FKA Twigs: 'Most artists are vessels'

Fka Twigs gets upset by the thought that most musical artists are just “vehicles”.

The British singer, real name Tahliah Barnett, has become known as one of the most unique names in the industry, with her music, outlook and personal style setting her apart from other cookie cutter popstars. Twigs likes being an original though, and can’t envision things any other way.

“Imagine if you were an artist that wasn’t being herself,” she sighed to Allure magazine. “Imagine you’re an artist that didn’t know how to do your own makeup, didn’t know how to do your own hair, didn’t know how to put an outfit together, didn’t write your own music, didn’t direct your own videos, didn’t produce your own music.

“They’re not artists. They’re vehicles, vessels. The majority of them are like that. Imagine how hard that must be.”

Twigs started her career as a backing dancer, working with the likes of Jessie J and Kylie Minogue. However, she always knew she wanted to be at the front of the stage and finally released her debut album LP1 in 2014.

She garnered even more attention when she started dating Twilight star Robert Pattinson, with the couple confirming their engagement in April 2015. The 28-year-old is now no stranger to interviews, but she’s not very comfortable being the subject of conversation.

“I don’t mean to be a tough interview,” she said, adding, “but I can understand why people might think that.”

Twigs may have only been in the industry for a few years, but she’s already learnt some important lessons on her way to the top.

“I think one of the most painful things I went through making my record is realising that you don’t have to ask permission,” she shared. “You don’t have to ask permission to do a video saying something that you want to say. All you can do is follow your instincts.”