Tavia MD is one of the biggest PR agents here in Atlanta and she is also a champion of female musicians. Last week at SXSW, she hosted her sixth annual all female stage, Futuristic Femmes, and she has had some of the hottest girls in rap grace her stage including Lola Brooke. We caught up with her after her event to learn more about why she puts her focus on female rap.
This is the sixth year of the all-female SXSW stage
How has the platform evolved since you first curated it, and what makes this year special? When I started this journey, it was a struggle to find 14 women to perform, and that was initially why I didn’t restrict the genres of music to make it easier. Now, there are no many talented women that are killing the game, so now it actually harder to choose who should perform.
K Carbon and Lebra Jolie are headlining this year, why them?
What made them the perfect choices for this stage, and what can fans expect from their performances? Both K Carbon and Lebra Jolie bring fresh energy to the stage with their unapologetic artistry, creativity, and passion. Fans can expect a celebration of female empowerment, innovation, and authenticity in their performances. They are two of the hottest up and coming artists out right now and I knew the crowd with love them!
This event has a history of showcasing rising stars who go on to make major moves. How do you go about selecting artists, and what qualities do you look for?
Honestly, I pitch out my stage to different managers and Labels then listen to all the music of the artist submitted. I break up the ones that have similar flows so it doesn’t sound repetitive to the listeners to keep the crowd engaged.
With past performers like Lola Brooke, Renni Rucci, and Pap Chanel, the stage has been a launchpad for many artists. Have you seen any breakout moments happen right here at SXSW?
For me, the ladies you just mentioned are the breakout moments and hold a special part of my heart. Renni did my quarantine stage during COVID. I rented out a venue in Atlanta and from the moment those elevator doors open Renni killed her verse helping make my show the most watched. Lola Brooke performed and just a few months later went viral of “Don’t Play Wit It” and I felt lucky to have trusted my gut and put her on first! Pap Chanel was another epic moment and despite the cold that night, she brought the heat! A lot of great memories that I am truly proud to have had a hand in creating.
How important is it to create a space specifically for women in music at major festivals like SXSW?
Women-specific spaces at festivals offer an opportunity for networking, collaboration, and mentorship, helping to build stronger communities among female musicians. These environments can provide guidance in a traditionally male-dominated industry, which is crucial for empowering women to navigate their professional landscape.
What challenges do female artists still face in the industry today?
Women in music often face pressure to prioritize their appearance and sexuality over their artistry. The industry’s tendency to market female artists based on their looks rather than their talents can undermine their credibility and artistic integrity. In many cases, the sexualization of female artists overshadows their musical achievements. Women are also instantly viewed weaker in lyrical abilities to men.
