Fang-I Liu
Los Angeles, California, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Through all the 5 tracks in the EP, Fang-I provides us an amazing introduction to her world... Her music is more in the style of pop rock, both sensitive and powerful and full of sincerity. Her voice is charming and elegant, fits perfectly and smoothly with her lyrics. From the very good opening song, Stupid Question, to the more rock-ish China Doll, passing by the passionate Wasted, the melodic Circle or the powerful vocal on Not so bad, you'll listen to the songs with great pleasure. There is also variation in style that will not lock her up with just one genre or into a single archetype. By the way, the excellent production of the EP (thanks to Christian Klikovits and Aj Oliveira) and quality of the instrumentation, provide euphonious music to the listeners because the songs are easily absorbed. This EP breaks away from the usual music, which "kill" listeners' interest. The EP portrays good pop from the early 90's and tainted with a perfect amount of mainstream. Some people would criticize her for not being in the circle of "present-time music", but nevertheless our ears will be charmed by the engaging melodies...I highly recommend you to get the EP of the charming Fang-I Liu and you will understand once you got hold of it. In my opinion it is very good and full of promises in the future to come if she carries on. After reading this review, I hope you know what is left to do.
- SAKURA SUKI (French Website)
Soulful, beautiful inflection, blatantly honest lyrics = Fang-I. I'm in love with this girl. I was immediately taken back to when I fell in love with Jewel's album Pieces of Me. It's something about a soft, sweet voice and straightforward, true to life lyrics that demand people's attention.
Fang-I reminds me of a lot of my favorite artists, Sade, Angel Taylor and Natalie Imbruglia. Her lyrical content is so relatable. I love an artist that takes the time to actually write about real life instead of just giving us fluff covered by really good vocals. This is honest and pure music.
Her falsetto voice is so divine. It sounds like sunlight shining through an open window. She knows just where to go within her range and does it effortlessly... it describes exactly how I felt when I heard Fang-I Liu; a breath of fresh air! If you're a fan of real music, great songwriting and want to hear an amazing artist, listen to Fang-I's Confessions. Sit back and let her take you on her journey. - I Am Entertainment Magazine
...The five track ep story "Confessions" is its official debut record and we can already report that they are not dropped...
There are five good songs on "Confessions". For example, a fine climax to the burgeoning "Stupid Questions" and the uptempo song "China Doll" and "Wasted". In order not to mention the valve 'Not So Bad "with a compelling slide guitar of Ross Bolton.
Fang-I Liu may not have the strongest voice, but it can very well hide the weak points. She knows what she can and can not and they will not breakneck speed out of it. The result: an excellent debut
- Keys And Chords
"First: the line up consisting of many solid session players headed up by Fang I-Liu herself. Second: Her look and spirit will no doubt mystify many Westerners as she possesses a very striking “China Doll” look. Third: Her voice possessing a clear as a bell vibrato via top flight passion play. Yes all of this makes for deadly combination… Amazing nonetheless with a polished sounding presentation to boot. .. What I do like most about the CD is there is no attempt at delivering “Shinny Happy People” feel good grooves under duress. Fang I-Liu had the courage to write and sing about subjects that go much deeper than that. I give her allot of credit for this direction...“Confessions” is an endearing album that is powerful and honest in it’s posture… Time will tell but I can honestly say this is one artist that had a lot of potential her in the West. " - indiemindy
"Fang I-Liu is a native of Taiwan and possesses a striking look. From start to finish this EP from Fang I-Liu is very pleasurable. It has a very soothing Pop Rock and Rock quality to it. It's clearly marketed for those who like a female fronted singer with a mystique of say a Jody Watley, Cathy Dennis and Sheena Easton. Fang I-Liu is armed with many impressive attributes - voice, look and persona… All pieces have amazing feel. Within each one of these compositions Fang I-Liu finds her soul and delivers amazing vocal performances. Her band is spot on and just makes the whole EP even more enjoyable. Fang I-Liu is not afraid of baring her soul so to speak. All songs are very honest and passionate showcasing an amazing spirit...I see Fang I-Liu as an undiscovered diamond in the rough. I am eager to hear what a fully loaded CD will sound like. " - Musicemissions.com
"Confessions by Fang I-Liu is an impressive collection of music. Fang I-Liu has star quality and is a marquee talent. She has all the vocal talent and sex appeal required of an artist. Her musical personality shines on with a rare brilliance comparable to a priceless gem. Her vocal abilities clearly set a high standard within this genre and the more you listen to her the more she will reveal herself to you. Impressive playing and writing ... very passionate melodic-pop ... upbeat, emotional and easy to groove to. Very much like life itself this EP personifies the human experience, with music that are 100% honest, pure and genuine A remarkably consistent, well rounded EP. Honorable mentions go out to the remarkable vocal presence of Fang I-Liu and all the behind the scenes production work from the band and the Producers involved. " - IndieShark.com
