Gigi Perez’s Transformation: From Virtual Assistant to Austin City Limits Star

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Gigi Perez’s Ascent: From Austin Stage to Global Charts

October 28, 2025

Austin, Texas – Gigi Perez’s recent performance at the Austin City Limits Festival marked a poignant full-circle moment for the rising music star. Her return to the festival grounds, four years after her initial appearance, showcased a meteoric rise fueled by raw emotion, personal loss, and an unwavering commitment to her craft.

Early Beginnings and a Viral Spark

In 2021, Perez embarked on her professional music career with a freshly signed record deal and a burgeoning online following. Her early singles, including the acoustic ballad “Sometimes (Backwood)” and the deeply personal “Celene,” gained traction on platforms like SoundCloud, laying the groundwork for her future success. Her first performance at Austin City Limits, though before a modest crowd, served as a powerful affirmation of her dreams.

breakthrough Success and Chart-Topping Hits

Fast forward to 2025, and Perez is no longer an emerging artist but a recognized name in the music industry. Her 2024 single,”Sailor Song,” captivated audiences worldwide,reaching the top of the U.K. singles chart and exceeding one billion streams on Spotify, according to Luminate data.

This success paved the way for a prominent opening slot on Hozier’s tour earlier this year, further amplifying her reach and solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with. Her debut album, “At the Beach, in Every Life,” released this year, has earned critical acclaim and resonated with listeners across the globe.

A Performance Reflecting Growth

Perez’s recent set at Austin City limits was a far cry from her early days. Performing during the coveted “golden hour,” she commanded a massive audience, with many fans singing along to every lyric. She noted that individuals who attended her initial performance in 2021 were present in the front row, a testament to her evolving career and dedicated fanbase.

Navigating Grief and Finding Her Voice

Born in New Jersey and raised in Florida in a devout Cuban household, Perez’s artistic journey was deeply intertwined with personal challenges. As a teenager, she grappled with reconciling her religious upbringing with her emerging identity and sexuality, finding solace and inspiration in the music of artists like Hayley Kiyoko and Troye Sivan.

A series of profound losses – the passing of her grandmother and uncle, followed by the heartbreaking death of her sister Celene during the pandemic – profoundly impacted Perez’s life and artistic expression. She channeled her grief and pain into her songwriting,creating music that was both vulnerable and deeply resonant.

“At the Beach, in Every Life”: A Testament to Resilience

Perez’s debut album, “At the Beach, in Every Life,” is a raw and honest exploration of loss, longing, and self-revelation. Tracks like “Sugar Water” and “Crown” showcase her emotional depth, while “Chemistry” and “Sailor Song” demonstrate her melodic prowess. The album serves as a tribute to her sister Celene, with the inclusion of voice memos and musical snippets.

Album	release Date	Key Tracks
“How to Catch a Falling Knife” (EP)	April 2023	Various
“At the Beach,in Every Life”	2025	“Sailor Song,” “Sugar Water,” “Celene”

“I had just been operating blind for so long,” Perez explained. “Being able to share my experience of loss in this specific way, it’s something that my 20-year-old self would be in disbelief of.”

Did You Know? According to Billboard, songs addressing grief and loss have seen a 30% increase in streaming figures over the past two years, highlighting a growing audience seeking relatable and emotionally honest music.

The Power of Vulnerability in Music

Gigi Perez’s story illustrates a powerful trend in contemporary music: the embrace of vulnerability.Artists who openly address personal struggles and emotional complexities often forge deeper connections with their audiences.This authenticity resonates with listeners seeking music that reflects their own experiences.

Pro Tip: For aspiring musicians, embracing vulnerability can be a pathway to creating authentic and impactful work. don’t be afraid to share your story; it might potentially be the key to connecting with a wider audience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gigi Perez

What is Gigi Perez best known for?

Gigi Perez is best known for her hit song “Sailor Song” and her deeply personal songwriting, particularly on her debut album “At the Beach, in Every Life.”

What influenced Gigi Perez’s music style?

Gigi Perez was influenced by artists like Hayley Kiyoko and Troye Sivan, as well as her own experiences with grief, loss, and self-discovery.

Where did Gigi Perez first perform at Austin City Limits?

Gigi Perez first performed at Austin City Limits in 2021, in an early afternoon slot on one of the smaller stages.

What challenges did Gigi Perez face during her career?

Gigi Perez faced personal tragedies, including the loss of family members, and a brief period where she was released from her record label.

What is the significance of the album title “At the Beach, in Every Life”?

