Check out our interview with talented Singer/Songwriter and Mermaid-Pop Sensation Gedina who recently released her new single “Messy.”
With her magnetic brand of “mermaid-pop,” a sound shaped by her lifelong status as a salty-haired surfer girl, this new single (Messy) continues in the vein of her work that empowers and elevates while leaving a life-changing impact for each and every listener. Produced by Drew Kapner (who’s engineered records for artists including Jason Derulo and Twenty One Pilots), “Messy” is a song that inspires listeners to fall in love with the days that feel like obstacles and own them as opportunities, and to instead turn them into breakthroughs in authenticity and vulnerability.
As a completely independent artist, Gedina is determined to shake up the music-industry culture and carve out a space for artists to fully express themselves. In her efforts to blaze a new trail, Gedina recently launched her own company, “4th Door Records,” which is paving the way for artists in the industry to explore career strategy in a viable way for emerging talent.
Follow Gedina @iamgedina
Hi Gedina, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! You can find me with my toes in the sand, with a mermaid tail in the water, and singing my booty off in the recording booth! I am also learning, one day at a time, to be the best CEO of my record label that I can be.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
POWERFUL, Graceful, Vulnerable.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
My grandmother said that I came out of the womb wailing, and it’s been a wrap ever since.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
I only need two: Mermaid Pop.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Music has always been my safe place, a way to connect with the world, it picked me. The vocal greats including but not limited to Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, and Aretha were frequent visitors in my bedroom solo concerts.
Do you play any instrument?
Just my vocal cords.
Do you ever get nervous?
Only when singing cover songs… I didn’t write those lyrics, so I get nervous that I’ll forget them!
Tell us about your new single “Messy?”
“Messy” is a song that inspires listeners to fall in love with the days that feel like obstacles and own them as opportunities, and to instead turn them into breakthroughs in authenticity and vulnerability. Life, even if you’re excelling during this pandemic and social evolution, is MESSY, and instead of looking at life like a “have to,” owning that even the mess, is a “get to”!!
What’s the story behind this song?
I woke up one day and said NOPE, not having it. And then, I remembered, leadership starts with me. What tools do I have at this moment to SHIFT what’s happening with me? And what came to me is a permission slip to be human because Lord knows we need them right now with all that’s happening in the world. So, I owned my day and let myself feel, write, and turn what could’ve been a frown upside down. The song is an invitation to own whatever experience you’re having from a loving, empowering, and honest way.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
Being able to be there for people in all their experiences of life through my music. When they’re sad, I’m there. When they’re happy, I’m there. When they’re mad, I’m there. Knowing that day in and day out, I get to be a part of people’s process is so rewarding.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
- Hot Tubs
- Music
- Pancakes
- Mermaids
- ASMR
What’s next for Gedina in 2020?
A series of experiences strung together in such a way that people feel seen, heard, and empowered by what we’re up to. Including but not limited to new music, new video content, a lifestyle series, and physical products that will change the game!
What is your favorite song? And why?
“Bring It On Home To Me” by Sam Cook…in every single place I have ever walked into and been invited on stage to sing – the band knows this song, it has created connection unlike no other. “Hero” by Mariah Carey… “it gave me the strength to carry on” and “cast my fears aside” time and time again.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
“The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” by Deepak Chopra & “Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown.
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
Postponing our wedding! It was a hard decision until it wasn’t! building a partnership is far from defined by the events of one day, and when we made the choice, it was from a place that forwarded our relationship.
Any loves other than music?
Surfing! And Transformation.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
My Grandmother on my Mother’s side. People say she was the sweetest woman with a demeanor no one can forget. It would be so cool to hear her stories and have a great understanding of my mother and that side of my family.
Best advice ever given?
No means not yet. The answer to any question left unasked is no. And the platinum rule – treat people the way that they want to be treated.
How’s a typical day in your life?
No day is ever the same but most include sand beneath my toes, submerging myself in some variation of water, crying tears of laughter and/or vulnerability with close friends, Zoom calls with the best team ever, and creating music through it all.
Name one your strengths?
Asking questions! Thought-provoking, genuinely curious, loving, and forwarding questions coming from a place of generously listening.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Pancakes with maple syrup in a hotel on the beach followed by 3-5” faces of beautiful glassy warm water point break waves, an afternoon nap in cold sheets, and a home-cooked meal with all my closest friends.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
“Natural Woman” (Aretha’s version)
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being able to be present for every moment of every day, while my eyes are open.
Do you support any charities?
Best Day Adventures and Ride A Wave! Both organizations support adults and children with disabilities in getting the opportunity to enjoy the beach and ocean! They get to surf, kayak, bodyboard, SUP, and all things ocean just like every other human does too.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Avocados! sliced in half with a pinch of Himalayan salt.
And your favorite cheat food?
Sour Patch Kids! such a sucker for these, especially at the movies!
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Smoking and I likely would have sussed this out before even meeting anyone in person 😉
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Redefining what Transformational music means AND opening the door for new artists to share their music with the world!
How would you describe your fashion style?
Mermaid Mentality.
What do you think of Social Media?
I am SO grateful for the opportunity to be able to connect with people all over the world and in so many different ways digitally. And you didn’t mention it BUT ZOOM RULES!
Where we can follow you?
IG / Twitter / TikTok / FB @iamgedina
Favorite Quote: “Our deepest fear is not that we are weak. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world … As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”-Marianne Williamson
Favorite Movie: The Little Mermaid
Favorite Travel Destination: Bora Bora
Favorite Sports Team: Born in NorCal built a life in SoCal… 49’ers and Lakers!
Photo Credit: Mark Sacro
