Gena Perala puts you in her rearview on her breezy new country-pop single and video I’m Gone — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Every summer, we look for songs that go with warm days, cool evening breezes with a drink in hand, memorable moments with loved ones, and of course, hitting the open road with the windows down. Enter Vancouver singer-songwriter Perala and her upbeat yet courageous new single.
Sweeping in like the impending summer breeze, I’m Gone makes its introduction with a welcoming banjo lick and acoustic guitar that soon gives way into a mellow modern-meets-traditional country groove, equipped with steel guitar and all. Perala’s honeyed vocals swoon from verse to chorus, and create a call to action of simply moving on and looking ahead to brighter horizons:
“I don’t like crying
It’s true
I really don’t like crying
Crying over you
I don’t like waiting
It’s true
I sure as hell don’t like waiting
Waiting for you.”
“I’m Gone is about knowing when to walk away,” Perala states. “It’s about refusing to stay where you’re not valued and trusting that something better is waiting — even if you can’t see it yet.”
The track blends heartbreak with quiet strength, and speaks to anyone who’s had to choose themselves over comfort. With its raw lyrics, rich harmonies, and driving acoustic instrumentation, the track balances heartbreak and empowerment in equal measure.
I’m Gone is the first preview of Perala’s upcoming album Somewhere New, and it sets the tone for a story rooted in grit, heartache and self-discovery. Common themes include choosing yourself, trusting that there’s something better ahead, and appreciating the simple things in life. “I think underneath it all, the album is really about resilience, hope, and staying true to who you are,” Perala says.
Born in Vancouver, Perala spent much of her childhood traveling with her family on the carnival circuit. This unconventional upbringing shaped her singular artistic voice — one that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
She has performed for the UN and toured extensively across North America, from Vancouver to San Diego and New York to Ottawa, playing festivals, theaters, and intimate venues. She appeared in the feature film Love Happens, starring Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart.
Her debut album Exactly Nowhere (2014), produced by Chris Gestrin, introduced her distinct voice to the world. Now, with her followup Somewhere New — produced by Erik Nielsen — Perala continues to carve out her place as an artist who speaks to the heart with fearless honesty.
Beyond music, Perala is a published poet with three collections to her name. Her poem on civic engagement won Rock the Vote’s audio contest. She also shares her love of language by facilitating poetry workshops in high schools, inspiring the next generation of writers.
Watch the video for I’m Gone above, check out the song on your preferred streamer HERE, listen to more music from Gena Perala below, and head over to her Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
