We love SXSW and one of our favorite things is seeing all the up-and-coming artists that we've been listening to all year. One of our favs, Flavia, first got our attention with "Hateful" and with her latest, "I Don't Wanna Be Here" she is easily one of our fav indie pop-stars. We can't wait to see her at her showcase and we're so glad we caught up with her during sx.
How are you planning to get the most out of your SXSW?
Flavia: This is one of my favorite weeks of the year. I love the hustle. It’s absolutely go-go-go for me. I wake up early and pack my schedule with music seminars and meetings followed by music performances by incredibly inspirational artists. Everyone’s out here for the week so it’s such a great time to connect and discover new music!
I feel like you do a lot of the music business side of things, how do you separate that from the creative side?
Flavia: Yes it’s a lot! On one hand, I love it and am good at it. On the other hand it often takes away from the creative side of things. Of course, I’d rather be writing and playing as much as possible but at this stage where I’m managing myself, I often have to put down the pen and sit at a computer or handle the business. I love how much I learn from it and how in control of my own business I am. That being said, I do wish I had more time to focus on my art and the more my team expands, the more I’ll be able to do that!
You also are a champion of women in the LA music scene; how do you keep it collaborative instead of competitive?
Flavia: Oh yes!! Such a champion of women in general, how could I not be?! I think for me it’s not even a question of competition vs. collaboration. Sadly society has led women to believe that there are not enough seats at the table. This is not the case. We’re all so unique and there’s plenty of space in this vast world of music for or individualism to shine through. It’s an exciting time for women and it’s important that we keep speaking out, stick together and bring each other to the top along the way. I am constantly inspired by female artists around me. I want to learn from them, write with them, tour with them, make friends with them and hear what they have to say.
How do you stay motivated?
Flavia: Music is all I’ve ever wanted since before I could speak. So it’s honestly not hard for me to stay motivated. There’s so much I want to learn and do. So many songs I want to write, so much I have to say. So many people I want to uplift through music. Music has the power to change the world. With the gift I’ve been given it feels bigger than me, like this is my purpose for reasons larger than I may even be aware of yet. Regardless, I love every second of it and there’s nothing I’d rather be doing.
What has been inspiring you lately?
Flavia: You already said it, WOMEN. People are starting to make music with such profound purpose, talking about real issues, bringing people together. It’s what I live for. Why else walk this earth if we can’t try to make it a better place for everyone.
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