Gigi Perez is quickly becoming one of the most vulnerable emerging voices in alternative pop, with her stripped-back lyrics and production resonating with many in her audience. Her music sounds like it could have been recorded just with a voice note, and is often just her and her guitar. Drawing inspiration from artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Elliott Smith, and Julien Baker, and grounded in storytelling, Perez shapes these influences into a style uniquely her own. Since releasing her latest album, At the Beach in Every Life in April 2025, Perez has rapidly grown her presence in the music scene. She has opened for Hozier and is set to join Noah Kahan’s US Stadium Tour this coming summer. Her sound blends soft instrumentals and intimate vocals, with lyrics that explore her relationships with family, her mental health, and her love life.
Sailor Song
Her most recognizable track, “Sailor Song”, shows Perez’s ability to turn simple melodies into songs that deeply resonate with her audiences over emotional experiences. This song, in particular, feels like a conversation between two people, as if she is speaking directly to the listener through their headphones. The soft instrumentals explore themes of longing and of self. Perez explores the societal shame that is placed on many members of the LGBTQ community for being who they are, and how she wants to escape that judgment. This song becomes even more impactful and haunting as if you can hear the torment that Perez is going through.
Please Be Rude
“Please Be Rude” shows a different style of Perez’s music, leaning more into her vulnerability and emotions. This song talks about the need for clarity in relationships, even if you know it will hurt you. Perez’s lyrics are straightforward, but they are the type of thing that is hard to say out loud to people. This song is a testament to how loving someone makes it easier for you to hear hard things from them, and how toxic relationships can continue. Her voice is the standout from this song, with minimal production giving her the spotlight.
Sugar Water
“Sugar Water” is the most devastating song that Perez has released, with it being a reflection on her childhood, growing up, and coping with the death of her older sister. It relies heavily on storytelling and imagery, and brings small experiences in her childhood into a larger one, the relationship between her sisters and herself. Perez’s younger sister, Bella, helps her with this song by singing backing vocals, both becoming extremely vulnerable about their grief and about wanting not only their older sister back but also their childhood together. Perez’s vulnerability with painful childhood experiences also makes this song even more powerful. This song and its meaning are so deep, and the fragile vocals and minimal instrumentation make it intimate. Each listen lets the meaning sink in deeper.
As Gigi Perez’s audience continues to grow, she creates a new space for herself in the music industry through her authenticity and emotional vulnerability rather than production. Her music is for those who want to get lost in the lyrics and their feelings. She proves that sometimes having a quiet, relatable song is all that is needed to connect with an audience.
Happy listening!