The album title represents a sense of longing, peace, and finding solace in memories, reflecting the themes explored throughout the album.

How has Gigi Perez’s family supported her career?

Gigi Perez’s mother is part of her management team,and her father has joined her on tour,providing essential support and guidance.

What aspects of Gigi Perez’s artistic journey resonate most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below and help spread the word about this rising star!

How did Gigi Perez’s experience as a virtual assistant contribute to her success as a musician?

The Early Days: honing Skills as a Virtual Assistant

Gigi Perez’s story isn’t one of overnight success. It’s a testament to the power of transferable skills, relentless dedication, and a passion for music. Before captivating audiences at Austin City Limits (ACL), Perez built a solid foundation as a highly sought-after virtual assistant. This period, spanning several years, wasn’t a detour from her musical aspirations, but rather a crucial training ground.

* Skill Development: As a VA,Perez mastered project management,communication,association,and client relations – skills directly applicable to navigating the music industry.

* Financial Stability: The income from virtual assistant work provided the financial freedom to pursue her music without the immediate pressure of needing it to pay the bills. This allowed for creative exploration and risk-taking.

* Networking Opportunities: While serving diverse clients,Perez subtly expanded her network,encountering individuals who would later prove invaluable to her musical journey.

Many aspiring musicians take on side hustles to fund their dreams. Perez’s choice of remote work as a virtual assistant proved especially strategic,offering versatility and control over her schedule.This allowed her to dedicate evenings and weekends to songwriting, practicing, and performing at local open mics.

The Musical Awakening: Finding Her Voice

Perez’s musical journey began with a deep love for storytelling through song. Initially, she experimented with various genres, from folk to pop, before settling into a distinctive blend of indie folk and Americana. Her lyrics are frequently enough described as introspective and honest, resonating with listeners on a deeply personal level.

Early Performances & Building a Local Following

The Austin music scene is notoriously competitive,but Perez quickly gained traction through consistent performances at iconic venues like The Continental Club and Cactus cafe.

* Open Mic Nights: These provided a low-pressure environment to test new material and refine her stage presence.

* Local Festivals: Securing slots at smaller Austin festivals helped her reach a wider audience and build a loyal fanbase.

* social Media Engagement: Perez actively utilized platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share her music, connect with fans, and promote upcoming shows. This digital marketing strategy was key to her early growth.

The Influence of Austin’s Music Scene

Austin, Texas, is renowned for it’s vibrant live music culture. Perez credits the city’s supportive community of musicians and industry professionals as instrumental in her development. The collaborative spirit and willingness to mentor emerging artists fostered an environment where she could thrive.

The breakthrough: ACL and Beyond

The invitation to perform at Austin City Limits was a pivotal moment in Perez’s career. It wasn’t just the prestige of the festival; it was the validation of years of hard work and dedication.

Securing the ACL Spot

The path to ACL wasn’t straightforward. Perez submitted her music through the festival’s artist application process and actively networked with industry contacts who championed her work. A strong showcase performance at a local venue caught the attention of an ACL talent scout.

The ACL Performance & Immediate Impact

Her ACL performance was lauded by critics and fans alike. The energy of the crowd, the quality of her songwriting, and her captivating stage presence created a memorable experience.

* Increased Streaming Numbers: Following the performance, Perez’s music saw a notable surge in streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

* Media Coverage: Articles and reviews in prominent music publications like Rolling stone and Billboard further amplified her reach.

* Touring Opportunities: The ACL exposure led to invitations to perform at other major festivals and embark on a national tour.

Leveraging Virtual Assistant Skills in Her Music Career

Interestingly, Perez hasn’t fully abandoned her roots as a virtual assistant. she now utilizes those skills to manage many aspects of her music career.

* Social Media Management: She handles her own social media marketing, creating engaging content and interacting with fans.

* Tour Logistics: Perez is actively involved in planning and coordinating her tour schedules, travel arrangements, and venue bookings.

* Email Marketing: She builds and maintains her email list, sending out newsletters and updates to her fanbase.

This self-sufficiency allows her to maintain creative control and maximize her resources. It’s a prime example of how entrepreneurial skills can be invaluable for independent musicians.

The Future for Gigi Perez: Continued Growth and Artistic Exploration

Gigi Perez’s story is far from over. She continues to write, record, and perform, pushing the boundaries of her musical style and connecting with audiences around the world. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to embrace unconventional paths, anything is absolutely possible. The combination of music industry marketing and her inherent talent positions her for continued success.