Just before the VMAs, FKA Twigs did an interview with NPR. Unlike some of her print interviews, Twigs came across as chatty and a little bit wry. I think that side of her gets lost in many print interviews that I’ve read with her – she can come across as too self-aware, too self-editing, too humorless. Twigs is promoting her new EP, M3LL155X, pronounced “Melissa.” You can hear her NPR interview here. Some highlights:
Her back-up dancing years: “I don’t know, I was paying my dues — and I learned so much. Maybe I wouldn’t be able to direct my own videos if I hadn’t have spent hours on set, just waiting for the artist to get ready. I would just spend those hours learning what each person did on set, which, you know, was invaluable, really.
Whether she choreographs & directs her videos: “I wouldn’t really say I choreograph. I love movement. I work a lot with my best friend, Aaron Sillis, and he does a lot of choreography for me. But yeah, I direct my own videos, and all the concepts are my own.
On submission, and her lyrics to “I’m Your Doll,” including “Dress me up, I’m your doll / Love me rough, I’m your doll”: “Now I feel good about it because I’ve taken it to a place that I can feel comfortable with. I think when I wrote this song, I didn’t really understand what I was writing. I was a 19-year old girl singing, “Love me rough.” I was young, I was inexperienced, I’d never been in love, I’d barely had a boyfriend — but I felt that if I wrote that song, maybe I’d get a demo deal, or maybe a producer would want to work with me, or maybe I could get a manager. So when I heard the song a few years ago … and I thought, OK, I want to reinterpret that into a place that I can digest now, a place that I feel comfortable with. And now it has a completely different meaning: It’s dark, it’s twisted, it’s sexy, and there’s this undertone of power. Even though the lyrics are incredibly submissive, in a way, I feel like I’m in control of my submission — and that makes me feel good about myself, rather than making me feel bad about the message that I’m sending out.
Whenever Twigs makes a reference to submission and those kinds of sexual politics, it feels real to me. Meaning, I feel like she’s really thinking about this stuff and she genuinely plays around with submission and dominance in art, sex and life. It’s not just for show, it’s not just a shtick. This is, after all, the woman who reads Anaïs Nin at the beach with her sparkly boyfriend. Now, with all that being said, I think Twigs was saying “I feel like I’m in control of my submission” in regards to her art, to her song lyrics. Or is she saying it in the larger sense?
Photos courtesy of WENN.
I guess I took it as a different way because I feel the same. I’m in control of my submission meaning I allow myself to submit but I’m never forced into it, I’m the one always deciding whether I will or not.
I agree and that is my feeling too. In *certain* situations I can put myself in a submissive position *ahem* but I am in control of it, it is my wish and my decision to do so. Especially because I have such a strong character…. So, I get what she’s saying.
I agree with you. I think she meant controlling her submission. But I agree she coming from a sincere and honest way. And I don’t think she meant sex only. twigs is very smart… I do think its best to hear her because her humor is quirky.
The way she describes her empowerment-by-submission sounds very similar to the way people describe healthy BDSM experiences. She chooses to surrender herself, therefore she has the power. Agree with Kaiser– she definitely comes off as genuine here.
Exxxactly Shambles! Topping from the bottom is an actual thing! Aka sub is in control of who they submit to and under what conditions
Yes agreed but not sure this would be “topping from the bottom” which in my experience has always indicated a negative, a bottom who refused to relinquish control to the top within the context of a healthy DS relationship. that’s not the same as a sub who is in control of who they submit to and under what conditions which is just basic healthy, good BDSM from both partners.
It’s refreshing she doesn’t look down on her years on the grind. So many artists dismiss those periods as something unnecessary because they think they deserved better but twigs recognizes it was part of her journey. And ultimately very rewarding and a great way to learn how to be a better artists.
I listened to the whole interview and she comes off even better when listening. She was pretty humble and charming, ever after many of the questions would have given her the opportunity to talk herself up.
The back up dancer question was something like “I find it hard to understand with your incredible talent how you could be dancing behind other people ?” She gave a humble, thoughtful response.
Anyway, I also love the idea of Scott Simon, veteran journalist (one of my NPR favorites) interviewing her. He could almost be her grandfather and rolled his eyes, but he was into it.
I now accept I’m a philistine.
Her interviews exhaust me no end!
Nothing wrong with getting what you want, as long as her control comes across in the song.
whatever
took the words out of my mouth. i also feel the same about those canadians getting divorced.
