Rising pop voice Clarity Liao continues her steady ascent with the release of her newest single, ‘Like I Do’, a haunting piano-led ballad that showcases the emotional clarity and songwriting maturity that have quickly become her trademark.
Based in San Francisco, the young singer-songwriter has been gaining attention for her ability to translate complex feelings into intimate, melodic storytelling. ‘Like I Do’ follows her poignant alt-pop debut ‘Hurt My Heart’, expanding on the sonic identity she’s begun carving out as a solo artist after her early success as a band songwriter.
Built around a sparse piano arrangement and delicate production, the track places Liao’s expressive vocals front and centre. The song explores the quiet ache of unrequited love through the evocative image of wandering endlessly through a desert — a metaphor that gives the ballad its emotional pull. The stripped-back arrangement allows every lyrical detail to resonate, highlighting the kind of reflective songwriting more commonly associated with artists far beyond her years.
The origins of the song are surprisingly humble. What began as a simple piece of schoolwork gradually transformed into a fully realised studio recording.
“‘Like I Do’ was a song written just as homework given from my English tutor at first. The song really brought out my emotions from the current situation I was in at the time, also exploring a genre I’ve been liking but never really got to pursue, so I decided to take it to the studio. This song has so far been one of my favourite tracks to sing and listen to, also being one of the best expressed in my lyrics.”
Liao’s relationship with music began early. She started composing at just seven years old, honing her skills on both piano and guitar before stepping into the spotlight as principal songwriter for the award-winning band Navillera. Their 2024 debut single ‘Too Young’ won the Yamaha National Best Popular Music Award, while follow-up track ‘I Need You’ took first place in the 2025 YMS National Composers competition.
Her solo work suggests an artist determined to explore a broader creative identity. Tracks like ‘Hurt My Heart’, written and recorded when she was just 12, demonstrate both technical precision and a striking level of emotional self-awareness.
Musically, Liao draws from a wide range of influences. Contemporary pop voices like Olivia Rodrigo and Bruno Marssit alongside timeless inspirations such as Celine Dion and Frankie Valli. The result is a style that blends indie pop, R&B, bedroom pop and subtle hints of modern doo-wop — a mix that feels both current and classic.
‘Like I Do’ also offers the first glimpse into her upcoming EP, Dear…, a project set to explore love, jealousy and loss through diaristic storytelling and polished pop production.
If the new single is any indication, Clarity Liao isn’t just another promising newcomer. With a voice that balances vulnerability and quiet confidence, she’s emerging as a songwriter capable of connecting deeply with listeners across generations — and ‘Like I Do’ may be the moment the wider pop world begins to take notice.
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