Written By: Amanda Policastro
Meet Gigi Rich, a former contestant on “The Voice”. The determined musician has a new EP album, “All in My Head” out now! Make sure to check out her single, “Same Kind of Crazy.”
upfrontNY: You were a contestant on “The Voice” on Gwen’s team. What was that experience like? What did you learn?
Gigi Rich: Being on the show was surreal. I met so many great people that I still keep in touch with today. It taught me a lot about who I am as an artist, meaning how I want to perform on stage and the type of music that I want to sing. It showed me where my strengths are and what I need to improve upon. Gwen has been an idol of mine since her No Doubt days, so getting to work with her and getting her advice was incredible. She’s so sweet and easy to talk to.
upfrontNY: What was the biggest challenge being on “The Voice”?
Gigi Rich: Probably just dealing with the nerves. There’s a lot of waiting involved before you go on and it gives you a LOT of time to think. But it taught me how to keep my focus and not psych myself out.
upfrontNY: Your new EP, “All in My Head,” is coming out soon, how would you describe the album?
Gigi Rich: It’s definitely a good introduction to me as an artist. I wrote all of the songs at different stages in my life. I think each song has different influences of R&B, but they all work together. I’m really happy with how it came out 🙂
upfrontNY: You’ve worked with songwriters in both Los Angeles and Nashville, what was the difference between them?
Gigi Rich: I think a majority of writers I’ve worked with in Nashville have more of a country background as well as pop, which tends to come through when singing the song during a writing session. LA is very pop-centric, and writing is a little more fast paced over there in my experience!
upfrontNY: What is your writing process like when you’re creating new music?
Gigi Rich: I usually get an idea while I’m out that I’ll record into my phone. Once I get home, I’ll sit down at the piano and start expanding on that idea. Sometimes I’ll just be on the piano and play something I really like, start feeling inspired and go with it. When an idea hits me, I never try to determine the outcome, its best to let it flow naturally. When I put too much pressure on myself to write a certain type of song, it doesn’t seem to work.
upfrontNY: Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
Gigi Rich: Yes! I can get a little weird. I love to listen to Rihanna before a show. I have to do certain vocal warm ups and mental affirmations….and listen to the songs I’ll be singing a million times that day before I get on stage even though I know I’m totally ready!
upfrontNY: What are your favorite hobbies outside of music?
Gigi Rich: I love to read, attempt to bake, and try to hang out with friends in my downtime. Being around the people I’m close with is important to me.
upfrontNY: Your first single is called, “Same Kind of Crazy” which you co-wrote. Do you feel writing about real life experiences is therapeutic?
Gigi Rich: Totally. Whatever is going on in my life naturally goes into my music. It just helps me reflect on it from a different place and perspective….and it is therapeutic, allowing me to get past whatever is bothering me a little faster.
upfrontNY: If you could duet with any artist, who would it be?
Gigi Rich: Definitely Bruno Mars. His music is incredible and since I also love the whole throwback feel in my own music, it would be so cool to collaborate with him!
Leave a Reply