DJ, MC and Artist, Flavia Abadia Poises Herself for International Success

Colombian and French-Canadian, Flavia Abadia is an international Latinx and crossover DJ, MC and artist based in Toronto, Canada. Flavia grew up surrounded by music. In 2016 she started pursuing her career in music. After years of working with professionals in the music industry Flavia has shaped her sound into a more international, latin, dance and pop fusion sound. 

What first got you into music?

My earliest memories are surrounded by music. It’s where I feel happy, connected and aligned. It’s something I’ve always been interested in and started pursuing music (singing, songwriting and DJing) more seriously in late 2016.

Who are your musical inspirations?

I have so many! From Anitta to Shakira, Gims, Britney Spears, Spice Girls, Lauryn Hill, Celia Cruz, Selena, Marc Anthony, there are so many from different genres and cultures. That’s the beauty of music! You can explore and have fun with it!

What do you hope to achieve in the next 5 years?

To start, I’ll be releasing an English album, several Spanish/ cross-over singles and then a Spanish/ cross-over album and be financially abundant through my music, shows and other investments. I hope to collaborate with major artists like Karol G, Becky G, Anitta, J Balvin, Maluma, Rauw Alejandro, Elji Beatzkilla, Diplo, Major Lazer, DJ Snake, Gims, Shakira, Afro Bros and more. I’d also like to have the official song of the Fifa Worldcup, perform for Fifa, tour the world performing, have several Billboard charting songs, be a guest on RuPaul’s Drag Race, be the voice of an animated character in a feature film and have great TV and film acting roles, among many other beautiful opportunities.

What’s your ultimate goal in the music industry?

I am DJing and singing my songs in a headlining set at Tomorrowland as well as touring the world performing at various well-known festivals being very paid well (one of the highest-paid women in the industry), surrounded by people I love and care about. I’m doing what I love, I’m constantly growing, I’m financially abundant through my music and I’m reaching millions of people across the globe.

If you were to start over your music career, what would you do differently?

Everything has its time and I wouldn’t change my journey. I’ve learned different lessons along the way which have helped me today. I try to absorb and learn when I’m around people I admire, people who work hard or have a lot of talent. A producer once told me, “look at the people around you and you’re working with, ask yourself what makes them successful? Why aren’t they more successful? And apply that to yourself”. I think that’s an important lesson I’ve carried with me.
It’s about constantly growing and developing yourself as a person and with your craft.

Are there any social issues that you are passionate about? If so, would you like to share them?

There are many. In general, I’ve done my best to be a good human and I try to lead by example. I used to work closely with a friend who started a non-profit organization called Tight Knit Syria which helps empower women living in refugee camps in the Middle East. I’m also kind in my day-to-day life. Another thing I think is very important is the representation and who you hire. I try to work with women, who are very under-represented in the music industry, and visible minorities.
This started unconsciously, as I am of mixed heritage I generally get along with people of mixed backgrounds and I’ve made a conscious effort in the last couple of years to hire and work with more women.

Have you ever dealt with performance anxiety? If so, how do you deal with it?

It’s normal to be nervous before a show or performance. When I’m DJing my energy is so high it’s very rare that I’m nervous. When it comes to singing, I feel it is something more vulnerable since it is also sharing your voice. Whenever I’m nervous I pray, make sure I have a moment to myself beforehand and then do my best to keep my energy up to go on stage and dominate.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music?

Things generally revolve around music, DJing, singing, songwriting, dancing etc. I also meditate, do yoga and workout. I would love to catch up with friends in person again once the pandemic is over! I also watch TV, I’m not sure if that counts as a hobby.

What is your favourite and least favourite part about being an artist?

I love being an artist! At the moment I am my own manager, stylist, content creator, PR person etc so it’s a balancing act.
I am working with more people now on the creation side of music and collaborating with other artists which is nice. My favourite thing is collaborating in the same room, I can learn and grow so much that way! As an artist, I like that I can express myself in different ways and create something new! I do want to build my business team so I can focus more on my art and we can grow together. That would definitely help my artistic development and growth in general.

Which unique competitive qualities do you think you possess as an artist?

I am a very well-rounded artist. I sing, write, know about production (which is something I am currently exploring) and I also know about the business side of things. At the same time, I am constantly working on myself as a person, I’m friendly, I can work with others and I have a high standard for myself.
My biggest strength is that I stand in my power and am constantly learning and growing. I think that’s very important.

Is there any instrument you would like to learn and why?

I love the sound of guitar and saxophone, so it would be nice to play one of those two. I could even play saxophone while I’m DJing which would be really cool.
Piano is also a very good standard instrument to know and play. I know the basics of piano and music theory and I’d like to learn more.
There are so many things I’m doing and learning I would have to schedule a time to learn a new instrument.

What is the story behind your artist’s name?

Flavia is my mother’s name and Abadía my grandfather’s stage name. He was the first Colombian actor in Hollywood, in the Golden Age of Cinema, back when radio shows were popular and TV and movies were starting. He hung out with Clark Gable a couple of times, so you have an idea of the time period. He was also a writer, filmed, sang etc.

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music industry?

The internet has had a huge impact on the industry as we know going from physical sales to downloads and then digital streaming platforms.
Overall I feel that it has helped democratize the industry and has given more artists a chance to showcase their work and reach more people around the world.
It’s such an important tool and should be used as much as possible in a healthy way.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

I partly answered this in question 5 but also “follow your heart”. As simple and as cheesy as that sounds. I think asking for advice is something very important and that’s what I chose to do when I met one of my favourite actresses Rachel McAdams. Instead of a picture, I asked for advice and that’s what she told me.
By following your heart you step more into yourself, your purpose and your true journey. It’s a very liberating and empowering feeling. I’ve been doing that and it’s made me very happy!!

If you were not an artist, what career would you choose?

I would be an artist. I used to be a teacher because I like sharing and teaching. I also like being around kids because it helped me stay in touch with my child-like self. 

There’s nothing like creating music and performing. That’s what my soul needs and I’m listening. Without music, I’m not aligned. I need it to walk through life and keep fulfilling my purpose.