It’s been a heckuva last 10 months for singer-songwriter Gigi Perez. Returning to her home in New Jersey, Perez started releasing songs as an independent artists … and found that the songs really struck a chord with audiences. Perez’s “Sailor Song” continues to climb the Billboard Hot 100 as well as the streaming charts. It’s made Perez’s head spin a little bit, but it’s also filled her with gratitude.

While on tour, Gigi Perez visited The Current to play solo acoustic versions of three of her songs. Afterwards, Perez stuck around to chat with The Current’s Ayisha Jaffer. Watch the performances above, and watch and listen to the interview below, where you’ll also find a transcript.

Interview Transcript

Ayisha Jaffer: What's up? I'm Ayisha Jaffer, weekday host on The Current, and I'm hanging out with Gigi Perez.

Gigi Perez: Hello!

Ayisha Jaffer: Thanks so much for being here.

Gigi Perez: I'm so happy to be here.

Ayisha Jaffer: And you're on tour. It's so exciting. You're gonna be going on tour also with girl in red, but you have your own headlining shows that are selling out, including here's been sold out for a long time. What does that, I mean, what does that feel like?

Gigi Perez: It's surreal. It's been such a blessing. I think it's ... I didn't expect the end of this year to turn the way that it has. So I'm just super excited.

Ayisha Jaffer: We're so excited that you're here. And so for those who couldn't get a ticket, I want you to sort of take, like, your narrative of the origin story of, like, how music entered your life.

Gigi Perez: Right. It all started with doing, like, little plays. You know, when I was in elementary school and my oldest sister, she really loved music and Disney and all that kinds of stuff. And so I kind of was like, I'm just gonna go do that. You know, I tried out for, like, soccer teams, whatever, and I failed. And I was like, by "failed," I mean, I didn't get in. And I was like, "OK, that's not the path." I thought I could just buy a soccer ball and, like, try to learn how to play and the next day be good at it. But no. And so I stuck with music, and it's something that continued to grow in my life, you know? I just did a lot of things related to music in school, and then once I discovered guitar and piano, that was when it really took off, and I was like, "This is incredible." And it just never went away. It's like so many nights at 4 a.m. that eventually I was 17, and I was like, "Oo! I need to figure out what I'm gonna do with my life." And this seems like the only thing that I can do.

Ayisha Jaffer: Yeah. It's like, in your blood, almost, like it's attached to you, and now it's stuck. And I have to ask, because, I mean, like, you mentioned plays. You've got to name some of these plays.

Gigi Perez: Oh, my God. OK. The first play that I was ever in, I was the caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland. I have, there's like, this crazy Facebook photo that my mom has, and it's like, "Gigi in Alice in Wonderland." Like, it's just, like, such an insane, like, horrible quality. Like, it's amazing. That, I mean, I was in high school, I was in, like, one of my favorite plays probably, is Titanic. The Titanic: The Musical was really beautiful. And I also really love, like, Light in the Piazza. And, of course, like, my first Broadway show was Wicked, like, I was really, like, in the scene like that.

Ayisha Jaffer: Yeah. And so this sort of like, attached to you, yeah, this way, and, like, influenced you in a beautiful way. So — and you sort of touched on it — just, was it just like a feeling where you were like, "OK, well, what am I gonna do? This is what I need to do."

Gigi Perez: I think that it was something kind of on the back burner for a while because I just was doing it because I was having fun doing it. And I didn't believe at the time when I started writing songs — not even that I believed, I knew — that, you know, I didn't have the skill set, you know. It was all very light and fun, and it was somewhere to express the things that I was dealing with that I couldn't tell anybody, you know? And just struggling with my sexuality, and that was a really big issue in my life. And so when I got to just write about it, that is what it was for me. And then I think when I started to see certain growth, I noticed my voice was changing, and there seemed to be, like a tonal puberty that I was going through, and my register and all those things were, I was like, "Oh, this is like, something is changing," and it seems that the love that I have for it is manifesting outward in a way that it's like finally sounding like how I feel. Does that make sense?  Yeah. It's like a vessel, an outlet, and your communication in a way, right? 

