Every summer, we look for songs that transcend us to scenes of warm air amidst comfortable settings, a cool evening breeze with a drink in hand, memorable moments with loved ones, and of course, hitting the open road with the windows down.
This – and quite possibly – the prospect of fearlessly ending one chapter of our lives and beginning the next. Enter Vancouver folk n' roots singer-songwriter Gena Perala, who recently released her breezy yet courageous country-flaired single, "I'm Gone."
"I'm Gone" is the lead single from Perala's upcoming album, Somewhere New, and it sets the tone for a story rooted in grit, heartache, and self-discovery. Common themes include choosing yourself, trusting that there's something better ahead, and appreciating the simple things in life.
We got to chat with Perala to learn more about her unique upbringing, the new single, upcoming album, and much more.
So tell us a bit about your unique upbringing and how you got into a life of songwriting and performing.
I grew up in a suburb just outside of Vancouver, right on the ocean. My parents were actually Carnies, if you can believe it, so my upbringing was pretty unconventional. Music was always around though — my parents were constantly playing records, and they'd play songs for each other and their friends. My mom used to make mix tapes for everyone, and my dad would send records home from the road. That record collection was probably my first real introduction to music. Songwriting came pretty naturally. Once I started writing, I figured since I could always sing, there had to be a song in me somewhere. Turns out there are a lot.
Did you have any local music mentors or family members who inspired you on a personal level? Or perhaps was there a certain show or artist that made you want to pursue a life of music-making?
This could be a very long answer, so I'll keep it short. I have two guitar mentors, Russell Marsland and Sandro Cameron — amazing guys and even more amazing players.
Russell saw me perform, introduced himself afterward, and told me if I ever needed anything, to give him a call. He's not only played on my records, but he also introduced me to the first producer I ever worked with, Chris Gestrin. Sandro Cameron was my guitar teacher, and when I played him the first song I ever wrote, he really encouraged me to keep at it. He said he hears a lot of students play a lot of songs, but that I actually had something special. That encouragement really helped me believe in myself, which would become so important down the road.
I'll also mention my dad — his words are a North Star for me. When I first started pursuing music, I told him I was worried about the odds of finding success, and he simply asked, "Do you love doing it?" I said yes, and he said, "Then you're already a success."
You recently release your latest single, "I'm Gone." When did you write this song, and what's the influence and back story behind it?
I started writing "I'm Gone" during COVID. A lot of the songs on this album were written during that isolation period. Remember how we had to choose our "COVID circle?" It really made me evaluate my relationships — who I spend my time with and how I spend my time. "I'm Gone" is about not sticking around anywhere you're not appreciated or valued. The original inspiration was actually a job, but it's also about relationships, of course... isn't everything?
Where was it recorded and who helped it come to life?
Oh my gosh, I love this question — it was the first song we recorded for the album, and what a special experience it was. We recorded at Afterlife Studios in Vancouver, BC. Erik Nielsen produced the record, and he brought in Scott Smith (banjo, lead guitar), Matt Kelly (slide guitar), Geoff Hicks (drums), and Leon Power (drums).
I had spoken with Erik before, but we hadn't met in person yet — and I was meeting all the players for the first time that day too. I was pretty intimidated walking in, but they put me at ease immediately. They were so warm, so kind, and so excited.
The band was all together in the big room, and I was in the isolation booth. The first time we played through the song was also my first time hearing it with a full band — and holy moly, was it awesome. It was one of those unforgettable moments, hearing something you created come to life. Humbling and magical.
This is also the lead single off of your upcoming album, Somewhere New. Are there any common themes, messages, or motifs throughout the new collection of songs?
Yes, there are definitely some common threads running through the album. A lot of the songs are about choosing yourself — choosing to walk away from people or places that don't see your worth, and trusting that there's something better ahead even if you can't see it yet. There's also a theme of appreciating the simple things in life: time with people you love, chasing dreams even when it's hard, finding beauty in the everyday. I think underneath it all, the album is really about resilience, hope, and staying true to who you are.
What are one or two pinnacle moments for you as an artist so far?
One pinnacle moment for me was releasing my first album, Exactly Nowhere, and touring it across the States. My mom is from New York City, so on my first tour, I stayed with my cousin in Brooklyn (shout out Becky!) and played shows all over NYC and the surrounding area. It was a huge confidence boost. I've struggled to find my place in the music scene here in Vancouver, so being so well received in New York really meant a lot.
Another was when I toured the West Coast. I packed up my car with my keyboard, my guitar (and my bike — ha!), and hit the road. It was both scary and incredibly freeing. I had shows booked almost every night from Vancouver to San Diego. Once again, I was met with a warm reception — but even more than that, it was an incredible, empowering experience to head out on my own and play my songs for new people every night. I like to say, "I'm cool in other cities."
What does success as a songwriter and musician mean to you?
For me, success as a songwriter and musician is about connection. It's about creating something honest that resonates with people, something that maybe helps them feel seen or a little less alone. I also think success is just sticking with it, continuing to show up for your work even when it's hard, even when it feels like nobody's listening. If I can keep writing songs I'm proud of, growing as an artist, and finding ways to share that with people, then I think I'm doing alright.
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