Last updated by Molly Saxby on Tuesday 19th August 2025

Gigi Perez is swiftly becoming impossible to ignore. With her gentle indie-folk melodies, deeply poetic lyrics, and profound emotional resonance, she’s emerging as one of 2025’s most compelling new voices in music. From TikTok virality to chart-topping success, she proves authenticity and vulnerability—when paired with talent—resonate like never before.

From TikTok beginnings to global charts

Born in Hackensack, New Jersey (2000), and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, Gianna Brielle “Gigi” Perez began writing songs at 15 and first posted music as part of her high school band Wendy Lane. Her tracks “Celene” and “Sometimes (Backwood)” went viral on TikTok in 2021, leading to a record deal with Interscope Records WikipediaHer Campus.

After parting ways with the label, she released “Sailor Song” independently in July 2024. Written in her bedroom, this acoustic ballad weaves a queer love story rich in metaphor—“kiss me on the mouth and love me like a sailor”—and includes the powerful lyric, “I don’t believe in God, but I believe that you’re my savior.” The track went viral and became a UK Number 1 hit and rose to number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 .

A voice of queer defiance and emotional depth

Gigi Perez has become an unlikely queer folk icon. Critics praise her lyricism as emotionally raw, complex, and metaphor-rich Neon MusicSongSenseMusic Marketing Trends by Jesse Cannon.

Her defiant stance regarding lyric integrity—for instance, refusing to alter controversial lines such as “you’re my savior”—earned her respect and became a testament to artistic authenticity not up for compromise .

Debut album tells a deeply personal story

Released April 25, 2025, At the Beach, in Every Life is Perez’s self-produced debut studio album, released via Island Records Wikipedia+1. Produced alongside collaborators Noah Weinman and Aidan Hobbs, the album explores themes of grief, faith, sexuality, and love.

Inspired by the loss of her sister Celene, the album incorporates raw recollections, voice memos, and reflections on familial love, religion, and identity People.comWikipedia. It found commercial traction, entering the Billboard 200 and charting in the UK, Ireland, Norway, and New Zealand Wikipedia+1.

A rising artist to watch

Media outlets are taking notice. Gigi was named WXPN’s Artist to Watch in May 2025, with NPR calling “Sailor Song” one of the year’s standout breakout tracks . She's performed with acts like Coldplay, Noah Cyrus, d4vd, Hozier, and Girl in Red WikipediaHer Campus.

She's also garnered celebrity fans—Drew Barrymore noted “Sailor Song” as a personal favourite—and even contributed a Simlish version of “Fable” for The Sims game People.com.

Why Gigi Perez resonates today

  • Emotion & vulnerability: She gives voice to grief, queer longing, and faith struggles with unguarded honesty.
  • Artistic bravery: She stands firm in her creative vision, refusing to dilute the emotional intent behind her lyrics.
  • Community connection: Her authenticity has built a devoted fanbase, particularly within queer communities seeking representation.
  • Fresh, intimate sound: Her delicate indie-folk arrangements and acoustic sincerity feel rare in an overproduced musical landscape.

Gigi Perez embodies the power of storytelling—finding beauty in heartbreak, defiance in tenderness, and meaning in grief. Her journey from heartfelt TikToks to international acclaim reflects a renewed hunger in music: for songs that feel as real as they sound.

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