Rising local music duo, the States Twinz, are set to perform on the main stage at Magnetic World Music Festival later this month after winning the festival’s local artist contest.
Twins Quoi and Quoia States, also known as the States Twinz, won the festival’s Open Magnetic contest in late July after posting an original music video on Instagram. The competition was designed to “give homegrown talent the opportunity to open for global superstars,” says Brady Dedam, Magnetic World co-founder.
“We manifested in our heads that we were going to win this year,” says Quoia.
Running Sept. 26 to 28 at the Garrison Grounds, Magnetic World will feature headliners Dom Dolla, 21 Savage and The Kid Laroi.
The States Twinz performed at Magnetic World last year, but were only given a 15-minute slot. Determined to secure a proper opening set, Quoia said she and her brother set their sights on winning the Open Magnetic contest.
“Last year we had a spot, but it wasn’t the winner’s spot. That made us really motivated because we wanted to win and have a shot to be spotlighted,” she says.
The contest asked participants to showcase both live performance and creativity in a video submission. The sibling duo responded with an artistically-shot video featuring Quoia singing, accompanied by a TV playing footage of the States Twinz’s live performances.
Dedam said the States Twinz’s filming and editing, alongside their musical talent, set them apart from other acts.
“It’s something that’s very unique, and I really encourage people to show up early and watch their sets,” says Dedam. “We really think everyone’s going to love it.”
Quoia says she and her brother explored ways to “show creativity differently than everybody else’s entries.”
The States Twinz are set to kick off the final night of the three-day festival as the opening act for The Kid Laroi. While Quoi says he wants to keep most details of the performance a surprise, his sister hinted that fashion and choreography will take centre stage, setting them apart from other local artists.
“We hold a lot of weight being the opener, so I’m pretty excited,” Quoia says.
Gaining local momentum
The siblings grew up surrounded by music, drawing inspiration from their dad’s Jamaican background and the range of cultural perspectives at their schools. The duo spent several years performing at bars, clubs and schools around Halifax, but only began releasing music last year.
“Performing is very thrilling. It’s my favourite part of us,” says Quoia.
The States Twinz opened for Lil Mosey at the Light House Arts Centre in July, another highlight in what Quoi is calling a “good year” for the duo.
Quoia said Magnetic World has given the pair exposure they wouldn’t have had otherwise, including having one of their songs featured on Virgin Radio throughout September.
“We probably wouldn’t have gotten that without this contest,” she says. “It’s done a lot for us.”
The festival’s contest is a source of pride for organizers, who say it brings valuable opportunities to local musicians.
“We get just as excited as the people who enter the contest,” said Dedam. “Even for the people who haven’t won the contest, it’s really brought them to the spotlight.”
Festival with a student connection
The festival has fostered ties with Dalhousie University and the Dalhousie Student Union through their affiliate program, which allows students to earn commission by sharing personalized discount codes with friends and family. Dedam says one of the festival’s goals is to offer an alternative to the street parties typically held during Dalhousie’s homecoming weekend.
“The festival’s been built around the Dalhousie students, so we’re always trying to find a way to connect with them,” Dedam says.
Quoia says she and her brother are excited to share their music and performance skills with a large audience.
“It’s going to be really sick.”
