Tiana Hux

Biography

Tiana Hux, originally from Texas (with mentions of Houston, Austin, and suburbia), grew up immersed in creative pursuits including drawing, painting, photography, theatre, performance art, and rap music, heavily influenced by MTV music videos during her childhood. She studied fine arts and performing arts at the University of Texas at Austin, where she taught herself to rap, play drums, and experiment with music and instruments. After college, she moved to New Orleans in 1999, drawn by its vibrant creative culture, energy, art, food, and acceptance, which shaped her development as a performance artist combining singing, rapping, dancing, puppetry, and audience interaction.

Hux's career as a multifaceted performer includes roles as lead singer of the rock band Malevitus—whose name derives from the Grecian term for 'bad life'—and as MC Sweet Tea in her solo 'burlesque review' genre, blending rock, rap, hip-hop, and burlesque elements with a 90s indie rock twang reminiscent of Stephen Malkmus. She released her debut solo album Story around 2005-2016 (sources vary), addressing themes like climate change, war, family, societal breakdown, death, and incarceration. Her path was disrupted by Hurricane Katrina, leading to temporary returns to Austin and a stint in Los Angeles, but she resettled in New Orleans permanently around 2016, also working at Preservation Hall and as an arts educator for vulnerable populations. Malevitus released a self-titled debut pre-Katrina, and their touring halted due to COVID-19.

Known for her eccentric, fearless style comparable to post-soul era icons like Bette Davis and Prince, Hux emphasizes unapologetic self-expression, social change, and deep audience connection, rejecting virtual performances in favor of live interaction. Her multi-dimensional background fosters expressive lyrics and 'outrageous' shows often featuring aerialists and her own graphics, making her a local favorite in New Orleans' blended music scene.

Fun Facts

• Invented the genre 'honkytonkpunkrockhiphop-burlesque' after years in Austin's music, film, and theatre scene.
• Worked at Preservation Hall, where interactions with lifelong musicians humbled her and boosted her growth.
• Released her album Story just weeks before Hurricane Katrina in one account, timing her career's major setback.
• Rejects virtual concerts, valuing in-person audience interaction as essential to her performance art.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Preservation Hall performers - Older and new artists who provided encouragement and support during her time working there (General performance growth and collaborations) [Pre- and post-Katrina, around 1999-2016]

Key Collaborators

• Malevitus band members - Lead singer in all-male rock band (electric bass, guitar, drums) (Self-titled debut album (pre-Katrina), Story album) [2000s-present]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz