INTRO BY MELISSA TUCKER
INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY
PHOTO COURTESY OF GIGI ROWE
Meet an artist who is bringing the ‘80s back in style. A time of neon colors and lots of glitter, Gigi Rowe embodies it heart and soul. The songstress is delivering a whole new level of dance pop to this generation. Her latest EP “Stardust Motel” has four powerhouse songs, including “Got That” and “Bright Lights Baby.” After partnering with music producer ill Factor, who has worked with big names like Sia and Gwen Stefani, Gigi Rowe has brought new creative life to her already epic beats. From her hit song being on the latest version of Just Dance to more new music being released, 2018 is bound to be a year that will radiate with Gigi’s gloriously electric energy.
In your own words, how would you describe your music style?
GIGI: "Nouveau ‘80s Miami dance pop catchy glamourous fun."
In October you released your EP, Stardust Motel. What was the process like creating the EP?
GIGI: "It was a great process working with my producer ill Factor in the studio in Miami. There was a certain effortlessness and the songs just flowed. I came up with the title for the EP while road tripping in my little red mustang from Miami to NYC and saw an exit with a retro-looking sign for the Stardust Motel."
Of the songs on the EP which would you say you are most proud of?
GIGI: "Really proud of 'Got That.' I love the music video that this song inspired - it’s playful, bright and colorful - and I’m thrilled that the song is featured on Just Dance 2018. It was a really fun project to be a part of."
Your song Got That off the EP is featured on the video game Just Dance 2018. This is your second time being featured on the game, the first being your debut single Run the Night on the 2017 version of the game. What was it like when you found out you would be featured on the game again?
GIGI: "It was such an exciting moment! It was right in the middle of celebrating the holidays, around New Year’s Day (in 2017). Made the festivities that much more fun, and it was amazing to know that my song was going to be a part of the game and would reach such a global audience!"
Where do you find most inspiration for your music?
GIGI: "The greatest part about inspiration is that it can come from absolutely anywhere. Feels sort of like a treasure hunt. I particularly love it when I’m in the studio, listening to beats or rhythms and I immediately come up with melodies and lyrics that seem to match the vibe of the track."
Would you say your process of creating songs is the same every time or does it change often?
GIGI: "It’s different! Sometimes I’ll pick up my guitar or sit at the piano to come up with ideas. Or, I’ll come up with random melodies and lyrics or just titles to work off. Songs can start in many different ways, and it’s refreshing to be able to change it up depending on my mood or the vibe that I’m going for."
Is there anything else that we can expect from you in the near future?
GIGI: "Lots more music. I already have some exciting projects in the works for 2018, and I can’t wait to unleash them!"