“Cruisin’” Is the Breakup Song for Those Who Don’t Just Move On—They Get Even

If you’ve ever needed a soundtrack for when you’re driving with no destination, vibes high, and expectations low, Giselle’s got you covered. Her latest R&B/pop single “Cruisin’” is a playful celebration of emotional liberation, post-relationship healing, and pure summer bliss. But don’t get it twisted, this isn’t just some feel-good track with chill production. There’s a whole cinematic layer to this release that takes the meaning deeper than it seems.

Originally from Boston and raised in Buffalo, NY, Giselle has carved her own lane in the Los Angeles music scene since taking a leap of faith at 21. A multi-instrumentalist with a fearless spirit, she’s performed at iconic venues like The Mint, Hotel Ziggy, and Whisky a Go Go. And with “Cruisin,” she’s showing exactly why she belongs in the conversation when it comes to rising R&B/pop artists blending musicality with creativity.

The song itself is built for windows-down drives and flirty late-night hangs. It's a sonic sigh of relief after surviving messy relationships, choosing freedom over commitment, vibes over drama. No strings. No plans. Just good company and better music. “Life doesn’t always have to be so serious, and that’s what this song is all about,” Giselle says. “Having fun and enjoying life!”

But here’s the twist: the official music video for “Cruisin’” flips the whole vibe on its head. Inspired by Giselle’s love for horror films and femme empowerment, the video is a chaotic, campy, horror-inspired joyride. Think Jennifer’s Body meets Clueless, it’s bloody, it’s hilarious, and it totally subverts expectations. Giselle uses horror tropes to reclaim power, turning typical victim narratives into something silly, horrific, and downright fun.

“I just hope they enjoy the horror and camp vibes,” she says. “It’s meant to be silly, horrific, fun, and empowering!”

So yeah, “Cruisin’” is more than a summer bop. It’s a genre-bending, stereotype-smashing celebration of freedom in sound and in visuals. And if this is your first time hearing Giselle’s name, don’t blink. You’re going to see it a lot more.

“Cruisin’” feels like the ultimate post-breakup freedom anthem. Was there a specific moment or relationship that inspired the shift from pain to playfulness in this track?

I was heavily inspired by early 2000s R&B tracks. Think back to the early 2000s Pharrell era! I always wanted to make a song that reminded me of that timeframe, and this is how it came to be. I thought of the instrumental/melody and sent over the concept to one of the producers I work with, Guhan. In just a few short voice memo clips, I didn’t have all the words just yet, but the vibe of the song was there. The words, “we can just keep cruising,”popped into my head when I was recording myself humming the melody, which then became the chorus! Once Guhan sent over the finalized track for me to lay down my vocals on, I knew I wanted to make the song fun, not so serious, but to also have an empowering message with it for the music video that I envisioned in my head… so I wrote the song with my music video visuals in mind. And that’s how it came to be!    

The music video is such a creative contrast to the laid-back feel of the song—how did your love for horror films influence the visual direction, and what was your favorite moment to shoot?

Thank you!! I wanted it to be a big creative contrast so it would catch people off guard. It’s kind of humorous to me to have such a laid-back song paired with a horror-filled (but funny horror and empowering) music video. My love for horror and even hitman-type films heavily inspired this music video when it came down to specific shots, blood, and even storyline. There are even Easter eggs to some of my favorite Halloween franchise films in there as well as a little nod to Fast & Furious (which isn’t horror, but when I think of Cruisin, I think of cars and the early 2000s). Everything in the video is important, and each detail matters… even down to the price Sam pays me for my services. $804 is my birthday, but also my second album release! 

As for my favorite scene to shoot? I’d say the bloody parts. Even though fake blood went into my mouth (gross), it was worth it! I also really enjoyed those scenes since they were done with my fiancé, so it wasn’t awkward at all! Plus, he LOVES horror, so it was great to film with him.

You’ve performed at some iconic venues since moving to LA. How has the city shaped your sound, and what do you think sets you apart in the R&B/pop scene right now?

It’s been amazing to perform around some of the most iconic venues here in LA. I’m so glad I moved here 8 years ago. It’s been a journey, but it’s turned a new leaf. More shows, more good vibes, more creativity and more positivity! I’d say living in LA has pushed me to try things that I may have once been shy about doing. “Cruisin’” is a great example of that. I feel like younger me as an artist would’ve never actually dared to write a song like this, and to allow inspiration from older songs I loved growing up. As an artist, that “sultry/fun” type of vibe isn’t really me. But I think this city has helped me learn it’s okay to give it a try and have fun. I’ve definitely grown in confidence in myself and my music and art. I’d say what sets me apart in the R&B and pop scene is my sound. You’ll always know a Giselle song when you hear it BUT you may be surprised that it’s different from the last release. I also think directing and filming my own music videos and really throwing in my own personal experiences and/or my love for horror and creating short films has really enhanced my music and my art.  

You're a multi-instrumentalist, which is rare in pop. How does your musicality influence your songwriting process, especially for a song as vibe-driven as “Cruisin’”?

It definitely helps me distinguish what types of sounds I want to hear in the songs. It also helps me a lot with chord progressions. Sometimes I’ll just get on my keyboard and figure out the melodies that way! 

The video has a clear message of empowerment masked in humor and gore. What do you want women watching “Cruisin’” to take away from the story you're telling?

Thank you!! I’m so glad that message comes through in the video!! I’d say the message is that we deserve the best. Cheating, no matter who does it, is wrong. I want anyone who’s gone through it to see that video and realize it’s NOT their fault, they didn’t deserve it, and that there are better things to come. Karma will always come back on a cheater. Even if you don’t see it unfold for yourself. Just know, it will. In the music video’s case, karma showed up as ME cutting off his penis. I don’t recommend that in real life though hahah!