Ayisha Jaffer: Yeah. And so you found ways to do that. You self taught yourself, right? On guitar and piano and as well as voice work?

Gigi Perez: Voice, that was, I needed a lot of help with that. Sonia Santiago.

Ayisha Jaffer: Shout out!

Gigi Perez: Yeah, she trained me.

Ayisha Jaffer: That's incredible. But it's so incredible. And then the other thing is, I know you record and produce as well, and was that because of something you were interested in, or, like, a little bit of a necessity, or a mix of both of those things, maybe?

Gigi Perez: I think, well, early on, when I started working on music, the first song that I ever put out was on SoundCloud, and it was with my friends from this band that we had in high school called Wendy Lane. And so my friend Coco [Mendez] had this application called Ableton, and so it was the first time I was introduced to it. We started making songs together, and we created this band called Wendy Lane. We had put out a few songs. So throughout the process, it was mainly Aidan [Hobbs] and Coco that were, you know, doing those things, but I would get on and, like, you know, I learned how to record my own vocals, and it was kind of like a slower process for me when it came to it; like, I knew how to do my demos and all that kind of stuff. In the last year, I really took, like, I hit kind of a wall where I felt like there was something not being ... There was like, just something missing in in the music creation process. And, you know, I moved back home. I left the record deal I was in at the time, and so it was, it was truly like a divine opportunity for me to learn how to do it, because I had wanted to for so long, and I think after a while, and every artist is different, because I'm really grateful for the collaborations that I've had and the people I've gotten to work with and continue to work with, but I think that there was something when you're relying on people versus choosing people to work with, that's where, like, I was, and you're also just not having fun, because there's just so much inside of you. So now it's a whole different story, and, like, it's so much fun, you know? And I love it, and I know how things work for me now.

Ayisha Jaffer: And like you said, you know, you started to feel that the like, you were communicating what was inside into this music. So having more control over it probably even made that even better. 

Gigi Perez: Yeah. I mean, it definitely was. I think, you know, I grew up on the laptop, as a lot of people my age did, and so it's kind of like, when I'm recording a song, it's my play time. It's like, I'm playing on the computer. That's how it feels.

Ayisha Jaffer: That's the best. Well, you might not be surprised, but we are playing "Sailor Song," and we were going because this is like, the movie part of, like, your journey right now in my perspective, right? I'm the outside perspective. But we were in there going through metrics, because I was like, "I'm sure it's changed!" I mean, you entered the Billboard Hot 100 and then right now today, No. 33. You're barreling towards top 20 in our neighbors of the north in Canada, No. 6 on the streaming charts, and up and up and up you go. And so I'm kind of wondering for you, seeing that, like, how does that feel? But then also, how does that translate into reality for you right now?

Gigi Perez: You know, I think a year ago, around a year ago today, I was in a really difficult spot, but like a spot where, like — as earlier we were talking — a whole, like, space was made, room was made in my life, because I was moving back home, because I was starting from scratch as an independent artist again. None of these things that are happening right now did I ever think would come together a year later. And I think I know why, in a way, it's happening, and part of that is just because I absolutely fell in love with music again, in a way that I have so much autonomy and so much care for what I'm putting out, and the way that I'm creating. And the last thing on my mind, really, was any sort of physical, like, major success, because, I mean, this is, it blows my mind. It's crazy, like, when I see, you know, the charts and stuff, it blows my mind. But I think I just spent time online and really connected with the small community that I had been making all those years that I think at one point, it was hard for me to really feel connected to the people and to the supporters. And this year, that really changed, you know, because, I think when you have that space and there's no outside influences, and you're also struggling with so many things and trying to know yourself and your identity and all, you know, the whole thing. I think, like, it just came from a place of reprioritizing what mattered to me and then watching that physically manifest in reality. And so I think the way that it just manifests for me now, every day, is I just feel really grateful and aware of the people that I meet and the people that I see in real life or in my messages. I feel like I carry it differently, and I also know that all of this is amazing, but it's also temporary. And that's not like a bad thing. Does that make sense? Like, I think, like there's like a whole sensation, like a sensational aspect to success. And, you know, I had a song a few years ago, and then the whole thing, I feel very grateful. And, yet unattached to it, if that makes sense. As long as I'm connecting with people, I'm happy.

