Photography of GiGi Vega
GiGi Vega’s poignant new single, Back Home, released on December 7, 2024, emerges as a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. This tragic event led to the abduction of 250 hostages, with approximately 100 still held captive in Gaza, many of whom are presumed dead. Back Home serves as a powerful call to action, shedding light on the hostages who remain unaccounted for and advocating for their release. In light of ongoing discussions regarding a ceasefire and the potential release of hostages, the song’s message has gained even greater urgency and significance.
Following her remarkable performance of her holiday anthem, Mistletoe Kiss, at the Spirit of Independence Awards in December, GiGi Vega has solidified her status as one of the industry’s most versatile and impactful artists. The track, which has garnered over 10 million views on TikTok and cracked the top 30 on the U.S. Radio AC Charts, is quickly becoming a seasonal favorite. In recognition of her exceptional creativity, work ethic, and resilience, Vega was honored with the prestigious Independent Artist of the Year Award.
The music video for Back Home, which has already surpassed one million views, offers a deeply emotional visual exploration of the separation and heartache faced by families during times of conflict. In reflecting on the song’s meaning, Vega explains, “While Back Home may have different interpretations for each listener, its central theme is one of hope—surviving adversity and striving for a brighter future.”
Vega’s musical repertoire also includes the chart-topping singles Down Crazy and Watchu Tryna Do featuring rapper TEC. Down Crazy reached #1 on the iTunes charts, #19 on Billboard, and has amassed over 5.5 million views on its official music video. Watchu Tryna Do, which peaked at #26 on the R&B iTunes charts, further demonstrates Vega’s musical versatility, as she effortlessly navigates a wide range of genres.
Vega’s record label, BreakOut Music, has also made significant strides in the film industry, producing and distributing successful films across multiple platforms, including Netflix, Amazon, and TUBI, as well as on their own streaming service, BOM PIC Global TV. Over the past four years, BreakOut Music has produced four critically acclaimed films, including The App That Stole Christmas, The Microchip That Ruined Halloween, and The Drone That Saved Christmas. The label has also created a documentary celebrating the 50th anniversary of Harvard Women’s Tennis. In addition to their film endeavors, BreakOut Music provides marketing, production, sync licensing, and touring services for independent artists who have charted on Billboard.
GiGi Vega’s dedicated fan base, which has supported her since the release of her Down Crazy EP during her tour with Tay Money, eagerly anticipates the arrival of her upcoming single, Honest, set to be the lead track from her forthcoming EP.
Through her music, Vega continues to inspire and empower listeners, promoting self-empowerment and resilience. Her optimistic outlook and remarkable talent have made a lasting impact, establishing her as an influential force in the music industry.
Photography of GiGi Vega
In an exclusive interview, Vega shared her songwriting process, emphasizing her dedication to crafting meaningful music that speaks to global challenges. Collaborating with industry talents like Doug Hammer, Miklos Malek, and Michael Givens, she created a visually and emotionally compelling narrative. Vega highlighted the universality of “Back Home,” explaining that it symbolizes the fight for love, unity, and survival, transcending politics to focus on humanity.
Interview: The Journey Behind “Back Home” and Her Impactful Voice on Global Challenges.
1. What was it like going on tour, with well-known artists such as, Master P?
GiGi Vega: It was great, especially the support during the whole process you really just have to take it in, and the response that you get, while always being yourself, it’s just the best. They were super nice.
2. Can you talk about your process as a songwriter?
GiGi Vega: Sure. I’m a heavy writer. It’s all about starting from nothing and getting to something, but in a very deliberate way. Like so many others, I was so impacted by the separation of loved ones in Ukraine, and then in Israel. With this piece, my goal was to give someone a sense of hope. Amongst natural disasters, as well, and everything going on, it was crucial to have a slower, more orchestral piece. It was more challenging than anything else I’ve done. But these things are going on. And we have to talk about it.
3. Do you come up with the lyrics first and then the music?
GiGi Vega: I had wanted to do a ballad for a while, but wasn’t planning on it, either. I had some things that I was holding onto. When everything happened at the Nova festival in Israel, I knew I had to come back to it and build from there. I was going to do something very simple, but it turned out to be a big production. I couldn’t do anything else, before I spoke about these conflicts.
4. How do you prepare for your music video?
GiGi Vega: Really identifying what is the best way to have this piece come across, in a simple, yet classic way. I didn’t want too much going on. I wanted the audience to understand the story of this woman who was grieving. This involved many conversations with the team, and director. We had to get the point across.
5. Is acting in your music video easy for you?
GiGi Vega: It was heavy. It’s about realizing that it’s more than yourself, and it’s not just a video. It’s things that are going on in people’s lives.
6. Can you talk about who you worked with for the music video?
GiGi Vega: Cinematographer and Director, Michael Givens. Initially, we weren’t supposed to get too much of our guy/actor but Michael insisted on telling the story more between these two people.
7. What is the video about?
GiGi Vega: It is a story of a woman and her grieving process, as her husband, a soldier (or possibly a prisoner) goes off to war. She considers taking matters into her own hands and goes out to find him to carry her loved one back home. Because of her persistence and her fight, we have a knock at the end on the door. This knock resembles unity and togetherness, insinuating that the two came together again. Throughout, there are clips of both Ukraine and Israel in the video
8. Can you talk about who all you worked with to make this song happen?
GiGi Vega: Grateful for everyone who came along and got onboard on this journey, especially once I showed them the piece that I had. I had already in a way produced it long before we touched it. I got down a solid foundation on the production with Doug Hammer, a dear friend. Other producers involved on this project were Miklos Malek, Frank Socorro, and Tracksionz. Thank you.
