Her debut EP All In My Head represents the evolution of a young woman on her journey to be that undeniable force as a vocalist, performer, and songwriter. Her upcoming single is titled “Same Kind of Crazy.”
“My first single is Same Kind Of Crazy. At the time I wrote this, I was feeling like I was going mad and didn’t know where my life was taking me. This guy pops up and understands where I was mentally, because he’s the same way. He would say we had the same kind of crazy. I cowrote this song with Stefan Skarbek and it was produced by James Krausse. They are both extremely talented and I’m really proud of it.”
Born Gianna Richelle Salvato, the fiery redhead now known as Gigi Rich grew up listening to Alicia Keys and Amy Winehouse as a quiet, shy Jersey girl who spent time watching old movies, reading Madame Bovary and Lolita, and playing in her big sister’s makeup.
“I don’t write about anything that I haven’t personally experienced. I want people to read my lyrics and know me, to not only listen to my music, but to feel it. It’s very important for people to understand my music, because all of my favorite artists are the people I can relate to.
Hi Gigi, please tell us a little about you?
I’m going to be 21 in April, I’m super excited about that! I was born and raised in the NY/NJ area, so I’m grateful that I’ve always been close to New York City…it has greatly inspired me as an artist. I was homeschooled for most of my high school years. I’m generally actually a very shy person, which isn’t ideal in this business, but I work everyday at putting myself out there.
What is your musical background?
Growing up, I would always watch my older sister play the piano and by the time I was 5, I was begging for piano lessons. I started out being classically trained and then fell in love with singing….and actually started studying opera. As time went on, I discovered how much I loved the pop music world and realized I wanted to be a recording artist. Alicia Keys was a huge inspiration of mine in combining keys and vocal and it was at that point I started writing.
Do you have any music influence?
I have a ton of musical influences! Frank Sinatra, Al Green, Bruno Mars, Gwen Stefani, Earth Wind and Fire, James Brown and Rick James are just a start. Freddy Mercury from Queen is one of my idols because he was such an amazing singer. Their songs were so original and unique, it never felt like just a song. It was an experience.
Define your music in 3 words?
Honest, passionate, understated.
What is your next goal as a musician?
My goal for the next year is to start work on my first full length album and be able to collaborate with some of my dream producers and writers.
Tell us about your new EP “All in My Head”?
Each song is a snapshot of certain times in my life. This EP took a few years to put together, enabling me to write about whatever was happening in my life at a particular time. I wasn’t very specific in my lyrics because I wanted people to be able to interpret each song however they choose based on their own life experiences, but each song is very personal to me. I think as a whole, this EP lets people get a glimpse of who I am as an artist and a person. It’s my introduction.
Did you write any of the songs in this album?
I wrote or cowrote every song on the EP!
What was the feeling of being on “The Voice”? And working with Gwen Stefani?
Being on the show was surreal. I met so many great people on that show that I still keep in touch with today. It taught me a lot about who I am as an artist. Gwen has been an idol of mine since her No Doubt days, so having the opportunity to work with her and getting her advice was incredible. She’s so sweet and easy to talk to.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
Music, Italian food, Dark chocolate, Lipstick and Books
What music we can find in your playlist?
I listen to a little of everything. Right now, I’ve been listening to Katy Perry’s new song Chained To The Rhythm a ton. I have Amy Winehouse, Lady GaGa, Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Nina Simone, Duffy, Rihanna and Etta James on my go-to playlist currently 🙂
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Born This Way- Lady Gaga. I get waaayyy too into it.
Any loves, other then music?
I love to read! I also love poetry, reading it or writing it. I love baking, binge watching TV shows and Redditing.
Any exciting news you want to share with us?
Well, I’m preparing for a writers retreat in California with James Fauntleroy, who I am a HUGE fan of. He’s written some of my favorite pop songs and I’m thrilled that we are going to be in the same room!
Best advice ever given?
“When somebody shows you who they really are, believe them“
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Coffee, music, and my bed.
Do you support any charity?
I do! I support Sing For Hope a lot. I really respect what they stand for. I am always looking to support different mental health and domestic violence charities.
What do you think of Social Media?
Social Media is a blessing and a curse. There’s now an amazing platform for people to share whatever it is they do. Whether it’s cooking, music, art, etc. It has connected so many people that would have otherwise never met. The curse is that it seems everyone is consumed by it. We all have to remember that everyone is just showing the best parts of their lives and not compare ourselves and our lives.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram: @IamGigiRich
Twitter: @IamGigiRich
Facebook: Facebook.com/Iamgigirich
Website: GigiRich.com
🙂
Quote: “Overnight success leaves with the dawn”
Book: Girl, Interrupted- Susanna Kaysen
Sports Team: New England Patriots
Food: Eggplant Parm
Movie: La La Land
Song: Fallin’- Alicia Keys
Tv Show: Mad Men
Holiday Destination: Italy
