FKA twigs
Quick Info
- Genres: art pop, alternative r&b
- Instruments: spoken vocals, other vocals
- Spotify Popularity: 63/100
- Followers: 1,439,594
- Born: 1988-01-16, Cheltenham
Biography
FKA twigs, born Tahliah Debrett Barnett on January 16, 1988, in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, is a groundbreaking English singer, songwriter, producer, and dancer. Raised by her mother, a dancer and gymnast, Barnett was exposed to the arts from an early age and began making music in youth clubs as a teenager. At 17, she moved to South London to pursue a career as a dancer, quickly becoming a sought-after backup dancer for artists like Kylie Minogue and Ed Sheeran, and appearing in high-profile music videos such as Jessie J’s 'Price Tag.'
Twigs transitioned to music with her debut EP, 'EP1,' in 2012, followed by 'EP2' in 2013, which she co-produced with Arca. Her first full-length album, 'LP1' (2014), received critical acclaim, reaching #16 on the UK Albums Chart and earning a Mercury Prize nomination. Known for her genre-bending sound that fuses art pop, alternative R&B, electronic, and avant-garde influences, she continued to innovate with releases like 'M3LL155X' (2015), 'Magdalene' (2019), and the mixtape 'Caprisongs' (2022). In 2025, she released 'Eusexua,' widely regarded as a masterful pop statement. Twigs is celebrated for her ethereal vocals, experimental production, and visually arresting performances, establishing her as a leading figure in contemporary art pop and alternative R&B.
Her legacy is defined by her fearless experimentation and multidisciplinary artistry, influencing a new generation of musicians and performers. Twigs’ work is noted for its emotional intimacy, genre fluidity, and striking visual storytelling, making her a polymath who continues to push the boundaries of modern music and performance art.
Enhanced with Perplexity AI research
Sources: Source1, Source2, Source3, Source4, Source5, Source6
Fun Facts
- Her stage name 'twigs' comes from the snapping sounds her joints make when she dances; 'FKA' was added after a naming dispute with another band.
- She directed, narrated, and starred in a Nike television ad and danced in Apple's HomePod commercial, showcasing her multidisciplinary talents.
- Twigs is also an accomplished video director, often creating or co-directing her own music videos and visual projects.
- She was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize for her debut album 'LP1' and has been consistently praised for her innovative live performances.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Her mother (unnamed) - Early inspiration as a dancer and gymnast, fostering Barnett’s artistic development (Childhood and formative years) [1988–2005]
- Arca - Major stylistic influence and production mentor, shaping her experimental sound (EP2, LP1) [2013–2014]
Key Collaborators
- Arca - Frequent producer and co-writer, pivotal in her early releases (EP2, LP1) [2013–2014]
- Koreless - Producer and collaborator on later projects (Magdalene) [2019]
- Future - Featured artist (Song: 'holy terrain' (Magdalene)) [2019]
Artists Influenced
- Kelela - Cited FKA twigs as an influence in shaping experimental R&B aesthetics (Take Me Apart) [2017]
- Sevdaliza - Inspired by twigs’ blend of avant-garde visuals and genre fusion (ISON) [2017]
- yeule - Draws on twigs’ ethereal, experimental approach to pop and electronic music (Serotonin II) [2019]
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| EUSEXUA | 2025-01-24 | Album |
| CAPRISONGS | 2022-01-14 | Album |
| EUSEXUA | 2025-01-24 | Album |
| MAGDALENE | 2019-11-08 | Album |
| Featuring Ty Dolla $ign | 2020-10-22 | Album |
| LP1 | 2014-08-11 | Album |
| LP1 | 2014-08-12 | Album |
| CAPRISONGS | 2022-01-14 | Album |
| TESTING | 2018-05-25 | Album |
| Balance Presents Patrice Bäumel | 2016-04-15 | Album |
| EUSEXUA Afterglow | 2025-11-14 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Childlike Things (EUSEXUA)
- Fukk Sleep (feat. FKA twigs) (TESTING)
- Girl Feels Good (EUSEXUA)
- Eusexua (EUSEXUA)
- Striptease (EUSEXUA)
- Perfect Stranger (EUSEXUA)
- Drums of Death (EUSEXUA)
- oh my love (CAPRISONGS)
- Room Of Fools (EUSEXUA)
- Sticky (EUSEXUA)
External Links
Tags: #alternative-r&b, #alternative-indie-rock, #ambient-pop
Heard on WWOZ
FKA twigs has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 9, 2025 | 00:33 | Wild And Alone (feat. PinkPantheress)from EUSEXUA Afterglow | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins | |
| Oct 21, 2025 | 00:38 | Perfect Strangerfrom EUSEXUA | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins | |
| Sep 30, 2025 | 01:58 | Figure 8from M3LL155X | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins |