San Francisco-based prodigy Clarity Liao is making waves as she steps into the solo spotlight with her latest single, Hurt My Heart. Written and recorded at just 12 years old, the track blends vulnerability, technical skill, and deeply personal storytelling, signaling a young artist with the rare ability to marry emotional honesty with musical sophistication. It’s a song that invites listeners in, tugging at the heartstrings while showcasing Clarity’s growing command of her craft.
Music has been a part of Clarity’s life almost since she could hold a pencil. Composing since age seven and skilled on piano and guitar, she first garnered attention as the principal songwriter for award-winning band Navillera. Singles like Too Young and I Need You earned her national recognition, and now she turns her focus to her solo work, exploring genres from indie pop to R&B, bedroom pop, and modern doo-wop on her upcoming EP, Dear….
Hurt My Heart is both intimate and technically impressive. Inspired by a younger version of herself who experienced betrayal and loneliness, the song captures the pain of seeing someone close suffer. “I wrote this song for you, cus it hurt my heart to see you cry,” Clarity shares, translating raw emotion into a melody that’s as intricate as it is heartfelt. Complex chord progressions and layered vocal arrangements highlight her budding musical maturity.
Her influences range from contemporary powerhouses like Olivia Rodrigo and Bruno Mars to timeless legends such as Celine Dion and Frankie Valli. Yet, Clarity’s voice—both literally and artistically—remains distinctly her own. Hurt My Heart reflects not only her technical prowess but also her fearless approach to storytelling, embracing authenticity even when the subject matter is painful or personal.
With Hurt My Heart, Clarity Liao cements her emergence as a solo artist to watch. The track offers a first glimpse into an introspective, genre-blending EP, showcasing a talent that’s both precocious and profoundly relatable. At such a young age, Clarity isn’t just finding her voice—she’s defining it, one emotionally charged note at a time.
