The night kicked off with an enchanting set from Raquel Martins, who not only opened the show but also plays bass and guitar in Liana Flores’s band. Performing at a sold-out Louisiana, Raquel—an upbeat, sunny singer and guitarist from Portugal—captivated the audience with her charm. Layering beat loops and blending her soulful voice with acoustic guitar, she crafted the perfect atmosphere for the main act.
When Liana Flores took the stage, she radiated an accomplished and relaxed energy. You’d hardly guess this was the debut tour for her first full album, Flower of the Soul, released in June 2024. Drawing on influences from Tom Jobim, Pentangle, ’60s and ’70s folk, and Bossa Nova, her music felt like a unique fusion that was pure delight for the ears. The best way to describe her sound? Imagine if The Wicker Man were set in 1950s Italy. Liana’s voice, at times reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, carried a smooth jazz overtone, effortlessly pulling the audience into scenes she painted through her lyrics. In “Nightvisions,” for instance, she evoked a dreamlike image of walking through a moonlit field in a lace dress, seeking a vampire lover. The band itself was tight, providing a lush backdrop with layers of percussion, keys, and cello.
The crowd was largely made up of supportive, twenty-something fans who whooped and cheered after each song. Liana has clearly cultivated a strong following, not only for her endearing Luna Lovegood-esque charm but also from the viral success of her track “rises the moon,” which has featured in over 500K TikTok videos. Experiencing this song live was a particular highlight—the room fell utterly silent, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Safe to say, I didn’t leave empty-handed; a vinyl copy of her new album now waits for the perfect late-night listen.
Bio: Professional photographer since 2016, specialising in nightlife and live music photography. I’m passionate about supporting grassroots music venues, with notable experience at venues like Thekla, where I’ve had the privilege of capturing both bands and club nights for over 6 years.
Available for: Gigs & Headshots
First Gig Shot: All Saints at the O2 Academy Brixton, 2016
Dream Gig: Paul McCartney, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones
www.davidjeffery-hughesphotography.uk
Instagram: @david_jh_photography
