Gianna Perez, born on February 4, 2000, and known professionally as Gigi Perez or simply gigi, is an American singer-songwriter celebrated for her confessional songwriting. She was born on February 4, 2000, in New Jersey and raised in Florida. Gigi’s musical journey began in her teens when she started writing songs and taught herself to play the guitar, piano, and ukulele. Her early foray into music saw her forming the fuzz-folk band Wendy Lane with friends, including producer and multi-instrumentalist Aidan Hobbs, who remains one of her chief collaborators.
Gigi’s deep connection with music as a medium for emotional expression is central to her artistry. “Music is the only thing that really has ever gotten me through,” she says, reflecting on its profound impact on her life. This sentiment fueled the creation of her debut EP, “How To Catch a Falling Knife,” where she sought to craft songs that inspire and resonate with listeners, much like the music that has supported her through tough times.
Her breakthrough came in early 2021 with the release of “Celene,” a raw and unfiltered song dedicated to her older sister who passed away that year. The song emerged from an intense emotional reckoning, providing Gigi with a means to process her grief. “One night I had a mental breakdown after reading something she had written to me before she passed away,” she recalls. “I just lost it. I went to my guitar, and the first few lines of that song were what came out of my mouth.” This candid approach struck a chord with many, marking the beginning of her ascent in the music industry.
Following the initial virality of “Celene,” Gigi released “Sometimes (Backwood),” a track that blends purposeful strumming and her strong alto voice, evoking the ethereal quality of dream pop combined with the raw emotionalism of modern bedroom pop. The song gained massive popularity after she posted a video of herself performing it on TikTok, amassing over 50 million streams on Spotify. This success propelled her towards her debut EP on Mogul Vision/Interscope, produced by Grammy®-winning songwriter Jennifer Decilveo (MARINA, Miley Cyrus).
The seven-song collection on her debut EP explores themes of romantic longing with raw honesty and all-enveloping beauty. The lead single, “The Man,” finds Gigi as introspective as ever, pining for a lover who’s just out of reach. The EP also features tracks like “When She Smiles,” which pairs plaintive vocals with rich imagery, recounting a doomed infatuation, and “Glue,” a regret-wracked song that intertwines intricate metaphors with swooning instrumentals. These songs showcase Gigi’s ability to convey profound emotions through her music, establishing her as a gifted lyricist and singer.
Since the release of “Sometimes (Backwood),” Gigi has continued to rise, playing at the 2021 Austin City Limits festival, opening for Coldplay at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, and supporting Noah Cyrus on The Hardest Part Tour in the fall of 2022. Her music, a blend of indie folk and indie pop, resonates deeply with listeners, offering solace and a sense of connection.
Gigi’s journey, from her early days in New Jersey and Florida to her brief stint at Berklee College of Music, and her subsequent rise in the music industry, reflects her dedication and immense talent. As she continues to share her vulnerable and generous songs with the world, Gigi provides a source of comfort and inspiration for those in need, much like the music that has always been there for her.