That was a lot better than her previous ones. She actually said something!
Now you are going to hate me, but I actaully like FKA Twigs. She comes across as weird at first, but weird is a good thing when you know what you are doing or talking about. Apparently, there is a method to her madness.
She comes across as very thoughtful and intelligent about every aspect of her work. I like that she is honest about what she contributes and what others on her team do like the choreography. Her music is not my thing about I have a lot of respect for her artistry and multiple skills. People like her should be getting more limelight than the Miley’s of this world who need controversy to makeup for their talent gap.
I don’t think most people know her well enough to truly hate her. The problem was her misfortune in being introduced to U.S. pop culture by way of Robert Pattinson’s girlfriend and the twihard drama.
I like twigs too. She has a thoughtful perspective, and can express her pov. Most artists aren’t great at articulating the feelings and meaning of their music. I find she gets to the heart of it. Also, twigs music is refreshing in a sea of sameness. Its definitely not meant for mainstream pop, which is to her benefit. Underground punk, trip-hop, electronic music is her style.
Oooh she actually sounded really cool here. I guess it helps that NPR rarely asks questions about personal lives so she seems really relaxed.
BTW she looks gorgeous in those pics.
Sounds like she and the interviewer clicked, had a good rapport. Here’s his tweet:
Scott Simon @nprscottsimon Aug 29
Boy, I liked interviewing @FKAtwigs A true artist (who must make her parents proud).
I think she can’t do no wrong. I’ve been paying attention to her more now and i’m falling for her because she’s really fresh and weird. She’s a well resolved woman and artist, which is nice when you live in a world where Miley Cyrus does and says those things and get away with it.
I really think you mean, “She can do no wrong”. Huge difference
Love her.
And I get it. I’m a super strong woman with a lot of opinions etc. no one dominates me in life. However, in bed? If I decide that’s what I want and it is all under my control, it can be super hot.
Her songs started popping up on my recommended lists awhile ago and I actually really like a lot of them, to be completely honest most of them kinda get me in the mood, lol. It’s all very sensual in my opinion, her voice, the lyrics, and the way she moves, she has talent! I bet Rob is getting some good lovin’ these days😄
I think they are having a healthy bdsm thing. ;)))
Going by his comments in the past, I think he worships her body and soul.
I heard the interview, too, and enjoyed it. The only part that bugged me was the discussion of her lyrics. It sounds like she wrote the song a long time ago and it meant one thing back then and now she’s decided it means something more empowering now. Her song, her prerogative, I guess.
As I can see, I’m not alone at finding her genuine. Everything about her is natural, sincere, and I miss this kind of female artist. She expresses her sexuality without being cheap (Miley/Nicki) or manufacturated (Taylor).
She is everything Miley thinks she is. Intelligent, pushing boundaries without being cheap and gimmicky, sexy, thoughtful and she is her own woman.
I don’t even know how she ended up with sparkles he seems like such a wet blanket. But they are very cute together, mind you.
This was my thought as well.
Miley should take some notes.
I think Miley would kill to be something like her or Rihanna.
I’m all for FKA Twigs, Lykke Li, Fatima… bring more of these women. But, I just can’t believe we’ve come to that point when reading Anais Nin makes you deep and smart. I mean it is a cleaver read, I’m just puzzled by the fact that only a minority, obviously, reads more than just popular book club recommendations. I remember watching Oprah once when she was recommending Ana Karenina in her book club, and she was like: “this book is so heavy, has so many pages…”. And it is but it was obligatory in my high school so I never understood the fuss.
I’m not sure that’s was Kaiser meant. I took it to mean that FKA Twigs “beach book” implies she is exploring sexuality and sensuality through the prism of Anais Nin vs something like Fifty Shade of Grey. Plus “beach read” books are typically lighter fare.
So the implication is that makes her at least somewhat more interesting than most.
I know what Kaiser meant, it just made me think about these things.
Yes, I just meant that Anais Nin isn’t my idea of a “beach read” or something to read when you’re on vacation. Don’t ask me though, because I read detective stories & David Sedaris when I’m just looking for something light.
I love David Sedaris!
Kaiser, don’t remember where about you reside, but he’s on a book tour again. He’s not coming to my part of the country but maybe yours….
http://www.davidsedarisbooks.com/tour.html
Cool; Sedaris is news to me; I’ll check it out.
I love lykke li. People talk about Adele, but lykke li is the real deal about breakup songs lol. And fka is something really special. I dont know why people hate her so much in this site.
I enjoy Lykke Li as well. Have you listened to Mazzy Star? Excellent music, though older now.
@Stephanie; yep, I like them both. FKA is not musically my thing so much, but I like that there are women like her, doing something that has more value than just “shaking the ass”.
@original kay: C’mon; Fade in to you?! I remember the first time I heard it on the radio and recorded it on my cassette; I was lucky I pressed record button. I don’t think I ever pressed rewind button that often 🙂
The sub should always be the one with the control. 😉
Intelligent comments by a singer/songwriter. What a pleasure to read. How rare these days after reading Miley’s vomiting of deep thoughts ad nauseum. LOL
Twigs is really a good interview that doesn’t translate sometimes well in print. I loved how she’s in control of all aspects of her art.
I love her music and I love that she’s 100% in control of her image and her artistic direction. She embraces being weird and yes, she comes across better in this interview if you compare it to her last print interviews.
On side note, i was watching the VMAs audience cameras and FKA went up to say hie to Kanye. He side eyed and seemed rude and dismissive and then as she walked away he rolled his eyes. The whole thing looked embarrassing and awkward.
Really?? Reason #1006 to stop supporting that misogynistic prick
If that’s is true he’s a total hypocrite. He’s always preaching about art. This girl is actually a real artist in a sea of phoney singers. I guess she is not powerful enough for him.
Eww, really? He wishes he could be as self aware and creative.
Just another reason why Kanye is a big phony! I mean, he preaches one thing yet does the opposite. He hates “brands” but that is ALL he is trying to create! He married a “brand” for crissakes. And a PRON one at that! Gawd, he’s such a hypocrite. He’s a TOTAL Kardashian. He thinks we are to dumb too notice. No Kanye. YOU are dumb. Sheesh!
Rob must feel like he’s fallen into heaven with this girl. I’m crushing, and not on FKSparkles. What a woman.
I love her!
Kitten, check the comments, they’re pretty good so far 😉
I am not even a fan of her music but of all the female singers of my generation in the mainstream she’s head and shoulders above the rest, in maturity, artistic expression and intelligence. They all seem like silly little girls compared to her. More of her please @ kaiser! ( less of miley).
I really like her.
I can’t help it. Whenever I see this woman or read her name, I call her “F*cking Twigs”.
I kinda love twigs and her unapologetic view. She’s got a true style and articulation that is genuine. Love her music and I do love that it is off radar a bit and she’s not lost in Pop. A do agree with Kaiser, she comes better in taped interview. She seems gun shy sometimes in print or when she’s not comfortable with journalists lack of homework or their agenda.
Stupid question: How can you be a FKA (formerly known as) when you are still called Twigs? she’s not an FKA if that is what she goes by, right? Am I missing something here? Help!
The deal is that she started using the name Twigs and got sued by a band with the same name. She gets around it with this FKA thing.
Just close your mouth when you take a picture, please. You don’t even need to smile. So sick of this pose over and over.
It’s not that simple. I had a friend who had a mouth much like Twigs. Her resting face was mouth slightly open. Her jaw and teeth were just born that way. When she tried to close it consciously, it looked forced, like a frown.
I agree that many famous people intentionally use the open mouth pose. Very many. But IMO, Twigs is not one of thise people. My friend got dragged for something she was born with. That was her natural state of mouth. It makes me wince when I see people comment on Twigs mouth. Seriously, it’s part of who she is phiscially. She’s not doing it purposely. It’s just how her mouth is. And she owns it and is FIERCE! No shade on you, just giving my opinion.
yeah like that guy from Napoleon Dynamite
You can tell that’s just her mouth/jaw natural resting place so I don’t know why people are being such d*cks about it when you can tell it’s something she’s not doing intentionally, like seriously, you can see her jaw and mouth shape and still you go on about her not closing her mouth in every comment section about her?
On another note…she looks like the human version of Betty Boop to me.
Funny thing is, Betty Boop was inspired by a real black woman called Esther Jones. and her singing style and catch phrase “boop-oop-be-boop”.
I’ve never thought she was not doing it intentionally, because this is such a regular pose, but I still find it very distracting. But maybe it’s just me.
Just a thought… if she is leading a submissive lifestyle is RP her dominate??? I just don’t know if I see it…