by danielle holian
photo courtesy of gina naomi baez
Actress, singer-songwriter, influencer, and YouTuber Gina Naomi Baez has released her new single “Liquor Love.” The track narrates the need to wean toxicity out of your life. Alongside her musical career, she also flourishes in acting having landed roles in Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It,” “Orange is the New Black,” and numerous Off-Broadway and regional theatrical productions, she's currently turning heads noticing her multi-talents. With this said, her love and passion for songwriting and music has always been the true driving force behind her creativity, with the artist using her platform to spread messages of positivity.
Baez has also seen great success with her YouTube channel which has built an impressive following. Her infamous "Lizzo's Truth Hurts x Hocus Pocus" parody music video went viral after Lizzo herself reposted it, as well as Bette Midler. The channel features creative, unique original music videos, covers, and parodies of popular songs and has garnered worldwide recognition from the likes of PEOPLE, Entertainment Weekly, Access Hollywood, The Huffington Post, MTV, Perez Hilton, FOX, E! ONLINE, Ryan Seacrest, Yahoo News!, Stylist and much more! Baez has also just landed a co-star role in the CBS TV show, “FBI!” Propelling in all areas of the industry, Baez is clearly a force to be reckoned with.
Unclear Magazine caught up with Gina Naomi Baez to discuss her talents, new single “Liquor Love,” and much more below.
Congratulations on your new single “Liquor Love” — what inspired the storyline?
Gina Naomi Baez: “So many different scenarios in my life inspired the storyline of ‘Liquor Love.’ The listener can take it as it is and think it’s about drunk love, but for me it is actually about toxicity in your life. Whether it be a habit, a love, a friend, a job. The things that aren’t serving me or making me the best version of myself. It’s a song about deciding to face all of this and finally make a change.”
And who or what are your musical influences?
GNB: “I have such a wide range of musical influences. Some are Taylor Swift, Sia, Celine Dion, Sasha Sloan, Idina Menzel, Bette Midler, Lennon Stella, Katy Perry, Ingrid Andress, Lauren Aquilina, dodie, and many, many more!”
Tell us how you got into songwriting — what inspired the drive to create your own material?
GNB: “I got into songwriting when I was in middle school but then never really took anything seriously until after college. I know it sounds cliché, but I was definitely inspired by Taylor Swift and I found country/folk music to be a lot like musical theatre where the song told a story. I was fascinated with lyrics and the ability to emote feelings in such unique, clever ways. I taught myself guitar and started writing and haven’t stopped since.”
And what do you want listeners to take away from your music?
GNB: “I always want my listener to be transported in some way. I really think music is so magical. When I hear a song that makes me forget everything else, that feeling is indescribable and I always strive for that in my songwriting. In ‘Liquor Love’ I wanted the song to feel like you were being surrounded and drowned in the music.”
You dabble in many different talent avenues from acting, singing, songwriting, influencing, and YouTube. What attracted you to the arts, especially as a career?
GNB: “I always loved the arts since I was a little girl. I was obsessed with musical movies like Wizard of Oz and Funny Girl. I had dreams of being a performer on Broadway. Then in 8th grade I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma; a form of cancer and it was almost like I became an adult very quickly. I appreciated life in a way my peers didn’t understand. The arts were the one thing that got me through it. The arts literally saved me, I knew it was what made me happy, what brought me true joy and what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It was going to be a career for me, not just a hobby.”
You've had much success in acting having landed roles in Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It,” “Orange is the New Black,” and numerous Off-Broadway and regional theatrical productions — what's your dream role?
GNB: “My dream role is Eliza in Hamilton on Broadway.”
To anyone who dreams of working in the entertainment industry, what advice would you give them?
GNB: “I would say to stay true to who you are and to not give up.”
How has the pandemic helped your creative juices?
GNB: “The pandemic was a whirlwind of emotions for me and I really leaned into songwriting to express each and every one. I have so much music right now and I’m soooooo eager to release it all!”
What drives you forward as an artist?
GNB: “I feel like I have this spark in me that is constantly striving and working for more. Yes, it might become dull from time to time, but I know if I keep going and persist I can do anything. Anytime I think of giving up, I think of me as a little girl with cancer and how grateful I am to be alive and follow my dreams.”
And finally, what’s one fun fact about yourself for our readers?
GNB: “Halloween is my favorite holiday!”