FKA Twigs leaves the nightclub on her new album, ‘Afterglow.’ This is how it sounds

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Before FKA Twigs could discuss her upcoming album, “Afterglow,” she needed a matcha.

The British singer-songwriter initially joined a Zoom call from the back of a car in New York, admitting she was running on very little energy. She’d flown in from London that morning and had been busy all day promoting her new movie, a horror film called “The Carpenter’s Son” featuring Nicolas Cage.

Fortunately, just a few minutes into the interview, the singer Tahliah Debrett Barnett noticed her favorite matcha cafe nearby. Without hesitation, she dashed inside for a quick pick-me-up and ordered a variety of matcha treats – a hot lavender matcha latte, matcha soft serve, and matcha pudding.

Twigs joked that she was feeling energetic, admitting she hadn’t eaten much all day and had only been having matcha desserts. After drinking some, she said it felt like she was herself again, calling it a genuinely real experience.

I was so excited to hear her talk about “Afterglow,” a surprise addition to her already incredible third album, “Eusexua.” She seemed really energized, and it was fascinating to learn more about “Eusexua” itself – not just the album, but the whole idea she created to describe feeling truly beyond yourself. She first shared it back in January with the album release, and it’s clearly something she’s passionate about.

Just under a year after its predecessor, her new album, releasing on the same day as “The Carpenter’s Son,” is designed to explore the complex human questions raised in her previous work, “Eusexua,” in a thoughtful and revealing way.

From the beginning, she envisioned “Eusexua” as more than just an album – she saw it as the start of a new period in her work. The album draws inspiration from the underground rave scene in Prague and focuses on life’s most genuine moments. Through a blend of energetic drum and bass, sweeping retro-futuristic sounds, and delicate melodies, Twigs tries to recreate the emotions she feels when experiencing dance music. Her lyrics are honest and vulnerable, filled with a sense of childlike curiosity and intimate thoughts, all aimed at capturing the essence of being human.

Twigs describes her album “Eusexua” as offering a broad perspective on what it means to be human. In contrast, she intends “Afterglow” to be a more intimate look, capturing raw and immediate emotions. She says making this shift in focus felt natural.

Twigs explained that making this project felt different from her usual creative process. She typically experiences challenges or struggles when creating, but this time, everything came together easily and naturally.

“Afterglow” was primarily created at home in Hackney, London, after the release of her previous album, “Eusexua.” Even though “Eusexua” had been well-received, she felt she still had more creative energy to share.

“I can’t explain it. Sometimes you put out an album, and then it feels like you need to stop for a while,” said Twigs. “But with ‘Eusexua,’ it felt like it was still growing. The message was still spreading, and people still wanted a deeper understanding of what it was.”

FKA Twigs typically takes a few years between album releases. She started with “LP1” in 2014, followed by “Magdalene” in 2019, and “Eusexua” in 2025. She also released a mixtape, “Caprisongs,” in 2022. Each project reveals a different facet of her personality as she explores themes of identity, love, and what it means to be a woman. She fearlessly delves into difficult emotions – grief, desire, and envy – and translates their nuances into music using unique rhythms, unconventional production, and a captivating, dreamlike atmosphere.

Before pursuing a career in music, she was already a successful dancer. As a teenager and in her early twenties, she performed in music videos with popular artists like Ed Sheeran, Jessie J, and Kylie Minogue. Even now, dance and physical movement remain central to how she experiences and interprets music.

FKA Twigs explained that having a strong foundation in technique, similar to ballet, is important when dancing. However, once you master the basics, you can then break the rules and express yourself more freely. She described her album ‘Afterglow’ as an extension of ‘Eusexua,’ but more unrestrained, passionate, and captivating – something designed to fulfill a deep desire.

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Having established her artistic style with her previous work, the artist created her latest album with a sense of liberation. The 11-song album explores the experience of a night out – from the relief of stepping into fresh air after dancing, to the impulsive urge to contact an old flame, and the desire to keep the night going. The artist masterfully captures the feelings of what happens after the party.

Moving away from the more experimental sounds of her previous work, the artist delivers a captivating blend of electronic music that keeps you guessing. Tracks like “Slushy” and “Predictable Girl” combine futuristic, robotic textures with the energetic rhythms of Jersey club and the soulful chords of 90s R&B. Meanwhile, songs like “Cheap Hotel” and “Sushi” showcase her control over a complex sonic landscape, creating a mesmerizing and slightly wild atmosphere.

Fame can be surprisingly stressful, even when you love your work. That’s what artist FKA Twigs explains, saying she sometimes needs to step away to recharge. She explores these challenges in her song ‘Wild and Alone,’ a collaboration with fellow British pop artist PinkPantheress.

Going out helps me gain clarity and focus on what truly matters – my values and the people I want in my life.

Having come to these understandings, she’ll keep seeking out the energy of crowded dance floors – the fog, the sweat, and the flashing lights. However, she insists there’s one core principle she’ll always remember when creating her art.

I’ve been listening to her talk about her work, and what really struck me is how she believes the only thing that impacts what she creates is honesty. She says it all comes down to whether you’re being truthful and genuine – that’s what truly matters to her process.

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2025-11-14 14:36