Keyofgigi, folk singer-songwriter from Colorado building community around music
Q: Tell us about yourself!
A: I’m a folk singer-songwriter from Colorado who loves turning music into a space where people feel seen and connected. I write every single day (I’ve written 300+ songs so far!) and care a lot about building genuine community through what I create.
I’m also the founder of Rooftop Charity Shows, a concert series that started in my UCLA dorm room and grew into something really special, where music and giving back come together, plus I always bring a cake
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of making/writing music?
A: I grew up in Colorado and went to four different high schools, so life always felt a little in motion. Music was the one constant, it was my best friend through everything.
I didn’t always have a steady sense of community growing up, it’s something I value so deeply now. A huge part of why I make music is to create that feeling for myself and for other people who need it too.
Q: What is the inspiration behind your songs?
A: Honestly, watching a community form around it. There’s something so special about having a space where I can share who I am openly, and then seeing other people connect to it and to each other through my songs. It turns into something bigger than just me, which is my favorite part.
Q: What goals are you working towards right now?
A: My life, my family, and the idea of perseverance. I’m really inspired by how life can feel so complex and overwhelming, but also so simple and beautiful at the same time. I try to capture that balance in my songwriting.
Q: What are your goals right now?
A: Right now I’m focused on growing Rooftop Charity Shows and continuing to build that community. I’m also releasing a new single on May 1st called “I Love You” (which I’m very excited and a little nervous about in the best way because this song is so personal!)
Q: What three songs do you think capture “you” the best for a first-time listener?
A: “I Love You” = my newest song about the fear of telling someone you love them
“Glad I Crashed My Car Into You” = I wrote this at my UCLA dorm freshman year about how random life is and how you can meet someone in the most unexpected ways… (fun fact: a car actually did crash into me near Target in Westwood, but sadly I did not meet the love of my life and they drove away lol) “I Fall Down” (Live Version), I play this song with a harmonica at my rooftop shows and it is so fun hearing everyone react to this alternative version!!
Q: Who inspires you?
A: My family (my mom, my dad, my sister and my dog Willy). We’re very very very close, choosing to come to UCLA and be far from them was really hard.
I know they’re proud of me, and everything I do is rooted in wanting to make them proud and reflect the love they’ve given me. I feel really lucky to be surrounded by people who believe in me so deeply.
Q: What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
A: I LOVE TRYING NEW FOODS!! I’m gluten-free, so I’m always on the hunt for good gluten-free spots (if anyone has any recommendations, please send me a DM!!) My current favorite place for baked goods is Ministry of Coffee in Westwood, their gluten-free carrot cake is other worldly.
Find all things Keyofgigi:
Instagram: @keyofgigi
Music: Songs
Photography by Sapna Drew
