After making, pardon the pun, waves with her debut solo entry, the all-too-powerful "Diamonds Dancing," which exudes in extreme confidence, breakthrough R&B storyteller GIGI has returned with its soulful heartbreaker follow-up, "Fumbled Me," both compositions taken from the emerging Motor City sensation's eagerly awaited EP, Waves of It.
Let’s hop right into this single / video, "FUMBLED ME" — Tell me about this particular track; how did it even come to fruition?
This song came about when just reflecting on past situations, I realized I hadn’t written a totally vulnerable song like this one and it dawned on me that I had something to say, lol.
Of course "FUMBLED ME" follows on the heels of your last entry "Diamonds Dancing" -- Talk to me a lil 'bout this selection...
To me, "Diamonds Dancing" is the song you play AFTER you get your tears out from a break-up and hop in your bossy girl bag! It’s such a new / different strength and confidence when you’re finally over someone / something.
Both songs come courtesy of your still forthcoming EP, Waves of It -- Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?
Waves of It is a title that represents walking you through the motions of relationships / love, the different emotions it brings, whether it’s the sweeter sides of it, or the not so sweet parts.
What particular string of events actually led to your current signing to and / or with Marki / Warner Records?
I actually met Terrence “Snake” Hawkins, who owns Marki Records, through working with Sean Garrett briefly several years ago. I had been on this devoted journey of music since I was a kid, but life happened and I decided to take a pause. While I was on that hiatus, Snake would always ask me when I would start singing again, so the moment I decided to dive back in he was right there ready to work with me. We recorded a few songs and the journey with Marki / Warner started unfolding beautifully from there. S/o to Snake!
As a songwriter when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from?
My inspiration honestly comes from what I’ve been through, what I feel and what I want out of life, love and relationships.
Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And how did it all begin for GIGI?
I knew I was obsessed with music since I was in elementary, I was doing all the talent shows around…or at least trying to. I remember telling my mom I needed to make a YouTube page so I could sing to people on it (lol) and I did just that and it actually did really well. It’s definitely been a rollercoaster ride with different transitions on being in a girl group and also doing it on my own. Passion definitely has been leading the way all my life.
Now you’re from Detroit, MI, correct? So growing up in "The D," who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
One time for the city! I have so many musical influences, of course Prince & MJ, but Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Sade, Brandy and Beyoncé. I literally can go all day (lol) they’re all so phenomenal!
That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and / or perform?
Those artists mentioned above definitely helped me curate an honest storytelling style of music, while utilizing precision to execute to the best of my ability. I’ve always admired the time and quality of their artistry.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I want people to think of my music when they’re in love, feeling sensual / sexy, having fun…even when they’re going through something hard. I want to be there for it all! I hope to make sure my transparency resonates the most, hence why my new EP is titled Waves of It…it’s about the variety of places life can take you emotionally and it’s up to you to just ride the wave and keep afloat.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Omg that question is so tough! I’m going to have to say Prince. I think his artistry, authenticity and creativity is something I’ve always admired and wanted to emulate within my own style of music. Prince has always been real, raw and unapologetic...which is something I resonate with musically and in everyday life.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Ahh! There’s too many great ones to name! I’m going to say all of them, it’s a dream to be in any major or historic music venue.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?
There’s a few dope R&B artists I love that are keeping the genre afloat. I think R&B recently is making its way back to the essence of what it used to be.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
The passion and why has always been my key.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
I definitely have ideas outside of music, some for humanitarian & wellness, and others for great vibes & fun! You will see more of GIGI in the future.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
It’s all really special to me, working with some of the greatest producers and writers in the world has definitely been one of the many dreams to come true.
What’s an average day like for you?
Mama Gi is the average day for me, lol! I’m a mother to a growing toddler and my daughter is this big beautiful ball of energy! So when I’m not recording I’m most likely doing mommy things forsure!
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans...
I respond back in the comments, to some DMs, I definitely enjoy talking directly to any supporter of mine. I love to hear their feedback - good and bad - as well as show them I appreciate them for supporting me.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Being able to express my creativity is my favorite part, it’s therapeutic and not everyone gets the chance to express, so I feel grateful to do what I love.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
My advice would be to make sure it’s something you really love...not to sound cliché, but also being and staying authentically YOU!
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
By then I hope to still be doing what I love, selling out beautiful arenas and helping others.
As for the immediate, what's next for you, GIGI?
Next for me at the moment is releasing Waves of It, that’s coming out April 2025!! It’s my first ever EP released and I’m excited to see what songs people can relate to the most.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
That I loveeee to cook and I’m secretly a big thrill seeker! Any adventure like skydiving or crazy rollercoasters, just know I’m almost always down!
Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?
Thank you So FN Dope Magazine and all for reading! I appreciate your time and can’t wait for you to hear the new stories sung...coming soon!