Ayisha Jaffer: That's beautiful, and we're going to talk about that more later on, because I think that's what sets you apart, truly. You really do connect with people in a very genuine way. And there's this, like, vulnerability that we all hear in this music, and it feels somewhat autobiographical. And I do love this story, too, where you were tooling around with this song in your bedroom, and your little sis was like, "Yeah!"

Gigi Perez: Literally! She always catches it. She's always right, and she always catches it.

Ayisha Jaffer: Just wanted to give her some credit.

Gigi Perez: Exactly. Thank you, Bella.

Ayisha Jaffer: She's got a good ear.

Gigi Perez: She does. She does.

Ayisha Jaffer: But, you know, because it's so autobiographical, I have to ask: So, did you really see a woman who looked like Anne Hathaway? And the follow-up question, like, this is almost like a shout out, like, has Anne reached out yet?

Gigi Perez: Oh, that's crazy. Did she look like Anne Hathaway? In her beauty.

Ayisha Jaffer: Yeah?

Gigi Perez: I feel like the essence, like, Anne Hathaway is that beauty. It's like that kind of beauty.

Ayisha Jaffer: Yes.

Gigi Perez: And then no, Anne Hathaway hasn't reached out, but you know where to find me.

Ayisha Jaffer: Gigi is waiting. Well, I mean, we talked about this just a little bit before, but I have noticed that you connect with your audience, your community, in such a beautiful way. And this music is very personal, and you invite them into the conversation. And not every artist does that, and you do it in such this incredible way. And I'm just wondering, like, what sort of, did this organically happen, or is there some motivation be being that connected with your audience? Because, I mean, I just think it's really cool,

Gigi Perez: You know, I think one of the things that I think of when you said that, is when I lost my sister in 2020, in July, that experience really created some serious isolation in my life in how I moved around with people, especially initially, you know, that blow. And I spent a lot of times at night, crying out to whatever it is, you know, and I feel like I'm very vocal about the way I feel about faith, and, you know, working through it, kind of trying to figure out what it is, you know? Because I grew up with a very strong sense of God, and, you know, I was raised that way, and I 100 percent believed it like the back of my hand. And I think through the experience of losing people and just, you know, existing in the world and seeing the horrors of reality, it's really caused me to question and doubt everything that I ever knew, and I'm still going through that. But I think one of the things that I had asked was to not let this unbelievable amount of pain that I'm going through go in vain or be something that just stays here, because I always found the most healing things for people in their own pain is to help others through theirs. And I think that also involves having conversations that are hard, having conversations that — and I understand, like social media, it's hard to to connect, or, you know, people who are dealing with whatever, whether it's their sexuality or their grief or they're just somebody going through hard things, it's all, there's so much noise. And so for me, in order to have this be, at this point in my life, fulfilling to me, it's I have to feel like, if there's somebody there and I see them, that they see me, and that is like the fulfillment and where the healing in my life comes from. Because I feel like, yes with "Sailor Song," yes with any song related to my sister, there's been so much, it's kind of like rubbing over the heart, like it feels like that way. And so that, that's why I do it. And so, you know, of course, I've had moments where I'm like, "Is this too much?" or is this, you know what I mean? And, you know, I talked to my life coach about it. You know, we call her "life coach," she was my therapist, but she prefers this. I'm like, "Life coach?"

Ayisha Jaffer: I like it.

Gigi Perez: Life coach, sounds so like, I don't know. But she is my life coach. And you know, we've talked about it and like, just do what feels right to you, and, you know, don't think too much about it, because what people think about you is none of your business. Because I understand that, like, the message, and that's why representation is important for people around the world, because your message can only be for whoever is there to catch it.

Ayisha Jaffer: Yeah.

Gigi Perez: And there's somebody else that's going to share another message to that person. So my goal is just to continue doing what's being done, and like creating that community of healing.

