By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Whether it was her songs being featured in Netflix’s “Boo, Bitch” and Prime Video’s “The One That Got Away,” the opportunity to sign with a major label, or direct involvement in projects like an illustrated children’s book and a scripted kids audiobook podcast, New Jersey’s own Gigi Rowe has still only scratched the surface of her true potential.
Sep. 30, 2022 marked a monumental day for the singer-songwriter, as she finally unleashed her debut album ‘Laura’ upon the world, co-written and co-produced with PJ Bianco (Jonas Brothers, Charlotte Lawrence).
Standout singles like “You Me And The Stars,” “Running From The Grave” and “When The Time Comes” have shown Rowe to be distinctly different from the rest of the mainstream crowd. From pop-rock power ballads to arena-worthy dance bangers, she can simply run it all.
The Music Bugle had the opportunity to talk with Rowe – who was once called “fantastically talented” by Jay-Z – about her latest musical endeavors and other hot topics, which you can check out below.
Music Bugle – What inspired you to become a musician?
Gigi Rowe – I’ve been singing forever, since I was in my crib. When I started writing songs the summer before high school, it made me feel like I’d unlocked a secret world where I was empowered to say anything I wanted to.
Music Bugle – What is your favorite aspect of playing live shows?
Gigi Rowe – I love the spark. That moment where, as a performer, you can feel like you’re holding the energy in the room and with every word and note you sing, it’s like a wave coming over the crowd. There’s a ripple effect that happens and everyone is caught up in the magic together. When it’s right, it’s like no other feeling.
Music Bugle – What were some challenges you came across while putting together your latest album ‘Laura’?
Gigi Rowe – ‘Laura’ came together over many years. I think the challenge was trusting the moments and the journey. You have to believe in yourself and the music.
Music Bugle – What are your favorite topics to write about, music-wise?
Gigi Rowe – There’s a longing and nostalgia in a lot of what I write. I talk about things that could have been, regrets, hopes, dreams and desires. Sometimes, it’s fun to imagine myself in a completely different reality and write from that perspective, almost like I’m seeing myself play out a story in a movie.
Music Bugle – What is your favorite set of lyrics, either from yourself, or someone else’s song?
Gigi Rowe – I love the lyrics from a song on my album called “Vintage Dream.” It paints a picture of a rundown hotel that used to be a glamorous place where everyone wanted to be. I was inspired by Las Vegas and how, over time, the famous strip has been updated and developed—with modern, luxurious hotels replacing the vintage, slightly forlorn and run-down places around Fremont Street. To quote the song, “Why did it all go away? Were the years unkind? I see the dust covering everything. The new hotel down the street, where everyone wants to be and be seen. Not me. I’m living a vintage dream.”
Music Bugle – What do you enjoy the most about where you come from?
Gigi Rowe – New Jersey in the fall is absolutely stunning. The leaves changing, the cozy sweater weather, apple orchards, pumpkin pie, farmland with emerald green grass and horses casually strolling around. It’s an idyllic place to call home with the seasons changing, a short hour drive from New York City and the quiet small town dead end streets where you can walk late at night in the silence, or in the summer, to the sound of cricket calls and feel like an inviting home is just minutes away, with a freezer filled with your favorite ice cream flavors and fresh cookies waiting.
Music Bugle – What’s it like getting to hear your music featured on TV and video games?
Gigi Rowe – It’s like hearing your song for the first time all over again the moment you first experience your music in a TV show or video game. It’s surreal that it has the potential to reach millions of people all over the world. It’s all at once familiar and strange to feel your own personal story intertwined with another narrative.
Music Bugle – Did you ever imagine that you would one day be signed to a major label?
Gigi Rowe – It was something I dreamed about. The night I was offered my record deal was out of this world magical. Everything else that followed with the actual experience wasn’t what I envisioned, but it’s a valuable part of my story. Lady Gaga and I were both signed and dropped around the same time by the same executive, so I’m in great company.
Music Bugle – Outside of music, what activities keep you the most occupied these days?
Gigi Rowe – I love spending time at the beach, taking long drives into Malibu, if I’m in California. Driving up the coast on Highway 1 is forever dreamy and inspiring. Convertibles, strong coffee, vintage jazz records and long conversations with friends.
Music Bugle – What do you consider to be the next step for your career?
Gigi Rowe – I’m already working on a new project, titled ‘Glamorous Runaway,’ that I think is my most exciting project to date. I have vintage-inspired merch designs coming to life and I’m dreaming up live shows and pop-up events, so I can bring fans with me on the ‘Glamorous Runaway’ ride.