9. Do you have a safe space where you do your songwriting?
GiGi Vega: Yeah. Just no messes, please. lol.
10. What do you do for your own self care?
GiGi Vega: That can be hard when you’re doing all these things, but we got to consider being persistent and consistent in the gym. Putting a log together on how to get that done, set alarms, etc. Whatever it takes for you to do it.
11. How do you take care of your voice?
GiGi Vega: Lemon, pineapple, ginger, and turmeric.
12. Does your own life experience help in your song writing?
GiGi Vega: It depends on what you’re talking about. I don’t have a personal connection to war or a veteran, obviously, but in this case I was able to capture what these people were going through.
13. Why do you think this subject matter is so important?
GiGi Vega: It is happening, it’s happening all around us. In the news. California has been hit with some massive wildfires, as well. It hasn’t been like this. We need to be there for one another. And, we must be careful of saying things like, 3 rd world – etc. We are one, and it’s about our humanity. Help others when they need it the most. I hope that’s what this song can do. Make us all recall our humanity. “You know that he has put the fight in us” this represents the fight in all of us, and with resilience and persistence, you’ll have a better outcome. For sure. At the end, it ends with love. That is the solution. Having more love for one another, truly can heal the world. Something we are lacking. One simple gesture goes a long way.
14. What would you tell a young singer songwriter to do to help the world be a better place?
GiGi Vega: Don’t force anything. You are called an entertainer, for a reason and that is to entertain others. Just realize that’s it’s bigger than you. Don’t make it all about yourself, but don’t question yourself, either.
15. Why do you think this song has hit home with so many people?
GiGi Vega: I think that many people, wives, etc. have had to overcome the loss of a loved one and separation from families. It’s not about politics, but rather about humanity. “Back Home” means something different to everyone. Whether that be person, place, or a thing. Sometimes, you want to take matters into your own hands and do something about it, even if it appears to be impossible, or like you can’t. We all want to be there for our loved ones. That fight is in all of us.
16. Do you see yourself, writing more songs like this and being an advocate for future wars?
GiGi Vega: I hope there are no future wars. But yes, absolutely. I will be touching on things of that nature. I will be talking about America, as well.
17. What else will you be releasing?
GiGi Vega: Much more. It will revolve around love, but not the kind of love that you’re thinking about.
18. Would you like to travel to war-torn countries to perform?
GiGi Vega: Yes, my goal is to travel more, and would go where this message reaches the most, of course.
19. Do you think it would make a difference if you performed for war-torn countries?
GiGi Vega: Yes. I have gotten a lot of responses and messages from people in the Ukraine and Israel - It really means everything, to hear from them.
20. How can we all as a nation lift the spirits of those people that are still suffering?
GiGi Vega: We need to be vocal. Being silent is being complicit. Stand up for what you believe. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
21. Do you think there will ever be a day when the conflict in the Middle East will be stopped?
GiGi Vega: That starts with leaders, rulers in Gaza. A lot of countries are dealing with a corrupt system. This is continuously being worked on.
22. We are about to change our political administration; how do you think this is going to affect what is going on with the hostages?
GiGi Vega: The cease fire and freeing of the hostages has started. Hopefully, the new administration will continue to be successful until all the hostages are freed.
23. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?
GiGi Vega: Keep fighting and seek what is really going on. There’s nothing worse than being misinformed and believing whatever pops up on your feed. That’s dangerous.
24. What would you tell the youth to keep up their hope for a brighter future?
GiGi Vega: Work hard, work right, and get educated about the issues. This new generation must start seeking facts. Do the research.
25. What was your reasoning for writing a song like this?
GiGi Vega: People connect to music; it can motivate and inspire. The hope with this song is that it gives people hope to keep going and never giving up that you will reconnect with your loved one.
26. You feel so strongly about the hostage situation, is there a reason for this?
GiGi Vega: This goes back to humanity and understanding that we are one. First, Ukraine. It is devastating to be separated from your loved ones, due to one man’s rash decision. The hostages, the warfare that these people have had to go through isn’t understandable – I hope that they all (the hostages) receive the help and support that they need.
27. What do you think the outcome of this situation will be in the future?
GiGi Vega: Well, what I can say is that hopefully the terrorists and the whole terrorist movement will be abolished, and there will be peace in the middle east (finally.) Many countries are trying to get there.
28. What can you tell those that want to help and get involved?
GiGi Vega: First, be kind to everyone. Second, if you see something is wrong, do something about it. There is so much wrong in this world, so I don't think it is hard for people to find a way to do good. It is important to continue to be vocal and share the stories, so people can know what’s happening. We must fight for our loved ones and fight for the truth, as well.
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As an artist, she has consistently used her platform to raise awareness on important social issues, and this latest release further solidifies her role as a voice for change. Through her music, Vega not only captivates her audience but also calls for greater empathy, understanding, and unity during challenging times. With her ongoing commitment to both her artistry and social impact, Vega’s influence continues to resonate deeply with listeners around the world. As she progresses in her career, there is no doubt that her work will continue to inspire and empower, leaving a lasting legacy both in music and in the realm of advocacy.
Stay tuned for the release of her highly anticipated single, Honest, and continue to support her journey as she empowers and inspires through her artistry. To delve deeper into GiGi Vega's extraordinary music, we invite you to explore her latest musical offering "Back Home".
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