Meet Gin Guernica | Singer & Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gin Guernica and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gin, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson my career has taught me is to follow your heart, have unwavering faith in yourself, always request guidance from God/the universe, and set clear intentions. When I started my music project, I had no clue about the music business, and I saw music as a hobby. It seemed impossible to build a career due to the limited beliefs I was raised with in my traditional family background. However, if you focus on trying to accomplish something, eventually the universe will guide the right people onto your path.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well, my sound exudes a dark and obscure vibe, accompanied by profound lyrics. My music influences are quite intriguing. Despite being born and raised in Venezuela and spending the other half of my life in Panama, both Caribbean cities known for genres like salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and urban pop, my heart is drawn to art pop, indie rock, garage rock, alternative rock, experimental rock, psychedelic rock, dance punk, new wave, dream pop, chamber pop, baroque pop, sadcore, shoegaze, neopsych, electroclash, noise, and deconstructed club. It’s an unconventional blend that I’m only just beginning to explore sonically, while also delving into uncharted lyrical territories.

As for my professional journey, I’m inching closer and closer to a defined direction, which is to complete my album. Overcoming challenges has been a significant part of my path. I aspire to empower other women who might believe they’re too old to embark on a musical journey. I aim to convey that in music, age holds no sway; what truly matters is the quality of the song. Music isn’t just a backdrop or accompaniment in our lives; it can also be a lifeline, offering positive messages or a channel for unexpressed emotions.

I take immense pride in having completed the production of one song, along with the excitement of working on new tracks currently in the editing phase. Nothing has come easily, but every twist and turn has been a worthwhile adventure. In the face of challenges, I’ve maintained an unyielding commitment to my craft, refusing to relent.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, I would need to modify the question since I was the one who visited my best friend in Fort Lauderdale, as I am currently based in Panama. Here are my go-to places for a fantastic week:

Miami Design District Adventure
-Begin by exploring the Museum Garage and its iconic surrounding galleries.
-Head over to the Dior Cafe for a stylish and delectable meal.
-Experience some exquisite dining at Sofia restaurant.

Art and Music Exploration
-Enjoy brunch at Neverland Coffee Bar, savoring their everlasting brunch and golden tater tots.
-Don’t miss the Jaco Pastorius Park – Oakland Park mural, especially if you’re into music.
-Immerse yourself in the vibrant Wynwood area, where you can discover captivating street art and galleries.
-Uncover the hidden gem of Dante’s HiFi in Wynwood, drawing inspiration from Japan’s listening bars.

Iconic and Relaxing Moments
-Indulge in a relaxing day at the iconic Hard Rock Hotel Miami.
-Head to Mid-Beach to experience the perfect blend of North and South Beach vibes.

Art and Culture
-Immerse yourself in the local history at the History Miami Museum and the Art Deco Museum.
-Catch a film at O Cinema South Beach for a cultural treat.
-If you have the time, consider visiting the iconic El Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg.

Craft Cocktails and Culinary Delights
-Unwind at Spanglish Craft Cocktail Bar + Kitchen and delight in creative cocktails like Paparazzi (dill infused dobel diamante tequila, campari, cappelletti, passion fruit reduction, fresh lime juice).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow, there are so many people. First and foremost, my mom, who despite harboring doubts when I switched my career from architecture to the path of music, has been an unwavering supporter throughout. I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone who has played a role in my project. Whether you’ve attended my shows, been part of my band, or contributed as a sound engineer, producer, investor, mentor, co-writer, or music teacher, your involvement has been truly invaluable. Even if certain endeavors didn’t achieve success at the time, they have served as invaluable lessons along the way. While many may perceive failure as the end, it’s, in fact, just another step closer to where you aspire to be.

Among the many deserving individuals, two names particularly stand out. Adam Mcinnis, whose Neverland Music retreats in Costa Rica facilitated my immersion into and understanding of the music business. He now leads the Billboard 500 Club. Another pivotal figure is my hero, Henry D’Arthenay from the band La Vida Bohème, whose guidance boosted my self-confidence and faith in my process. Thanks to him, I successfully completed the production of one of my songs – a goal that once seemed insurmountable. Furthermore, a book that has profoundly impacted me, both before and after, is “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill.

Instagram: @ginguernica

Facebook: gin guernica

Other: My demo The Dream – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gIiHe0MJkH2rC1JGkvyp6?si=jZK7bNUySmqdoHb2_Hg-zA

Image Credits
All the photos were captured by Diego Rodríguez, available on Instagram @diego.rodriguezi, and the makeup was skillfully done by María Cristina, who can be found on Instagram as @makeupbymacri