Absolutely nothing compares to the sounds of Gigi Perez. I went to her concert at the Franklin Music Hall on Oct. 16, for her debut album, “At the Beach, in Every Life.” Released in April 2025, “At the Beach in Every Life” is an indie-folk/alternative album that quickly garnered attention for its viral single, “Sailor Song.” Its 12 tracks pack a punch as it explores grief, love, religion, sexuality, and acceptance, all of which is apparent in Perez’s performance.
Franklin Music Hall, which has a capacity of about 2,500 show-goers sold our for Perez. The concert was general admission, but I had bought a quick pass. I arrived an hour before the doors opened at 7 p.m. and entered after VIP. I was able to get a spot directly in the center, about four rows in front of Perez. It was unreal!
At 8 p.m. the opener began, a small artist named Hannah Jadagu. I had never heard her music before, but I quickly added her entire discography to my playlists. Her aura is so endearing, her voice incredible, and her kindness was undeniable—she continuously thanked the fans, Perez, and even stopped her set to help someone in the back of the venue.
After Jadagu’s 45-minute set, they began to set the stage for Perez, placing the instruments where they belong, and decorating the stage with red flowers. On the curtain behind the stage were two white outlines of people, identical to the album cover.
Before Perez took the stage, a Cuban song called “La vida es un carnaval” played as a tasteful nod to her heritage and strong familial values, which I enjoyed a lot. Perez began her set with her song “Please Be Rude” and then played the entirety of her album, give or take a song or two. In addition to her debut album, Perez played the song that jump started her career called “Sometimes (Backwoods).” Perez also performed various covers, including “Video Games” by Lana Del Rey, and had her opener join her.
When singing her song “Sugar Water,” which is about grappling with the ending of childhood, Perez’s sister Bella Perez joined her on stage to perform the song as a duet. Perez also made sure to sing her hit songs, such as “Sailor Song,” and “Fable.” The entire show was a wonderful testament to her older sister, Celine, who had passed away in 2020. Perez constantly mentioned her sister, sang about her, and you could hear her sister’s voice in the background of various songs. It was beautiful.
You could feel the bass on your feet and the stage lights were synchronized with each song. Apart from the facets of the show itself, Perez was incredible. Her voice is so smooth, rich, and soulful. My favorite feeling is the passion radiating from an artist, and that was very clear from Perez. Her body language and facial expressions changed with each line, adapting to what each song was about. This not only elevated the performance, but it gave it impact and pertinence.
Perez’s entire discography is so raw and lyrically beautiful and hearing her perform it live felt like we were actively feeling the turmoil that made her write it. Her stage presence was unmatched, as she not only sang each song with such conviction, but played the guitar as well, often going over to her band members and joining their riffs.
While Perez was captivating, so was the audience. There was a level of respect that I’d never experienced. Everyone was quiet during her tribute to her sister, no crowd surging or pushing to get closer to the barricade. The venue itself was also extremely well run, making sure everyone got in safely. It made for such a safe and fun experience! There was also a strong sense of community, as Perez’s family was walking around the venue, conversing with fans, the opener stood by the merchandise table after the show, and Perez would walk to each side of the stage, acknowledging signs and talking to fans.
From the conversations I had in the line, to Perez’s performance itself, this was such an unforgettable night. Perez was better live than I could’ve ever imagined. Everyone should run at the chance to see her, and I have no doubt that she’ll be selling out bigger venues in the coming years. You would find me at this concert in every life, through every door!
