FKA twigs will be the final artist of this three part installment.

FKA twigs - Intrigue

Earlier this fall a friend informed me that I NEEDed to see this video "Papi Pacify" by FKA twigs. I was told to report back when I had. Within five seconds of watching I understood why. FKA twigs thrusts you into an intimate portrayal between herself and a lover. It's terrifying and beautiful simultaneously. I was quite taken and honestly a bit distracted with the scenes initially. I was very pleased to find that her music more than stands on its own without a visual.

twigs is a risk taker, challenging not only your ear but your eye. Her latest release EP2 featuring the above mentioned "Papi Pacify" is a sensory journey. In fact each track has an accompanying visual unlike you've ever seen. There's a mystery and a level of intrigue surrounding this young lady. You get the sense that everything she touches is well crafted and held up to a superior standard. Her seductive, sultry vocals are hypnotic.

FKA twigs is in very good company on London based record label Young Turks alongside Sampha, The XX, SBTRKT and Chairlift. I'm looking forward to great things in the coming year. Check out the video for "Papi Pacicify" and prepare to be hooked!

Following SZA from last week's edition, the second artist to this three part installment is Banks.

Photo by John Michael Fulton, Interview Magazine

Banks- Send Her A Text

Banks was a grower for me. The first track I caught onto was the Snakehips Remix of "Warm Water". The bouncy synth induced remix left me wanting more! After listening to the original it felt as though Snakehips had enhanced the track so well it could have been the original. Perhaps it was the summer rays that drew me to higher energy pop sounds. Regardless I continued listening and with the seasonal change a fondness grew. The autumn chill welcomed exquisite timing for Banks' latest EP London, fully embracing her darker, sultry sound with ease.

She finds an enthralling balance, delivering her intimate lyrics often in a matter of fact tone during verses yet hitting you with a raw, emotional chorus. Trust me you'll be singing along in no time! An infectious beat serves as the foundation to "Bedroom Wall" (a personal favorite),  periodically soft almost billowy rockets and explosions sound in the distance alongside subtle chimes. The track swells to the very end with Banks' hauntingly delicate voice echoing "... do I have to write it on your bedroom wall you fool".

Currently the young singer songwriter is on tour with The Weeknd. They'll be wrapping up The Fall Tour (yep) at the end of next month in the UK. It would be very interesting to see if a collaboration between Banks and The Weeknd takes form! Enjoy the visual for "This Is What It Feels Like" below and be sure to listen to Banks' EP London in full via soundcloud or help her become the #1 Emerge Artist on Spotify.

There are three ladies I am really excited about at the moment. Each possess a unique sound and have an EP to discover. The first artist of this three parter post is SZA.

SZA- Supreme Alphabet For Savior

SZA was the soundtrack to my summer, literally my savior. As the First Lady of Top Dawg Entertainment she's gained steady attention following her signing, myself included. It had been a while since I found an album I couldn't get enough of. After hearing the intro to S EP, "Castles" I was hooked. The track flutters over you, gradually enhances with repetitious bells until the trill beat drops. SZA's vocals are chilling yet friendly, her lyrics quirky and fantastical. Speaking of quirky, the soundbites in between the eight track EP are strange... it's refreshing! With two EPs (both free via soundcloud)  under her belt I was surprised to learn she has been making and pursuing music for only a year. Drawing from an eclectic range of influences including Wu-Tang Clan, Bjork, and Coltrane along with a few impressive up and coming producers like Wondagurl, Felix Snow and BrandUn DeShay, the alternative darling is blending genres and exploring new territory.

"I have to recreate the universe every morning when I wake up. And kill it in the evening." The 23 year-old songstress tweeted the other day. I'm certainly looking forward to tapping into SZA's imagination on her next project Z EP, the second installation to her trilogy series. Here's hoping she makes a stop in Chicago while on tour with Little Dragon; which is such a perfect move for her. SZA and Little Dragon ride a likened dreamy soundscape. Look out for those tour dates. In the meantime enjoy the video for "Country" featured on the See.SZA.Run EP.

Shower & Food (Take 1)

Shower & Food is a little diddy (tune) I began humming while waiting the bus on the side of the road in Greece.  I was studying in London and a group of us traveled to Athens and the island of Crete during our spring break. While visiting Greece I was attacked by a pack of wild dogs, spooked pigeons on a daily, got trapped in a bathroom stall (thanks again Joey!) and took a nap on a park bench.

Now Crete is definitely a tourist attraction. It felt a lot like the Cape Cod of Greece. We visited during an off season so the area was pretty deserted. Hence waiting an extra long time for a bus. Regardless of the lack of warm weather, we were all adamant about getting to the beach. Although I've never really been a fan of beach days I truly enjoyed myself in Crete. We had an amazing day up until the "ride" back to our hostel.

After sitting on the beach all day sweating, followed by sitting on the side of the road... sweating; all I wanted was a shower & food! To many a shower & food are fundamental bare necessities that are taken for granted. After my trip to Greece I vowed never to do so again.

This little segment of the world wide web is a space for my thoughts on beauty & cuisine plus all my interests in between. Welcome!

ps Our hostel lost power and hot water while we were out. We did however get some delicious food and firewater in our bellies haha travel struggles!