FLAVIA
FLAVIA’s powerful vocals are the latest to break into the popular music scene. The Ireland-born, Italy-and-US-raised singer wrote her first song at 8-years-old, and has since spent years evolving her distinct style. She has received numerous accolades for her work, and over 9 singles, has a combined 1.3 Spotify streams. From the grand prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition for “Expectations,” to critical acclaim from Billboard in regards to her video release of “Til I Die,” her impactful lyrics layered on top of dynamic beats are well celebrated. Now in LA, the singer, songwriter, and producer has taken on a second focus: creating a community for other female pop artists in the city. We recently spoke with FLAVIA about her experiences with the music industry, future hopes and dreams, and more! Click on the link in our bio to read the full interview!
How did you start making music?
I've been singing since before I can remember. I wrote my first song at 8 years old; it was terrible, but at the time I thought it was the greatest song in the world. I've come a long way since then. My music really evolved once I started producing. That was one of the best decisions I ever made. It really helped me figure out my sound and start understanding my own tastes. It's also extremely helpful in communicating with other producers you're in the room with.
What inspires you to create music?
I think music has the power to change the world. 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. I feel lucky enough to have music and my art as an outlet to deal with and process my emotions and to connect with others.
Tell us about the music industry. How’s it been for you?
It's been an incredible journey with many winding roads and potholes along the way— but I'm so proud of where I've gotten to and all that I've achieved as an independent artist. Being a DIY artist has had its challenges but from those challenges arose my greatest strengths. With lack of resources, the network and money, it forced me to learn 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.
If you had to use one song to represent your taste in music, which is it?
This question is impossible. I have such a wide taste in music and there are so many incredible songs! Buuut I will say that Diana Gordon's "Woman" is a song that I wish I wrote. It's my anthem. It's so empowering to women around the world. It's EPIC.
Who’s your partner in the collab of your dreams?
I couldn't say that there is any one dream collab, there are so many inspiring artists that I'd love to work with. To name a few: Jessie Reyez, Sampa the Great, Sasha Sloan, Hayley Kiyoko, Diana Gordon.
You’re off to quite a start. Are there any specific directions you want to take your music in in the future?
I'm really enjoying the journey, and I love looking back and seeing how my music, writing, and performances have evolved over the years. What I do know is important for me in the future is that I use my music and my platform as an artist to strengthen others. All my songs have a cause behind them that is important to me, bottled into a fun, relatable pop song. My first single, “Hateful”, was accompanied by an anti-bullying, #BeKind campaign. “Gotta Let You Go” was in support of addiction and mental health awareness. “Til I Die” was my coming out publicly as Queer on Billboard Pride, and “Does She Like It Rough?” was addressing my being polyamorous and talking about alternative relationship lifestyles. “Them” is in support of trans rights and the GNC community, and my latest single "Blue" was written about the first girl I ever had a crush on.
Favorite non-music activities?
TRAVELING. I'm a travel fiend. If I'm not working, then I'm escaping to explore a new corner of the world. It's very easy for me to slip into quite a hippie/backpacker-y mode.
