Gedina is making waves for MermaidPop, a genre that is the essence of bubbly, feel good music. As the CEO of 4th Door Records, Inc., Gedina has big dreams for creating new and transformational spaces in music, starting with MermaidPop, of course. In August, Gedina released her new single, “Messy,” which celebrates the beauty found in the no-make-up, messy-bun days that are all the more frequent during shelter in place. Alongside her love for music, she has a passion for surfing. She frequently volunteers with organizations like Best Day Foundation and Ride-A-Wave, which give children with special needs the opportunity to learn to surf. We spoke with Gedina about writing “Messy”, the connection between music and surfing, and the impactful memories of her volunteer work. Dive into our exclusive interview with Gedina below.

Where are you based?
Playa Del Rey, CA… en la Playa!

What inspired you to get into music?
Singing was present for me before talking. I guess I have Bach and Beethoven from my crib days and The Little Mermaid from when I could hold myself up to watch a screen.

We know you are a surfer and practice martial arts, is movement embodied in your music? If so, please elaborate.
Like the flip of a mermaid tale, every note, lyric, melody, and piece of production is swimming in movement. Being in my body and offering others the chance to be in theirs is the practice.

In songs like “Tell’em,” your lyrics speak to women overcoming obstacles. Why is this important to you? How have your ideas about women’s empowerment continued to evolve and change?
Transformation, in my opinion, is a process. It is like peeling an onion, the uncovering of each layer. My victim stories colored and created SO many of my songs from the past. It was one layer, catharsis, of getting it out into song and out into the world, so those who have felt the same can grieve and grow with me. Today empowerment looks like radical authenticity and responsibility. Meaning, I am the sole uncontested author of my life - creating each and every result I see with the world. The music I make now is an invitation to OWN the power that already exists inside each woman, a lyrical affirmation available at any time.

Your new single “Messy” is about turning obstacles into breakthroughs. Tell us how this ties into your day to day experiences being a woman during this time.
Everyday proposes a new opportunity for KEEPING IT REAL. And the song is an invitation to redefine what it means to be “Messy.” No judgment, no shame - just authentic ownership of what is true for each person every day and celebrating it, versus it being a trap for self-sabotage and to beat yourself up.

With fewer and fewer women wearing makeup and dressing up during shelter in place, ”Messy” almost feels like a nod to quarantine style. Was this intentional? Is this your current style?
Releasing it during this time was intentional because of how apropos it seemed to the common experience of, well, everyone. Instead of looking at it as a bad thing, it’s more of falling in love with the fact that we’re all going through it. And yes, oversized t-shirts, messy bun in a scrunchie, and yoga pants… LET’S GO!

Jejune loves that you work with Best Day Foundation and Ride-A-Wave, which teach special needs children to surf. Can you tell us a little bit about these groups and your experience working with them? Do you have any favorite memories?
There are so many amazing organizations these days providing this type of opportunity. Here’s what I know and have experienced… a five-year-old, with 3rd degree, burns over his entire body slipping into a wetsuit with the biggest smile his dad had ever seen; a 13-year-old without arms or legs feeling sand on her body for the first time; and, one of the most profound moments in my time supporting these organizations is Gia. Just barely a toddler with down syndrome, Gia riding her first wave while mom watched from ankle-deep water shrieking with joy and her saying “again” once she had hit the shore. These are just a few of the monumental moments I have shared with these children.

Why do you think it is important for these kids to learn how to surf?
I believe everyone at least once in their life gets to have the opportunity to surf. Surfing is a way of life… it’s a flow of how to take on circumstances with grace, confidence, power, love, compassion, and trust. It's also filled with absolute joy, thrill, adventure, and community! You can’t be anywhere but in the moment while you’re in the water!

How long have you been a surfer?
I stood up officially on my first wave at 3!

It is no secret that you love fitness. How are you staying in shape during a shelter in place? How are you staying motivated?
Walks on the beach, TikTok dances at home, roller skating, moving (boxes are just as legit as deadlifting), and swimming… both in the bath and the ocean!

How are you staying positive during these times?
One of my favorite mental health and emotional intelligence tools that I choose into all the time is “What is the gift in this?” It moves me into a state of gratitude for whatever is showing up versus really anything else.

What is your motto in life?
BE. DO. HAVE.

To learn more about Gedina, please follow her via the below platforms:
www.gedina.com
Facebook: @iamgedina
Twitter: @iamgedina
Instagram: @iamgedina
TikTok: @iamgedina

Mermaid, Beach Babe, Musician, AND Surfer- Gedina