Sunkissed" is that it doesn't have to be about your siblings. It can be about any loved one that has played a significant role in your life and shaped it to what it is. Your person. The one you go to for anything. It can be your mom, your dad, a best friend, a sibling, a boyfriend or girlfriend, anyone. I really put my all into this song. I truly believe that the world is going to love it as much as I do.

 

Liamani's Favorite Lyric

Liamani: This is a hard question for me because of course I love every lyric of the song. I mean, I did write it and it all came from my journal, but I do have a favorite lyric that stands out to me every time. This is, "Pointing at the clouds, making out the shapes. The wind can blow, and they can change but, you and me stay the same."

This lyric has so much meaning behind it. I got the idea of this lyric from memories my sister and I share. We would always go to my grandparents' house, which was in a very quiet neighborhood. This was our place to go to when we wanted the world to quiet down. It was always a second home to us, as we were there every other week, lol, but we would always lay out in the backyard after a long day of swimming and riding our bikes, and we would just watch the sky and point out every single figure we saw in the clouds. We would laugh, gossip and just be in each other's presence. The lyric is special because no matter how much the clouds change while being blown in the wind, the bond my sister and I have will never change.

 

On Celebrating Her 16th Birthday With the Release

Liamani: First, if I'm being completely honest with you, I never imagined myself putting out my first ever single the day of my Sweet 16! It's insane how things change so quickly! But on another note, it's something that I will remember for the rest of my life. It's like literally going down in my history book, as a milestone I got to achieve at 16. I am so excited because even though I'm not going to have a big party and invite all my family members, I'm still going to be with all of my Def Jam team and my parents, celebrating with virgin piña coladas and virgin Shirley temples with extra cherries. I want the fans to know and understand just how much this means to me—that they get to experience it all with me and celebrate all that's yet to come. I have been waiting to release music my whole life it feels like, and I finally get to do this, on my birthday! Who knows, maybe I'll get my first car as a release present (lol).

(Image courtesy of Def Jam Recordings)

 

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What's Next

 

Liamani: I can't tell you exactly what's going to happen, because of course I can't tell the future, but what I can tell you is that whatever the future holds for me is all God's plan and out of my hands. But also, I'm dropping my entire EP soon. I don't know when, but soon! That's so exciting! I can also tell you, that I have a feeling that there's going to be so many amazing, crazy, fun opportunities that happen. I have a feeling everything is going to take off, and I'm just going to enjoy the ride and keep writing music.

 

Final Thoughts on 'Sunkissed'

Liamani: I just hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did creating it!

 

For more on the stories behind our new favorite music, click HERE to read our interview with American Idol alum Jobin Webb on his debut album, Drifter.