Lianna Gutierrez is a knockout young singer of Filipina descent who is generating an amazing buzz as a protégé of the great Patti Austin. Born and raised in Sylmar California, she is a pop vocalist with a powerful range, a sunny spirit and the drive to make all of her dreams come true.
Lianna admires superstars Michael Jackson and Beyonce’ Knowles because of the way they transform from down to earth people into fiery performers the minute they hit the stage. Lianna is diligently developing her songwriting, plus taking acting and dance classes (ballet, jazz, and hip hop-pop) with a focus on becoming an all-around entertainer.
Lianna began singing during family karaoke, her favorite songs being “My Heart Will Go On (Titanic)” by Celine Dion and “Dancing Queen” by Abba. She made her debut at age 9 singing the Filipino classic “If Only” for a Mother’s Day assembly. She was so nervous that she tripped but picked herself right up and continued to sing, much to the delight (and relief) of the audience. By next year, she won her first of many trophies: “Pop Star Kid,” which she still displays proudly in her home. She has gone on to become an acclaimed and award-winning singer, performing a wide repertoire that spans from classical material such as “Ave Maria” to “Through the Fire” by Chaka Khan to Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” (complete with choreography). She has performed on the stage of Walt Disney Hall with the Los Angeles Master Chorale directed by Grant Gershon. Proud of her roots, Lianna has also performed with international Filipino talents such as Gabby Concepcion, Bernardo Bernardo, and the Pinoy Dream Academy.
Among the most current achievements is a remarkable new song of inspiration titled “Over My Shoulder” that Lianna recorded with Patti Austin – a once in a lifetime experience that motivated her to new heights. The musical arrangement was handled by Greg Phillinganes, who was Michael Jackson’s Musical Director on the road – a thrill. Using skills she honed over the last several years on the family computer and moviemaker program, Lianna personally edited the video for this song from footage that her father captured in North Carolina during a motivational conference for Power Girls – a mentorship program for girls led by powerful women – for which this song was created.
Commenting on what she would most like to accomplish with her music, Lianna shares, “I would simply like for people to relate to my songs…especially girls my age. I want them to know that they don’t have to try to be someone they’re not…that it’s cool to be yourself and proud of who you are as an individual. I want to be a part of the new group of singers like Taylor Swift that are making fun music that matters.”
When she’s not working to be a peerless entertainer, Lianna can usually be found shopping up a storm at the nearest Urban Outfitters…and keeping up with Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers!
(November 2009)
A Mentor. Something that every girl my age wants but doesn’t speak about. Why? I don’t know. Maybe they don’t want to admit it or maybe they’re embarrassed to ask for advice. Having Patti Austin as my mentor has helped me not only with my singing, but as a person. She told me to always stay humble and never change. Seeing her in the studio helped me see who she really was; funny, humble, and extremely down-to-earth. Recording “Over My Shoulder” was a really thrilling experience. I got more comfortable in the studio and actually got to know Patti. One thing that I learned: once she enters a room, there will be non-stop laughter. We had a blast! Laughing and joking around, it got so bad that we had to stop our selves mentally and get back into focus mode.
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