By Zach Collier
2025 is coming to a close. It’s been an incredible year full of highs and lows, and our Winter 2025 issue of Provo Music Magazine covers both in equal measure.
In our cover story, Abi Falin Horspool introduces us to Liahona: a Polynesian pop starlet who shares her unconventional journey from a tent in Hawaii to the American Idol stage – and then to two years in Puebla, Mexico before coming home to release her genre and language-bending debut album.
In addition to our cover story, we also have seven reviews of our favorite albums to come out of the Utah music industry in the last several months; a reflection on the loss of hip hop artist Donnie Bonelli and beloved Orem venue The Boardwalk, and Madeline Harris’ examination of Sam Cardon and Gavin McMahan’s music for the award-winning Mormon horror film The Angel from Burgindie Pictures.
Provo Music Magazine can be snagged for free at any of the following locations: Velour Live Music Gallery, Java Junkie, Provo’s Vintage Groove, 3hive Record Lounge, Bill Harris Music, June Audio, and many other shops along Center Street and University Avenue in Provo. A huge thanks to these homegrown Provo businesses for supporting the movement.
Our print editions are also lovingly distributed by local bands as part of our Work For Music program. Special thanks to Michael Barrow & The Tourists and English Budgies for their help in sharing Provo Music Magazine with the mean streets of Provo, Utah. Each print issue is mailed directly to our subscribers. By subscribing, you’re guaranteed access to every new issue and you’re also helping support the local photographers, musicians, writers, and other creatives we work with. Become a Provo Music Magazine subscriber today!
Lastly, we want to give a shout out to our sponsors for this issue: Explore Utah Valley, The Covey Center for the Arts, Grandpa’s Family Dental, Bluerock Medical, and Java Junkie. Support them when you’re out and about – and tell them we sent you.
Make sure to follow Liahona on Instagram, and check out her latest single “When The Snow Falls” below!