Check out our interview with New York City actress, singer/songwriter, YouTuber and influencer Gina Naomi Baez.
With a flourishing acting career having landed roles in Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It, Orange is the New Black and numerous Off-Broadway and Regional theatrical productions, Baez has been a name on everyone’s radar. However her love and passion for songwriting and music has always been the true driving force behind her creativity, with the artist using her platform to spread messages of positivity. Pushing boundaries and defying genres, Baez’s music beautifully blends pop, country and folk, creating a sound reminiscent of Sia meets Taylor Swift.
Her new Christmas song “Christmas Candlelight” is Baez’s way of offering some light during such dark and unprecedented times. The song is inspired by the beauty of simplicity, with Baez sharing, “The holidays might feel dark and cancelled in a sense this year, and I hope this song reminds others of the importance of the season and what truly matters most.” Through poetic, storytelling lyrics, sweeping, organic instrumentation and warming vocals, the comforting song is sure to bring Christmas cheer to even the coldest of grinches.
Baez has also seen great success with her YouTube channel which has built an impressive following. Her infamous “Lizzo’s Truth Hurts x Hocus Pocus” parody music video went viral after LIZZO herself reposted it, as well as Bette Midler.
Follow Gina @ginanaomibaez
Hi Gina, please tell us a little about you?
I am an actor/singer-songwriter/content creator based in New York.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Brave, ambitious, creative
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
Music has such power and can make you feel so many emotions. I wanted to create that, to sing it, to make others feel as well.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music? In my early years I was inspired by classic singers like Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion and Idina Menzel. As I started diving more into the music world the first artist to really influence me was SIA in her early albums. I loved how unique her music and songwriting style was. I also am a huge fan of Taylor Swift.
Do you play any instrument?
I play piano and guitar.
Do you ever get nervous?
I always get nervous. I think it is normal though. If I didn’t get nervous, I would be concerned.
Tell us about your new Christmas single “Christmas Candlelight?”
Christmas Candlelight is my holiday single for 2020.
What’s the story behind this song?
I love writing a holiday single every year and this year definitely felt very different due to the pandemic and quarantine etc. I then starting thinking about the upcoming holiday season and how different it will be, almost dark in a sense. I then had the idea for Christmas Candlelight. The idea of always finding the light in the darkness. Holidays might feel dark and cancelled in a sense this year, and I hope this song reminds others of the importance of the season and what truly matters most.
Did you had plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
I actually was planning on releasing an EP and doing a EP release show etc. Plans changed though. I started writing/making a lot more singing/parody youtube videos about the pandemic to just keep people laughing. I also have been writing more than ever and hopefully I will do an EP release in 2021.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I would love to tour when it is possible again!
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
What’s fun is that there are no rules. I am free to be creative and dive into whatever I am feeling at the moment. What’s rewarding is honestly any comment/personal message I receive from fans about
how my art has affected them in a positive way. What isn’t fun is just the overall highs and lows of the business. It’s like riding waves but I know I will keep swimming.
What’s next for Gina Naomi Baez in 2021?
Definitely new music and i’m always brainstorming new video/music concepts. I also will be in a feature film called Triple Threat playing the role of Laura being released in 2021.
What is your favorite song? And why?
Oh my, this is really tough. I honestly can not pick just 1 song. I have to say that on of my favorites that’s always on my playlist is BREATHE ME by SIA.
Any loves other than music?
I love theatre, acting and dance. Best advice ever given? You can count your friends on one hand.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Perfect Sunday is waking up in a comfy hotel room bed, ordering room service pancakes and coffee , stay in pajamas all day, and watch a great old school rom-com. Some of my favs are The Wedding Singer, First Wives Club & Devil Wears Prada.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
My favorite song to belt out in the car right now is INTO THE UNKNOWN from Frozen 2!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness is being surrounded by those who lift you up. Happiness is support. Happiness is love. Happiness is a feeling not physical things. Happiness is letting go.
Do you support any charities?
Yes. I am a Childhood Cancer Survivor and always try to find a way to help other children and families dealing with cancer.
What is your favorite food?
I am a huge fan of Sushi!
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Having performed on Broadway, Headlining a tour , being a series regular in a TV show, voicing a Disney Character and producing a feature film.
What do you think of Social Media?
I love it, it keeps everyone connected and I also have fallen in love with photography and editing photos/videos. So I love being creative that way too!
Where we can follow you?
Instagram / Twitter / TikTok / Facebook
Quote: “Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” – Lucille Ball
Movie: Funny Girl
Travel Destination: Tokyo, Japan
Sports Team: NY YANKEES
