With a voice that echoes the smoky allure of classic soul and the fearless edge of modern pop, Gina Zo is more than just a singer—she's a storyteller who wears her heart on every note. First gaining national attention as a standout contestant on The Voice, Gina has since carved out a unique space in the music world with her raw vocals, retro style, and unapologetic authenticity. But beyond the spotlight lies a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and creative evolution that's just beginning to unfold.

You have a beautiful voice. How did you get into music?
Thank you so much!! I was that little girl dancing in her grandparents' basement to Fleetwood Mac on their record player with my cousin. My grandmother was always flashing the flashlight like a strobe light. These were such fond memories of growing up, and it feels so full circle now that I get to dance on stage with a lighting tech strobing.

During your time on The Voice under Team Blake, you were mentored by Gwen Stefani, which led to you discovering a unique authenticity within yourself. What did Gwen Stefani do that led you to this revelation?
Transparently, she said I was lame. I'm serious! I am so curious if one day she will remember saying that. For the record, I am so not mad about it. It made me realize what authenticity really was and felt like when you did it right. People can really feel it when you aren't being genuine, and she read me like a book. From that moment on, I sought to make authentic choices in every ounce of my music career.

Some of your musical influences include Norah Jones and Stevie Nicks. What about them inspires you and the music you make?
Both of those artists are so definable. Not only their unique voices, but also their image, stance, and positioning in the industry. They are also at the top of their game and are such a force for their genre and the industry as a whole. I want a career like that for myself. It feels good to have something to aspire to based on the greats.

At 18, you were signed to an indie label in Philadelphia, where you soon faced the harsh realities of the music industry. What did you experience, and what ultimately made you step away from music?
This was a really hard time in my life. I was also in college in another state, so that didn't help me as I was trying to discover so many aspects of myself as any 18 year old is. I think for me the fight of knowing who I was musically, and constantly being told that that was not the way to be. I had to fit a mold for people I didn't feel had my best interest in mind. The constant argument of who was right, me or the people in power, made me just hate everything about what I was doing. I think so many artists get involved with these people who promise them big things and it almost always fails. Needless to say, I became exhausted and decided I was done with music for good. Sort of... haha!

You said that your return to the industry was not just a comeback but a revolution. Can you tell us more about this?
Revolutions are about hating the current institution that aims to hold you back. I think my mom would tell you that I have always hated the word no and it is a word I use to fuel me. Coming back into the music industry, I realized I had to do things my way. I certainly am sure to listen to my peers, but now I choose them more wisely. I treat this like a business... this is a career for me so this revolution plans to remain through my life. A comeback would be short lived.

Your 2023 Grammy’s dress, designed by Lauren Schuler, embodied your fusion of elegance and rebellious spirit. Was there any inspiration behind this dress, and what led you to make a statement with it?
Yes! Thank you for asking about this, Lauren is an incredible designer. I am very lucky that I was able to work alongside of her in the creation of my Grammys dress. She is so impressive. Fashion is a very deep part of who I am. We channeled my favorite brands like Gucci and Dior and made a piece that felt reflective of the boldness but darkness that I love in fashion. I wanted a dress made my someone who was the next voice of fashion - anyone can go and buy a dress - but my whole mission as a young artist is to continue to give other young artists of different mediums jobs so we can continue to develop our work. Lauren killed it. Hands down.

You just released your first solo single, “Dirty Habits”, a rock-pop song all about how our dreams are better than reality. Can you tell us more about the message/story behind the single?
Oh this song is everything to me. It is a fun sleepover with the girls mixed with some glitter in a bottle. This song is the first introduction to me as a debut artist and overall that was my mission: what do I want everyone to know about me, my sound, and my message. I think I let people know I am going to sing about sex, my relationship troubles, and I am going to be the girl they can count on to tell the truth. That's what Dirty Habits was to me! I let you know right then I have sexy dreams about people I cannot manage to find in my day to day life. haha.

What inspired you to go solo?
Besides 50 year old white men being my audience before? Okay that's a joke, but sincerely my biggest inspiration for going solo was connecting with more people in a way that was truly authentic to me. I was hitting a wall in the band because I realized I wasn't being true to who I was. I was an angry, pessimistic, dramatic lead on stage and a very different person off stage where I was joyous, silly, and just so excited to be alive and falling in love. People could tell I wasn't being authentic, I think, so I made a change.

Your second single, “Only Bad Men Make Me Feel This Way”, is a reflective breakup anthem that’s equal parts strength and vulnerability. Where did you get the inspiration to make a reflective breakup anthem?
From my own life. This is such a consistent theme for me — I like guys that are bad, or have the notorious bad guy traits like not calling you back. Why, many people ask me? I don't know, but there is something fun about a chase. Which is funny because I am not a chase. If I like you, you'll know. Long story short I was stood up on a date and I wrote that in my bedroom when I realized I just liked bad guys who have red flags written all over them. I think I'm overcoming this one though!

You have had a busy summer also releasing “Need To Cry” and “Fuck Me Then Leave Me”! Can you tell us a bit about these two new songs?
Yes!! God this summer has been insane!! So busy recording, writing, and filming. I wake up everyday very grateful that this is my job!! I Need To Cry is all about being on the journey to finding your people. It is my queer anthem of 2025 to remind us that sometimes we just need to cry on our journey. There is no right time to make the move to find YOU.

Then we've got Fuck Me Then Leave Me. This song is one of my favorites because it started out completely different. I had a whole different song written, but my producers, who are also my co-writers, and I chopped it up and kept what worked, and rewrote what didn't. The whole mission to change it was to make it clearer that there is this feeling of forbidden love that I've often craved.

On top of being a female powerhouse musically, you also volunteer at a cat shelter, RORY Rescue shelter. Can you tell us a bit about RORY and what inspired you to work with them?
I do!! My very first reason was so that I didn't buy a cat... get a cat fix every so often and then head home. I have not given in just yet, although it is hard not to. They are a cat rescue that often is rescuing from kill shelters. They also just happen to have the cutest kittens. I have gotten to see that team rehabilitate cats with so many different needs. It is so impressive. I clean their crates, pet them, and feed them. Simple things. I leave the hard stuff to the pros.

What is next for Gina Zo?
My album release!! That is all I am focused on right now. I want to take the time to show everyone each and every song in its own special way. I plan to play more shows, release more music and keep connecting deeper with my fans. I know thats my mission and other than that, tonight I think I'll have pasta and wine.

It has been a crazy past few years, and we suspect at least four more. How have you been staying positive?
I have been staying positive by going day by day. That is all we can really do anymore. You look at the ones close to you and focus on their health and happiness. You have to acknowledge what you in your position can and cannot control. For me, I am focused on controlling how I spread joy and good energy. As simple as that sounds, it really is how we get through every single moment of each day the best we can with those around us.

What is your life motto?
My life motto is "you're a good egg, if you like eggs".

To learn more about Gina Zo, check out the links below:
Instagram: @_ginazo_
YouTube: @gina_zo
Spotify
Visit her website to learn more about her upcoming tour!

Rising Star with a Vintage Soul: The Story of Gina Zo