Gina Naomi Baez is an actress, singer/songwriter, YouTuber and influencer from New York City. 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.
“My Time” is the ultimate power ballad, providing a beacon of light and declaring words of wisdom. Dubbing this song as a pep talk to herself, the single was written following a period of intense self-doubt and low confidence. Baez confides, “The music is inspired by my life experiences and facing bumps on this road we all call life. Being a childhood cancer survivor, I’ve always felt like I’m a fighter and warrior. Literally Nothing can stop me.”
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
The genesis of My Time came from so much of my life experience. I wrote it as a power pep talk to myself to never give up.
How would you describe the highs and lows of being an artist?
The highs are when you are creating, using the inspiration within you, and when you make a connection with others through your art the lows are when you work so hard on something and no one seems phased, or when you just have no inspiration.
What are some sources of inspiration for you?
My sources of inspiration are Taylor Swift, SIA, Lauren Aquilina, Meghan Trainor, Katy Perry, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, and so many more!!
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
I’d have to go with my main girl Taylor Swift.
Favorite activity to blow off some steam?
My favorite activity to blow off steam would have to be songwriting, shopping and watching some good reality TV.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
My Time is my latest release. It came about after reflecting on moments where I’ve felt defeated and like giving up. I wanted to write an anthem type song to jam too and boost confidence.
What are some things you do to deal with anxiety and creative blocks?
I have found to deal with anxiety and creative blocks, I just walk away from it all and take a break. I try to trust the process in a way. It’s hard though because I feel like if I am not being productive 24/7 I am running out of time. It’s still a battle.
What’s the future looking like for you?
The future is looking like a lot more live shows!
What inspires your visuals, videos, looks etc?
I come up with all of the visuals and looks for everything. I draw from lyrics and what the song means to me as a whole. I wanted MY TIME to have a a beach ocean theme, because of the first lyric as well as the idea of the song being almost a SIREN song in a way.
What is the most proud moment of your career so far ?
Being mentioned in the same sentence as Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ben Platt.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
This advice wasn’t given to me personally per se, but “Surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming”
Where do you think the music and entertainment industry is headed after this past year?
I think the music and entertainment industry is in for a renaissance of epic proportions and I am READY for it!!!
