Clarity Liao Shows Emotional Depth Beyond Her Years With “Hurt My Heart”

San Francisco’s Clarity Liao is only 12 years old, and yet her latest single, “Hurt My Heart,” already showcases a maturity most artists spend years trying to reach. The track blends indie pop, R&B, and even touches of modern doo-wop, all wrapped around a heartfelt story of betrayal and loneliness. Written and recorded solo in the studio, it’s a glimpse of Clarity stepping confidently from her role as principal songwriter in the award-winning band Navillera into her solo journey.

From the opening chords, it’s clear this isn’t just a young artist experimenting, Clarity’s technical chops are impressive. Complex chord progressions, layered vocals, and emotive phrasing all come together to make the song feel both intimate and powerful. Lyrically, it’s raw and relatable, inspired by her past self and the pain of watching someone she cared about suffer: “I wrote this song for you, cus it hurt my heart to see you cry.”

Influences from Olivia Rodrigo, Bruno Mars, and Regina Spektor mingle with echoes of Celine Dion and Frankie Valli, giving the track a timeless quality while remaining unmistakably modern. “Hurt My Heart” captures Clarity’s fearless approach to music, she’s not afraid to confront vulnerability or pour everything she has into her songs.

This single is just the start of her solo chapter and a taste of what to expect from her forthcoming EP, Dear…, which promises to explore love, jealousy, and loss across a genre-spanning soundscape. If this track is any indication, Clarity Liao is a name to watch, she’s already proving that age is just a number when it comes to talent and emotional resonance.

Stream it here: