FKA twigs: TDC.
After working as a backup dancer with hopes of transitioning to singing, FKA twigs released two EPs before achieving widespread critical acclaim with her debut studio album, 2014’s LP1, and its lead single, “Two Weeks.”
I find that FKA twigs is not easily categorized: both avant-garde and gritty, grounded in reality and ethereal, she should be heard to be enjoyed. I've followed her career for awhile and she's only gotten better at communicating her vision. I loved this performance because I'm usually so dazzled by her dancing ability and her astounding visuals that I forget her singing is so cool. No, I cannot recognize if the singing is flawless, or the vocal technique on point. What I can recognize is that her singing moves me, and that's what counts for me.
That's why I wanted to share her TDC here today in a stripped down set (piano, bass, violin, cello), so her voice and her personality (the delivery, that's what I usually call it) shine through the music. So, if you have fifteen minutes, treat yourself to this fantastic performance. It worked wonders for my mood. It may not be your 'style' of music (pared-down trip-hop in a church may be too much for some), but isn't music universal after all?
XOXO
Not really my favorite because it feels to me like she's trying too hard and doing too much as those it's some kind of a test. Parts sound really good though.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm with you about the perfection of tone. Billie Holiday is one of my favorites, but Billie didn't sing well, she was just an amazing vocalist, who could flood the song with emotion.,
Oh, I love extra.
DeleteI think she's very 360, very performance-driven. And I enjoy that.
And Billie Holiday is indeed the perfect example. Her Lady in Satin is, IMHO her best album. People say that by then her voice was ravaged but THAT is the album I listen to more often. So much emotion!
XOXO
No idea who this person is. I don't like the whispery, sing-songy style. It's become so overused today it's almost become trite.
ReplyDeleteHeh
DeleteIf you actually knew who FKA twigs was I'd have to put my hat in the air fryer and eat it with ketchup. LOL.
And I enjoy the sing-speak. I think that's why I liked Macy Gray so much. I also went to many a slam poetry event back in college, so that may be why...
XOXO
Big says,
ReplyDeleteI like her tone, that's for sure. As with many other vocalists past and present, her diction is awful. How much more moved would I be (as a listener) if I could actually understand the words? Ah, well... I think theatre spoiled me when it comes to that. XOXO
Haha
DeleteOh, I was reading someone who was talking about how some singers have YEARS of training before they even record (Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin) and how nowadays many a singer would benefit from that. I also think it's the way she sings, that kind of truncates meaning sometimes and loses you if you are in your first listening...
XOXO
HuntleyBiGuy:
ReplyDeleteShe has an interesting voice. Kind of a mellow performance and I like the orchestration.
XOXO 👨🏼❤️💋👨🏽
Yes!
DeleteMellow is a great way to describe it. I also liked the stripped-down, chamber-music quality of the accompanying instruments. Very not like I'm used to with her...
XOXO
Love the three musketeers coat... what a lovely vibe. These are art songs. They do defy description... they are musically eclectic soundscapes gathered like fragments of one's mind. Bravo. There have been so many talented, musically-adventurous young black women since the 1990's... Res, comes to mind. Jasmine Sullivan is another... they get the critical acclaim, but not the sales or industry push. FKA Twigs could very well rise above that... fascinating decomposition. Thanks for sharing. I adore music. And groundbreaking stuff is always welcome. Kizzes.
ReplyDeleteOhhh
DeleteI never thought of them as 'art songs' but that actually describe them quite well. Same as referring to them as 'soundscapes'. I felt kind of engulfed in her moods when I listened to this TDC. I'm going to look for Res.
XOXO
three musketeers coat: in fact, it looks like a group of 17th century musicians accompanying a singer.
DeleteThat was excellent and music shouldn't be picked apart for perfect delivery. If it is enjoyed and moves us, then their job is done. I will have to keep her on my radar Sixpense. She and Yola might be my favorite new interests.
ReplyDeleteOh, I totally agree.
DeleteFor me, music is the soundtrack of my moods and life. I really don't have musical training, so as long as I enjoy it, I play it.
Looking for Yola right now!
XOXO
I think my comment may have disappeared.
ReplyDeleteOh, you know how Blogger gets...
DeleteXOXO