"…Give me something new, something raw, something that’s pushes the envelope with a fresh sound that doesn’t leave it soul at the door... So across my desk slides the new CD by Fang I-Liu entitled “Confessions”. What I heard put a smile on my face. It’s a nice easy flowing record that delivers solid songwriting with an amazing voice. This is what I am talking about – yes an amazing voice for a change. Fang I-Liu reminds me of a Taiwanese version of Natalie Imbruglia, Sade, and even Nora Jones. “Confessions” It’s a record that gives us a fresh glimpse at an amazing Artist from Taiwan who now resides in LA. She also takes us back a few years – before everything started sounding like – well Nikelback and even singers like Brittney Spears." - Skope
"Her voice is classy, warm to the ears. Her talent is crystal clear, her voice is versatile and perfect for these songs. She can reach the higher notes and always remains warm and emotional. This is not something very common nowadays when vocal extension is very often privileged compared to emotional interpretation. She reminds me of Norah Jones and the early Sinead O’Connor. The production is of a very high level…Clear instrumentation accompany a brilliant and crystal voice. I would suggest this cd to all the people that would love take a little journey with an intriguing voice and maybe close their eyes and let the music take them somewhere else. " - The Muse's Muse
…She has an impressive vibrato and falsetto to boot…She's got a spicy look, infectious persona and strong vocal presence. I would describe Fang-I Liu as infectious, vulnerable, and passionate… The production quality is impressive and the musicianship of everyone involved is clearly above the bar…The music is highly passionate, uplifting and even seductive… All songs are consistent musical experiences, each one possessing a unique personality, flair, & signature groove. Note for note, song for song this catalogue is rock solid and extremely consistent. The writing and playing abilities of Fang I-Liu and her band are rock solid with melodies and harmonies that are well crafted. The lyrical content is packed to the hilt with conventional wisdom. I look forward to hearing the full length CD soon. - INDIE MUSIC DIGEST
“ Confessions is a nice EP," and calls Fang-I Liu "A talented vocalist and songwriter ... influenced by artists like Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, Alanis Morissette, and Sarah McLachlan. It’s too bad that they no longer have the Lilith Fair otherwise I’m sure [Liu]’d be performing at the next one. Fang-I Liu has a nice start on her musical career. Hopefully Confessions gets her the attention needed to ... take her to the next level. ”
- MuzikReviews.com
"The sound is major label quality in every way... Fang-I Liu comes across as sincere throughout the album, and her sense of melody is admirable. She’s the girl you want to like. Fang-I Liu explores darker territory and a sultry, lower vocal. The song teeters between Bjork and Avril Lavigne influences. “Confessions”, though it has it’s flaws, is an album of emotional healing and growth. It’s guaranteed to gain Fang-I Liu a loyal fan base as she no doubt focuses on her next batch of expressions...”
- Independent Music Promotions
"The sound is major label quality in every way... Fang-I Liu comes across as sincere throughout the album, and her sense of melody is admirable. She’s the girl you want to like. Fang-I Liu explores darker territory and a sultry, lower vocal. The song teeters between Bjork and Avril Lavigne influences. “Confessions”, though it has it’s flaws, is an album of emotional healing and growth. It’s guaranteed to gain Fang-I Liu a loyal fan base as she no doubt focuses on her next batch of expressions...”
- Independent Music Promotions
"A Sultry and Luring Vocal Quality That's A breath Of Fresh Air" - Lacy aka Uncle Earl
Discography
In 2011, Fang-I Liu finished production of her debut EP ”Confessions” (released in the USA Nov, 2011, © FANGIMUSIC). All songs are written by Fang-I Liu. ”Confessions” is arranged, produced, recorded and mixed by Christian Klikovits & AJ Oliveira. It features performances from many amazing musicians: Keyboards-Christian Klikovits / Guitars-Ross Bolton (Rick Braun, David Benoit, Al Jarreau) / Additional Guitars- AJ Oliveira / Drums-George Dum (David Archuleta, Nick Lachey). Mastered by Dave Collins (Linkin Park, Soundgarden, Ben Harper).
This EP represents Fang’s true feelings, convictions and creativity. Her songs bring you on a journey between delicate heart break and immeasurable inner strength. Her voice—a breathy and beautiful soprano—soars with a lyrical and emotive quality, and her impressive sense of melody flows seamlessly within the sophisticated song structures. The euphonious piano and guitar sound support her underneath, and the drums fit perfectly in the smooth texture. Her style is most easily compared to strong female singer/songwriters such as Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette, Tori Amos, and Sarah McLachlan, but she has succeeded finding her own way to express herself through her music and voice.
Photos
Bio
Los Angeles based and Taiwanese born singer/songwriter Fang-I Liu appears unassuming and quiet, but glows when she smiles, and shines with the brilliance of the sun when she takes the stage and steps up to the microphone. She writes and sings in English and Chinese and demonstrates a beautiful soft-like quality in her sound, which has been influenced by strong female singers such as Sarah McLachlan, Sade, Jewel, Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette and Tori Amos. Her songs are emotional and powerful, and her authentic performances have been known to move her audience to tears. She has just officially released her debut EP ”Confessions” in the US, and all of her original compositions present her true feeling, conviction and creativity. The world will surely take notice of this unique, wonderful and exciting new talent.
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