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Check out our interview with talented pop artist FLAVIA.
FLAVIA is one of Pop’s most exciting new artists. She was recently celebrated by Billboard on her latest video release for her single, Them, on Transgender Day of Visibility. There is a tangible strength in her music, an unapologetic curiosity about life, love and sexuality. Layered over fluid and powerful beats that make you dance hips first. Eyes closed, middle finger up, smile on your face.
Her live show is a high energy sonic and visual experience. She commands an audience with her thundering spirit and powerful stage presence.
Follow FLAVIA at @flaviaspeaks
Hi FLAVIA, please tell us a little about you?
I grew up in Ireland and Italy, though I currently live in L.A. I’m a queer artist, and activist. Most of my activism comes through my music in some capacity. I think music has the power to change the world and I feel lucky enough to have music and my art as an outlet to deal with and process my emotions, and I want to use that to strengthen and heal others around me. When I create music, it’s really important for me to make art that positively impacts people, that can bring us all closer together, even from a distance.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Colorful, silly, activist
How did you get started in the business?
I just threw myself into it and tried to learn as much as I could. Being a DIY artist has had its challenges but from those challenges arose my greatest strengths. With lack of resources, network and funds it’s forced me to produce my own music, create my one-woman live show, manage myself, book shows around the country, and to learn all facets of the music industry. It’s been extremely empowering.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Pop with purpose.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I’ve been called to make music since before I have any conscious memory. Pretty sure it chose me.
Now tell us about your new single “Them?”
I released “Them” in support of trans rights on Trans Day of Visibility. It was inspired by a specific romance I had with a trans-masculine person, but the video’s intentions were to be inclusive of the entire trans/gender nonconforming/non-binary community. Through my relationship with this person, my eyes were opened up to how little I knew about the trans community beyond the surface. I’m very grateful for my time and experiences with this person, as I learned through their openness and my own new seeing how powerful language truly is, and how impactful a word choice can be for someone. Whether it’s delineating between the use of ‘chest’ instead of ‘breasts’, or using someone’s correct pronouns, it can be the tiniest shift in our language that makes someone feel seen, validated and respected.
And about your “Them” video?
I wanted to use my voice and my platform as a creative person in the LGBTQ+ community to be a better ally. But as a cisgender female, it was important that I was sensitive not to speak for a community that I myself am not a part of, but instead made my goal through the video to let the trans/GNC/NB community shine and represent themselves. The T in LGBTQ+ is so often wildly under/mis-represented in media, therefore I wanted to shed light and help raise awareness for the trans community specifically. It is so important that cis allies support and help lift up the gender nonconforming communities that haven’t been afforded the same opportunities as binary folks. It’s with strength in numbers, and using our own resources to help others, that we can truly make a change.
Do you have a tour coming up or where we can see you performing?
I had many plans to hit the road and unfortunately it’s all had to be cancelled due to the world’s current affairs. Hoping to still get some touring in as soon as we’re allowed out! I’m playing Wonderstruck Festival in Cleveland as well as various Pride Festivals!
What we can expect of FLAVIA in 2020?
I’ll be releasing a Pride EP in June featuring entirely queer content. Hopefully we’ll be out of quarantine just in time for us all to emerge as beautiful butterflies and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community together!
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Anything from the 90’s brings back so many childhood memories. Spice Girls, Britney, Backstreet Boys, Destiny’s Child. Also, anything Whitney Houston, Aretha, or Donna Summer.
Any loves other than music?
I LOVE to travel. Outside of music it’s my greatest passion. I make sure to take time each year to dip out for a few weeks and explore a corner of the world.
How’s a typical day in your life?
I work a lot, because art is my work and it never feels like work so it’s easy to blur the lines between work and pleasure. For this reason I’ve been trying to keep my mornings to myself before jumping into my work day. I write a lot of music, play piano, work in sessions with other producers, cook a lot, read books, and I’m also an actor so that takes up quite a bit of my time as well.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Wake up, pick fruits from my yard and juice them. There’s nothing more satisfying than living off your own land. Some yoga/walk or run. Sit in the garden and meditate. Write a song, play some records, eat lots of delicious food, read by the fire.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love most healthy foods actually. I’m naturally inclined to prefer vegetables and fresh foods. I love soups!
And your favorite cheat food?
CHOCOLATE. Except it’s not really a cheat food because I eat it all the time. I’m a fiend.
If you could meet anyone living or dead, who would it be and why?
PRINCE. He was all time fav. I would love to sit at a dinner table with him and pick his brain.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself doing a lot of the same things I’m doing now, just on a larger scale. Making music, touring, and hopefully living back in Europe.
How would you describe your fashion style?
It’s sort of just whatever I feel on any given day. Some days I wake up feeling really tomboyish, and other days I want to throw on a cute dress. I LOVE color. My closet is extremely vibrant.
Where can we follow you?
I’m @flaviaspeaks on all socials, and you can follow my Spotify artist page, FLAVIA, for latest releases.
FAVORITES:
Song: Oh dear. I’m not sure I could ever choose one favorite song. Depends on my mood and the time of my life.
Movie: Pretty Woman, La Vita è Bella
Travel Destination: Peru and Hampi, India are my favorite places in the world I’ve travelled to.
Food: Anything eggplant
