by sara welden
photo by deanie chen
Having recently released her stunning debut EP, How To Catch A Falling Knife, Gigi Perez is making waves in the music realm. Gigi’s unique, tender-hearted lyricism is a breath of fresh air, and her new EP just might be the thing that you’ve been patiently waiting and looking for. Read our conversation with Gigi below, and make sure to have a listen to How To Catch A Falling Knife, which is out now!
Hi Gigi! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer our questions. You’ve just released your debut EP How To Catch A Falling Knife, congratulations! How were you feeling in anticipation of its release, and how did you feel once it was actually out in the world?
Gigi: “I was anxious about the release for a while for a few songs but overall I was filled with a positive anticipation over it. I took my time releasing the project so when it was officially out of my hands I felt a relief come over me. It was finally where it belonged.”
Out of the eight tracks on the EP, was there one specific track that you built the whole EP around? Or was the project more of a collective vision?
Gigi: “The project came together collectively. The first song I wrote was ‘Figurines’ in 2020 and as more life unfolded I took inventory of it, and when the time came I turned around and had a story.”
Could you speak about some of the themes you explored in your songwriting on the EP?
Gigi: “The biggest theme discussed on this project is grief. The way I deal with grief is by writing to the experience of that abject darkness.”
Is there a song off of the EP that you enjoy playing live the most? If so, what makes it your favorite?
Gigi: “Definitely ‘Figurines.’ Don't know what it is about it but I'm able to explore so much of my voice and how I decide to sing it varies from night to night.”
You’ve accompanied and supported some amazing artists like Noah Cyrus, d4vd, and Coldplay on their tours. Is there anything in particular that you’ve learned from those shows, or a favorite memory that comes to mind?
Gigi: “Trust yourself. And favorite memory was the Halloween show in Denver. I sang a cover of Alex G's ‘Harvey’ and this one person knew all the words, will never forget that!”
Who or what initially inspired you to pursue music?
Gigi: “My sister Celene and Ariana Grande.”
You recently played sold out headlining shows at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC and Genghis Cohen in LA, which are both incredible venues! Do you have a dream or bucketlist venue that you’d like to play one day?
Gigi: “Red Rocks.”
While there’s no doubt you’ve been staying busy the past few years, what does the rest of this year and the future of Gigi Perez look like?
Gigi: “Making new music!”