Many artists blow up on TikTok, drop one catchy song and then disappear. Usually, you’d hear one ten-second clip of a song that sounds good, but the rest is awful–this is not the case for Gigi Perez’s music. Her debut album, “At the Beach, In Every Life,” is devastatingly beautiful and deserves much more recognition than it has received.
“At the Beach, In Every Life” is a self-produced indie folk album with acoustic guitars and intense, multi tracked vocals. Released on April 25, 2025, it examines religious trauma, yearning, sexuality and melancholically, which captures nostalgia throughout each song. It has 12 tracks, giving it a total length of 46 minutes.
If you liked “Sailor Song,” you already know how poetic and emotionally raw Perez’s music is. Her voice doesn’t just sound good–it hits something in you.
Although “At The Beach, In Every Life” was Perez’s debut album, she has been writing and composing music since she was 15. She also released her first few songs in 2018, with the songs “Celene” and “Sometimes (Backwood)” gaining popularity on TikTok.
The album is also about Perez’s deceased sister which is shown through voicemails and the seventh track, “Survivors Guilt.” Upon first appearance, it’s only an instrumental song with few words–until you realize the only words spoken are those of her deceased sister.
Overall, this album is gut wrenching. It’s so simplistic, yet every word is understandable in a way that you can feel in your bones. Specifically, songs like “Crown” have haunting lyrics about dealing with loss. Another highlight is “Sugar Water,” which touches on nostalgia and childhood in a way that’s relatable.
The strongest songs on this track are “Please Be Rude,” “Chemistry,” “At the Beach, in Every Life” and most popularly, “Sailor Song.” Perez’s music isn’t made for the algorithm; it’s made to be felt, not just listened to.
I came for music and left with emotional baggage. Good job, Gigi.