Ayisha Jaffer: I love that so much, and I am really sorry for your loss. I love that you shared that, though. Because, like, if you think about it, like, I talk about this a lot, like, I feel like there is, like a loneliness endemic out there, and you're sort of out there, like as a helper and reaching out. And Mr. Rogers, like my hero for quotes, but it's "Look for the helpers," and you truly are one, and I think that's truly unique.

Gigi Perez: Thank you. 

Ayisha Jaffer: So I gotta, I'm gonna turn a little bit here. I heard that you just signed to Island Records. 

Gigi Perez: Yes, I did!

Ayisha Jaffer: Congratulations!

Gigi Perez: I'm an Island girl.

Ayisha Jaffer: Ahhh! Island. I love Island. Island has an incredible history, and you're a part of it now. And I read a quote. I think it was something like, you know, "I'm ready for this, and I know what I'm looking for." Can you just talk about that a little bit?

Gigi Perez: Yeah. I feel the same as whenever I said it. I felt ready, because I think part of me for ... When everything started happening again, I just — I probably was independent for maybe 10 months of my life, which, seriously, it's such a shocker to look back, and I didn't think I was going to be back in it 10 months later — but the way that I am is so different, and that's because of the people. And ultimately, that's what my choice came down to, you know? Because I feel like I just learned so many things about the music industry and labels and the whole thing, you know? And I'm so grateful for that experience and everything that it taught me. But also for that, I was very slow to process and make decisions. But, you know, I met with Island, and they're incredible. And I think that the things, the values that I have, they align with, and that's the reassurance that I needed to go forward and, you know, really create a family and music together. So I'm really excited.  And family is, like, clearly important. Your family's on a tour with you.  Yeah. Everybody!

Ayisha Jaffer: Yeah. I met your mom. She's awesome. She also wanted you to know that you were added to MTV today.

Gigi Perez: What?

Ayisha Jaffer: Yeah!

Gigi Perez: That's crazy.

Ayisha Jaffer: It's awesome, right? 

Gigi Perez: That's insane.

Ayisha Jaffer: So I think you have, like, this beautiful support around you, and it sort of resonates. And I think that's wonderful. So I have a couple more questions for you. Just I saw you were teasing music, and I'm like, is there anything — I don't want to pry too much — like, if you have a new album, if there's anything we can know? But I know things are fresh, so you can also say no, whatever you're comfortable with.

Gigi Perez: I have a song coming out the 25th [October], I believe, "Fable." And that song is about, I mean, it's, it's almost like the reaction of everything that came from "Sailor Song." But it was so much deeper than that, because I had already been dealing with a lot of different things like shame and confusion and guilt and all these things surrounding God and religion, and then "Sailor Song" happened, and it, you know, really like hit a sore spot for thousands and thousands of people. So to see that at that overwhelming rate, but I was already dealing with it in my mind, and I wasn't expecting it, you know, so I think that it was, like, a little bit of a breaking point, but in a good way, and it was just a really amazing thing to express. And seeing the way people are connecting with that line, "love was the law and religion was taught," it just blew me away, because I feel like that's such, like a, I don't know, I never thought that there were this many people out there that understood the kind of thing, you know what this is to walk with this every day.

Ayisha Jaffer: Yeah, I mean, that's the power; like you're you're sharing that, and other people probably feel exactly the same way, like, "Oh, that hit me," you know?

Gigi Perez: It's crazy.

Ayisha Jaffer: That's so cool. Well, Gigi, before I let you go, is there anything else you want our audience to know?

Gigi Perez: Well, thank you for having me. This has been an amazing experience. I'm just, again, I'm really grateful for it, and I'm excited for everything to come. 

Ayisha Jaffer: Well, thank you, Gigi, for being here with The Current. Gigi Perez.

Gallery: Gigi Perez in studio at The Current

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Songs Performed

00:00:00 Please Be Rude
00:03:10 Sometimes (Backwood)
00:05:50 Sailor Song
All songs available on Island Records.

Musician

Gigi Perez – vocals and guitar

Credits

Guest – Gigi Perez
Host – Ayisha Jaffer
Producer – Derrick Stevens
Video – Evan Clark
Audio – Eric Xu Romani
Graphics – Natalia Toledo
Digital Producer – Luke Taylor

External Link

Gigi Perez – official site