Music is perhaps the artistic expression that connects most quickly with our emotions, because in a few minutes it encapsulates stories with which we identify and moments in life that we have gone through, or that we will have to go through.
San Miguel de Allende, as the artistic meeting point it has become, has for years attracted Liah Alonso, a singer-songwriter, actress and yoga instructor whose name is well known by locals and visitors alike, thanks to her emotional and memorable performances in restaurants and hotels in the city. An international personality with a local spirit that we could not miss for our new edition.
The protagonist of LOCAL October 2021
We had the opportunity to exchange a few words and thoughts with Liah, to learn more about her, her passions and the way she made music her compass to travel and live life to the fullest. Read the interview here.
Local: What is your artistic background and how did you know that music was your passion?
Liah: From a very young age, I sang and made up songs… I would put on shows for my family and their guests. This led me to study theater and music. I started with my first instrument, the piano, then trombone, cello, and finally guitar. I wrote a lot of poetry and music to process my experiences as a teenager, but I didn’t share them until I had my first band, WHISPERING MUSE. I started recording music with them in college. During that time I also started playing in clubs and subway stations in New York. I then met a manager and a producer, so I could start recording my music professionally and playing shows and festivals.
Local: What led you to train in a discipline like yoga and enter the world of fitness?
Liah: I have always loved sport and at the age of 4 I started horse riding and competing in horseback riding. It was my passion apart from music! When I was 14 I fell off a horse and the doctors discovered that I had severe scoliosis. This motivated me to study yoga and different forms of exercise to help me strengthen and balance myself. I then went to India to increase my knowledge of yoga beyond the physical benefits. It is a privilege to be able to share these teachings with my clients.
Local: Spiritual practices such as yoga have always been closely linked to artistic expressions such as music. How do you handle these two aspects of yourself on a daily basis?
Liah: For me, musical expression is a spiritual expression. Music, singing, harmonies can be prayers and a way to connect the emotional, physical and spiritual. To a certain extent, music has been a great refuge for me. My latest artistic collaboration combines the teachings of yoga with electronic music. You can listen to the first three singles from this project online: SHINE ON, YOU GOT THIS and LIGHT TO THE UNIVERSE.
Local: How did you get started at SMA and what have you found here that you haven't experienced elsewhere?
Liah: The first time I came to San Miguel was with my family visiting for a meal. My mom is Mexican and she brought me to Mexico often as a child. 7 years ago I came to San Miguel to film a pilot for a reality show. I met many interesting musicians and other people on that trip. Friends from Pila Seca, Los Mariachis Camperos de San Miguel, Gil Gutierrez, Billy White, Klaudia Oliver, Lady Zen, Johnny Favorite, Rodrigo Landeros and many more. These friends invited me to play at their events and festivals… They opened the doors of San Miguel and their hearts to me. I fell in love with San Miguel because of the people and the tranquility and inspiration I found here.
Local: What do you like most about performing in different places in the town? Do you have any special anecdotes that you remember fondly?
Liah: I love the variety of cultures that come together in San Miguel. I sing in English and Spanish at my shows to help bring those cultures together. The audience is always respectful and warm. I love playing at Casa Parque in Sierra Nevada every week because the audience participates in the show, influencing the direction of the show with their participation. A special memory I have was when I led a parade for Casa Dragones Tequila, singing on horseback with mariachi to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Afterwards I got off the horse in the bullring to continue singing and celebrating! It was one of those dreams that could only have been realized in San Miguel de Allende.
Local: What are your favorite things to do in SMA when you're here?
Liah: I like to go horseback riding with my friends from Coyote Canyon Adventures or El Rancho SMA. I like to visit some of the amazing art galleries. I also really enjoy the Tuesday or Sunday flea market at Los Arcos, I usually find lots of treasures. If I want to relax I like to go to La Gruta or walk in the nature that surrounds us.
Local: What advice would you give to all those who want to dedicate their lives to art and do what they are truly passionate about?
Liah: If you want to make art, music, etc., do it because you love it and not because you are dependent on it. Be free, be authentic, and don't be afraid to share your experiences with others.
We thank Liah for all the facilities for this edition of LOCAL. Listen to her music on Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud and Youtube. And follow her on Instagram to learn more about her lifestyle and yoga classes.
Find LOCAL October 2021 in hotels, restaurants, concept stores, galleries and all the hotspots around San Miguel de Allende; and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to find out about new places and everything that's happening in the city. See you next time 'On the Cover'!
