WINNER OF BEST INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD, SINGER – SONGWRITER, DANCER GIGI VEGA, BRINGS AWARENESS TO THE EXISTING HOSTAGE CRISIS WITH HER HIT SONG, “BACK HOME”
GiGi Vega’s song, “Back Home” was released on Dec. 7, 2024. A heartfelt project that was inspired by the October 7th – Hamas led attack on Israel in 2023. Of the 250 hostages taken on October 7, 2023, about 100 remain held in Gaza with a third or more of those still presumed dead. “Back Home” is shedding light on those hostages that are still missing, that need to get released and sent back home. In lieu of the eminent hostage release and cease fire, this song means even more now.
On the heels of GiGi Vega’s amazing performance her Christmas hit, “Mistletoe Kiss” at the Spirit of Independence Awards in December, – BOM – BreakOut Music, Movies, and Media Awards, continues to be a holiday classic. “Mistletoe Kiss” has 10 million views on TikTok, and top 30 on US Radio AC Charts. GiGi Vega received the coveted Independent Artist of the Year Award for her creativity, work ethic, and discipline, in pushing through challenges. “Back Home” – the music video, already has more than a million views, is a stunning creation highlighting the emotional struggles of loved ones separated during this very difficult time of war and devastation. When talking about “Back Home”, Gigi Vega’s perspective is that “Everyone has their own interpretation of what ‘Back Home’ means to them, but broadly it is meant to inspire surviving adversity and fighting for a better outcome.
GiGi Vega’s 2 other hit songs – “Down Crazy”, which was #1 on the iTune Charts, #19 on Billboard Charts, and over 5.5 million views on the official music video, and “Watchu Tryna Do” ft. Rapper TEC – 26 on R&B itunes Charts. Both songs represent Gigi Vega’s versatile ability to move across all genres of music.
Vega’s record label, BreakOut Music – has also produced films that have been seen on Netflix, Amazon, TUBI, and their own streaming platform, BOM PIC Global TV. BOM has written, produced and directed 4 very successful films in the last four years. “The App That Stole Christmas”, “The Microchip That Ruined Halloween”, and “The Drone That Saved Christmas”, and a documentary on the 50-year anniversary of Harvard Women’s Tennis. BOM also represents independent Billboard charting artists with marketing, production, sync-licensing, and touring.
Gigi Vega has many loyal fans, who have been with her from day one. Vega released her “Down Crazy” EP on tour with Tay Money. Her new song, “Honest” – coming soon, promises to take over the airwaves, as the lead single for her next EP.
Whether it’s writing music that inspires people to be stronger and stand up for themselves, Gigi Vega has an optimistic view of the world that can be felt through her music. She just wants to empower those that need to be reminded of how much they matter. Her talent radiates to all she touches; she truly is a force to be reckoned with.
Watch Back Home Video
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GIGI VEGA Q+A
GiGi Vega Q&A – Gigi Vega talks about her new single “Back Home,” and discusses conflict in the Middle East.
What was it like going on tour, with well-known artists such as, Master P?
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.
Can you talk about your process as a songwriter?
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.
Do you come up with the lyrics first and then the music?
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.
How do you prepare for your music video?
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.
Is acting in your music video easy for you?
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.
Can you talk about who you worked with for the music video?
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.
What is the video about?
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
Can you talk about who all you worked with to make this song happen?
I am 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 in this project were Miklos Malek, Frank Socorro, and Tracksionz. Thank you.
Do you have a safe space where you do your songwriting?
Yeah. Just no messes, please. lol.
What do you do for your own self care?
That can be hard when you’re doing all these things, but we have 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.
How do you take care of your voice?
Lemon, pineapple, ginger, and turmeric.
Does your own life experience help in your songwriting?
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.
Why do you think this subject matter is so important?
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, 3rd 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. In 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.
What would you tell a young singer-songwriter to do to help the world be a better place?
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.
Why do you think this song has hit home with so many people?
I think that many people, wives, etc. have had to overcome the loss of a loved one and separate 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.
Do you see yourself writing more songs like this and being an advocate for future wars?
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.
What else will you be releasing?
Much more. It will revolve around love, but not the kind of love that you’re thinking about.
Would you like to travel to war-torn countries to perform?
Yes, my goal is to travel more and would go where this message reaches the most, of course.
Do you think it would make a difference if you performed for war-torn countries?
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.
How can we all as a nation lift the spirits of those people who are still suffering?
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.
Do you think there will ever be a day when the conflict in the Middle East will be stopped?
That starts with leaders and rulers in Gaza. A lot of countries are dealing with a corrupt system. This is continuously being worked on.
We are about to change our political administration; how do you think this is going to affect what is going on with the hostages?
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.
Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?
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.
What would you tell the youth to keep up their hope for a brighter future?
Work hard, work right, and get educated about the issues. This new generation must start seeking facts. Do the research.
What was your reasoning for writing a song like this?
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 gives up that you will reconnect with your loved one.
You feel so strongly about the hostage situation. Is there a reason for this?
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.
What do you think the outcome of this situation will be in the future?
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.
What can you tell those who want to help and get involved?
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.
