Bulgaria has already fallen for pop artist Liya. However, her latest single “stupid for your love” will have the world fawning over her.
In order to capture the passionate and euphoric feeling of falling “stupid” in love, Liya collaborated with producer Chengcheng Tang. The two artists experimented with Bulgarian folk-rhythmic motives, pulsing beats, and catchy lyrics, to create a pop anthem that you won’t be able to get out of your head.
We chatted with the Berklee College of Music alum about the making of single, growing up in a musical family, and what fans can expect next!
What inspired your latest single “stupid for your love”?
My relationship with my boyfriend inspired “stupid for your love” and I released it only a few days before our 10th anniversary, which makes the song extra special. I was also inspired to create a project that showcases my mother tongue – Bulgarian. This is the first song I’m releasing that has a Bulgarian section and I am so excited about that.
You worked with producer Chengcheng Tang on this track. How did you get connected and what was it like collaborating?
Me and Chengcheng Tang went to the same school – Berklee College of Music, however we didn’t meet there. We met a little bit after I graduated and clicked right away. I love working with him. “stupid for your love” is the second song we are releasing together. The first one is “dreamhouse” (2022), the music video of which was nominated for Video of The Year at the New England Music Awards.
You grew up in a very musical house-hold. What types of music did you listen to growing up and does that music influence your music today?
Growing up I listened to a lot of different music, mainly classical, rock, jazz and pop. My grandfather played the piano, saxophone and flute and as a tribute to him, I included a flute melody in the first verse of “stupid for your love”. It’s my way of making him part of this song. Yes, I do believe that the music I listened to growing up influenced the music I create now. But I do observe myself growing, developing and shaping my own sound with each release.
You and Chengcheng Tang experimented sonically with the single. For example, the beat is like a heartbeat. Can you share some more about how you got creative with the writing and recording process?
Chengcheng Tang and I always like to challenge ourselves and find ways to get even more creative when working on a song. During a few of our sessions, we spent hours listening to Bulgarian folklore music and drawing inspiration from the beauty it has and the intriguing rhythms Bulgarian folklore has to offer. We put some hidden gems, such as the flute melody as a tribute to my grandfather. My grandfather also played piano, and so does my cousin. They are both incredible piano players, and I grew up around a lot of classical piano played in my home, including the pieces that I had to learn. Me and Chengcheng Tang drew inspiration from that and incorporated a complex classical-style piano melody in the bridge of the song.
If you could set up fans in the perfect environment to listen to the single, what do you imagine it looking like?
The song is intimate, yet makes you want to dance. I think the perfect environment would be wherever the listener feels “safe” — their own secret and sacred place.
What can fans look forward to next?
A music video to “stupid for your love” will be coming out soon, as well as more releases in 2023 and lots of live shows! Your listeners can follow me on social media (@knownasLiya) for more release dates and information!
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
“Your mind is not the holder of truth” I like that one because all of us have moments of doubt and of thoughts that are imposters. It’s important to remind ourselves that our minds don’t always hold the truth.
You can stream the new single here!