Musically equally shaped by her parents record collection as by her brother’s rock tastes, Gina Villalobos’ eclectic bedroom soundtrack included Led Zeppelin, Carole King, Neil Young, Loretta Lynn, Neil Diamond, The Pixies, Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, and many points in between.

Whilst studying photography at college, Gina eventually found the lure of music too strong and dropped out to form her first band the Santa Barbara, California-based, Liquid Sunshine. They released 3 CDs, were regulars on the west coast college circuit and enjoyed much success locally in the mid-90s.

Following the dissolution of Liquid Sunshine, Gina then went on to form and front her next band, The Mades, in 1998. By the following year they had released an EP, and had been invited to play both SXSW and NXNW. After graduating from the college circuit they landed support slots with a host of favourites including Frank Black, Mary Lou Lord, Counting Crows, Ben Harper, Chris Stills, Weezer and The Breeders amongst others. Between writing and touring, Gina also found time to play drums for the bubblegum garage-pop trio Dragster Barbie.

After The Mades split in July of 2002 Gina took a few months off before returning to the studio to begin the task of writing as well as editing, tracking, re-tracking, mixing and remixing demos of her own material, the results of which would eventually become Gina's debut solo album ‘Beg From Me’. Since its release she has agreed a number of licensing deals with major film and TV studios (HBO, DreamWorks, Warner Brothers, Paramount and Miramax).   

2003 saw Gina begin work on her second self-produced CD ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Pony’ as well as signing a publishing deal with Media Creature Music.

‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Pony’ was originally scheduled for an autumn 2003 release only to be unavoidably delayed following a traumatic and life changing accident which resulted in Gina losing the total loss of vision in her right eye. ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Pony’ eventually gained a US release in the summer of 2004 and has continued to win plaudits ever since. While ‘Beg From Me’ itself was an auspicious debut, ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Pony’ is a tangible leap forward as the reviews continue to testify and demonstrably confirms Gina Villalobos as a genuinely gifted songwriter, as well as an accomplished interpreter of other’s material – just check out her spellbinding take on World Party’s ‘Put The Message In The Box’ for ample evidence of that. ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Pony’ is abundant with indelible hooks and sharp lyrical insight and expressed by Gina Villalobos’ distinctively resonant voice, is proof positive that her talent should be considered very much to be in the ascendant.

‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Pony’ has received excellent reviews in national US magazines like No Depression, Acoustic Guitar Magazine and Harp, as well on internet music magazines such as Americana-UK.com, PopMatters.com and extensive coverage in US-based regional and local press.

Having recently signed a licensing deal with Laughing Outlaw Records ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Pony’ will see a much deserved wider release in the UK, Europe and Australia on February 21st, preceded by the single ‘Put The Message in the Box’ on January 24th.

Coinciding with the album’s release Gina will be touring the UK from February 24th, the majority of dates as Laura Veirs’ special guest on her forthcoming tour.

Demonstrating that she is as hard working as she is talented, Gina has already begun recording her 3rd album, which is pencilled in for release towards the end of 2005.

Reviews

"Straight-up Rock, rooted but not roots music, with a twang and plenty of rough edges - in the same ballpark as say, the Honky Tonk Women-era Stones... Abundant lyric and musical hooks. This is intriguing stuff, full of heart and hard knocks."
No Depression          

"Anyone who was seduced by Kathleen Edwards' recent Failer should be bowled over by this even stronger singer-songwriter from Los Angeles.... Villalobos has the restlessness of the most moving country music but she combines it with a rock spirit that's always forthright and never forced....”
Harp Magazine

"All hail the queen of country rock!...She's got a copy of Exile on Main Street and kicks Jesse Malin's ass - this is country rock at its most melodic, subtle and heart broken... a perfect summer driving record."
Americana UK

"...Villalobos combines the rootsy Americana of Lucinda Williams with the straight up rock of the Stones circa 1970, wrestling with Ryan Adams...If you've never heard of her you will soon."
Nashville Scene