Our state has produced its fair share of talented musicians and singers. Some have hit it big, like John Cafferty and The Beaver Band. Their blue-collar brand of rock garnered national attention when their music was featured in the 1983 film, Eddie and the Cruisers. We also boast singer-songwriter Jeffrey Osborne, who was born into a musical family in Providence. Newport drummer, John Cowsill, formed a popular early 1970s band The Cowsills, with his brothers. Later, their mother even joined the group, lending supportive vocals. Providence-born Bill Conti is a renowned composer and conductor who started out creating scores for Spaghetti Westerns, which introduced him to the film industry. In 1976, he was hired to compose the soundtrack and theme for “Rocky,” which we all know well, among many other film soundtracks that he has composed.
These artists go back some years, but regardless of the type of music you may prefer, there is something for everyone. The music that comes out of Rhode Island, like its citizens, is diverse, and as music changes, new artists emerge. One of the most exciting new performers goes by the name Tavia. The singer hails from Newport, a city that has long enjoyed a rich and vibrant music scene. It is the home of the widely acclaimed Newport Jazz Festival and the Newport Folk Festival. Both events attract performers from all around the country who come to entertain fans who flock to Rhode Island’s city by the bay to listen to great music and have a good time with family and friends.
One of the best-known local rappers, Freddie Black, has often said that Newport has legendary talent in the hip-hop music scene. Tavia’s recent emergence is an example of this, and there are many in the industry who believe she is on the verge of breaking out after the recent release of her debut single, ‘Get It Up.’ Within just a couple of days of the song appearing on YouTube in early June, it massed more than ten thousand views and hundreds of comments and new subscribers. Tavia’s music is a blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop, and people from every corner of the state continue to discover her music and are impressed by what they are hearing. Among Tava’s supporters are the Newport Gulls, the Independent League baseball team from Newport. They have championed Tavia’s song by playing it at each of their home games this season.
Tre-Quan Baker, Tavia’s manager and the founder of AsheQ Music, isn’t surprised by her instant success. “Her song, ‘Get It Up,’ instantly captivates with addictive contemporary beats,” he says. “Then Tavia unleashes infectious and soulful vocals.”
Tavia is pursuing her music career while also being a married mother of five, with her sixth child due in August.
“With the odds stacked against her, she still shines brighter with every step forward to help create a better life for her family while pursuing her passion as a singer,” says Baker.
While honing her craft over the past couple of years, Tavia has performed in high school showcases, karaoke competitions, several Salve Regina Hunger Concerts, the 2022 Newport City Council & Committee Joint Inauguration, and two League of Women’s Voters Vigils. Tavia is now focused on establishing herself as a professional recording artist.
“First I set the goal, then I get it up,” Tavia says.
For bookings contact Tavia’s management [email protected] or call 401-662-6451. www.asheqmusic.net.
Visit Tavia’s website at www.hernameistavia.com.