Biography
Gianna Brielle "Gigi" Perez, born February 4, 2000, in Hackensack, New Jersey to Cuban parents, is an American singer-songwriter known for her emotionally resonant alternative pop music. Raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, Perez began writing songs at age fifteen and performed in musicals during high school, where she was named homecoming queen in 2017. She briefly attended Berklee College of Music before leaving during the COVID-19 pandemic, and started releasing music in 2018 as part of the band Wendy Lane[3][1][9].
Perez's career accelerated after she began uploading music to TikTok, notably the song "Celene"—written in memory of her late sister—and "Sometimes (Backwood)," which went viral and led to a contract with Interscope Records. Her debut EP, "How To Catch A Falling Knife," released in April 2023, showcased her confessional songwriting and vulnerability, with singles like "Sally," "The Man," and "Figurines." After parting ways with Interscope in early 2024, Perez found even greater success as an independent artist, releasing "Sailor Song," which peaked at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts internationally. Her music often explores themes of grief, sexuality, and self-discovery, drawing from personal experiences and relationships[3][1][4][5].
Perez has performed at major festivals and supported artists such as Coldplay, Noah Cyrus, Girl in Red, d4vd, and Hozier on tour. Her style blends alternative pop with acoustic indie elements, marked by raw lyricism and cathartic storytelling. Now based in Brooklyn, she continues to release self-written and self-produced tracks, earning recognition as an LGBTQ icon and a rising voice in contemporary music[3][6][9].
Fun Facts
- Perez was named homecoming queen at The King's Academy in 2017[3].
- Her song "Celene" was written in memory of her older sister, who passed away in 2020[3].
- She recorded the final version of "Sailor Song" in her childhood bedroom[4].
- Perez credits Anne Hathaway's roles in 'The Princess Diaries' and 'The Devil Wears Prada' as formative influences on her storytelling[4].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Hayley Kiyoko - Inspired Perez to accept her sexuality through the song "Girls Like Girls" ("Girls Like Girls") [2015–present]
Key Collaborators
- Jennifer Decilveo - Producer of debut EP ("How To Catch A Falling Knife") [2022–2023]
- Noah Weinman - Co-producer of "Sailor Song" ("Sailor Song") [2024]
- Richy Mitch and the Coal Miners - Supported them on tour (Live performances) [2024]
- girl in red - Supported on tour (Live performances) [2024]
Artists Influenced
- Emerging LGBTQ+ musicians on TikTok - Inspired by Perez's openness about sexuality and grief (Viral TikTok songs, confessional songwriting) [2021–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| At The Beach, In Every Life (Extended) | 2025-07-25 | Album |
| At The Beach, In Every Life (Extended) | 2025-07-25 | Album |
| Another Picture | 2025-11-14 | Album |
| Another Picture | 2025-11-14 | Album |
| Hope We Have Fun | 2025-05-30 | Album |
| At The Beach, In Every Life | 2025-04-25 | Album |
| At The Beach, In Every Life | 2025-04-25 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Sailor Song (Sailor Song)
- Fable (Fable)
- Chemistry (Chemistry)
- Sometimes (Backwood) (Sometimes (Backwood))
- Please Be Rude (Please Be Rude)
- Normalcy (Normalcy)
- When She Smiles (How To Catch A Falling Knife)
- Kill For You (How To Catch A Falling Knife)
- Sailor Song (Fable)
- Glue (How To Catch A Falling Knife)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Gigi Perez has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 8, 2025 | 16:57 | Sailor Songfrom At The Beach and Everyday Lif | World Journeyw/ Logan |