Gina Naomi Baez Reveals the Inspiration Behind ‘UNIQUEorn,’ Her New Anthem to Being One-of-a-Kind
Need a feel-good track to get your week off on the right note? Look no further than Gina Naomi Baez's brand new release, "UNIQUEorn."
The single is out today with a positive, uplifting message about embracing what makes you unique, and the sound positively sparkles. We only had to listen once to know we had to find out more about what drove Gina to write and sing it—and in this interview with the star, we were able to do just that.
Sweety High: What was the songwriting process behind "UNIQUEorn"? Do you remember the moment you came up with the title and concept?
Gina Naomi Baez: I was in Paris, France for Paris Fashion Week and in between all the chaos we actually got the opportunity to see the musical revival of Funny Girl at the Theatre Marigny one evening. I'm a musical theatre nerd and Funny Girl is my all-time favorite movie. Seeing the show was actually the highlight of my trip and it reminded me of why I fell in love with singing and performing in the first place. On the plane ride back to NYC, I came up with "UNIQUEorn."
SH: What does the track mean to you? Was there a specific experience that inspired you to write it?
GNB: The track means so many things to me. I have an obsession with unicorns. I've always loved them. Unicorns are unique, they're magical, they stand out. Fanny Brice in Funny Girl stood out. A lot of the time, we are conditioned to "fit in" or at least think you have to look, act or present yourself a certain way. "UNIQUEorn" is about embracing what makes you unique.
SH: Did the melody or the idea come first? How do you think the sound of the song supports its important message?
GNB: The idea definitely came first and then the chorus and hook followed. I then played around with the other verse, melodies, etc. for a while. The sound of the song is dreamy, child-like. I wanted it to feel like you were in the sky bouncing from cloud to cloud. I think it supports that care-free innocence everyone experienced when they were younger, and it can also connect with youth today.
SH: How do you embrace what makes you unique? Do you have any advice for people dealing with insecurity and doubt?
GNB: I've always battled with embracing my unique self. Songwriting and creating have been ways for me to express myself. Instead of covering up my scars, I let them show. Instead of burying my history and experiences with cancer and surgeries, I've started sharing my experiences on social media to talk about them. My biggest advice would be to go with your gut feelings, surround yourself with positivity and know it's okay to say no. Do what's best for you, not what others think is best for you.
SH: How do you feel "UNIQUEorn" is different from the music you've released in the past?
GNB: I think "UNIQUEorn" is different because it's more pop, more fun, appeals to a broader audience and is lighthearted. I see an adult blasting it in the car but I also see kids dancing around to it at a birthday party.
SH: What's your favorite lyric from the track?
GNB: I have two favorite lyrics. The first one is "Don't rain on my parade or try to throw shade" and my second is "One of a kind, over the rainbow, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."
SH: Is there anything else you want people to know about the song?
GNB: I hope if you're having a bad day, you can listen to "UNIQUEorn," and it inspires you.
Love the message behind the track? Click HERE to find out more about how to be a unicorn thanks to Jenny Block's book Be That Unicorn.