The piece I chose for our first musical analysis exercise is "Lightbeamers" by FKA Twigs. FKA Twigs is a 34 year-old British singer and songwriter. She has worked with the Weeknd before, among other notable artists. "Lightbeamers" is apart of her album "CAPRISONGS", and is her most recent album released Jan 14th (my birthday) 2022. The song starts out with a simple melody with a slow beat. I like songs that kind of build steam, and this one certainly does.
The music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtocy5NIJ6o&list=RDJtocy5NIJ6o&start_radio=1
Analyzing the music-
The entire song is underpinned by a slow beat and tempo. The melody begins with percussion sounds, accompanied by a few simple piano keys, finally accompanied by a repeated cut of her lyrics from later in the song. 2 easy ways in which I know it is a melody is the repetition and pattern of the song. I like her use of electronic producing in her music, and Mike Dean mixed the track, one of Kanye West's go to collaborator for "Lightbeamers". The contrast of her soprano lyrics and the rhythm of the song make this a relaxing yet engaging song about love and self worth. I think her sorrowful vocals are what connects the listener emotion to her experience.
The music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtocy5NIJ6o&list=RDJtocy5NIJ6o&start_radio=1
Analyzing the music-
The entire song is underpinned by a slow beat and tempo. The melody begins with percussion sounds, accompanied by a few simple piano keys, finally accompanied by a repeated cut of her lyrics from later in the song. 2 easy ways in which I know it is a melody is the repetition and pattern of the song. I like her use of electronic producing in her music, and Mike Dean mixed the track, one of Kanye West's go to collaborator for "Lightbeamers". The contrast of her soprano lyrics and the rhythm of the song make this a relaxing yet engaging song about love and self worth. I think her sorrowful vocals are what connects the listener emotion to her experience.
There is definitely use of auto-tune on her voice towards the 1:20 mark, but I think it compliments the piece nicely. My favorite lines within the lyrics are probably "I'll tell you what you're gonna do" followed by "For tonight" and then "make a list of the things that make you, you". The slowness of the beat helps the listener get into the song, instead of struggling to keep up, and the use of adjusting the octaves on the bass sound make this simple song more interesting. As we know an octave is the interval between one musical pitch and another. I feel like for many members of my generation, bass is a big deal. I am not sure the specific notes that bass is hitting on the octave scale, but I talk a bit more about bass below.
My notes-
A Capricorn and Scorpio myself, I connect with her image and music on a personal level. She is weird, and her style is certainly of an emerging genre... That being electronic music that doesn't present itself as what it is necessarily. So many people will discount "electronic" music, when most songs made today involve computerized production. I read this line in an NPR article (linked) and I wanted to share it; "FKA twigs made a name for herself on a meta image that toyed with the gaze of whoever looked upon her. Capitalizing on seduction's wealth". I think this summarizes her well, and I can relate to her "take it or leave it" mentality.
My notes-
A Capricorn and Scorpio myself, I connect with her image and music on a personal level. She is weird, and her style is certainly of an emerging genre... That being electronic music that doesn't present itself as what it is necessarily. So many people will discount "electronic" music, when most songs made today involve computerized production. I read this line in an NPR article (linked) and I wanted to share it; "FKA twigs made a name for herself on a meta image that toyed with the gaze of whoever looked upon her. Capitalizing on seduction's wealth". I think this summarizes her well, and I can relate to her "take it or leave it" mentality.
When talking about the music on "CAPRISONGS", NPR states that this is FKA Twigs vibrating at her highest frequency, and I have to agree. In regards to "Lightbeamers", I interpret it as a celebration of the reality of relationships with others and with one's self. It's slightly melancholy, but the interesting bass helps distract you from the lyrics. I like this hybridization of moods. Twigs herself said (via genuis.com) "It’s my stubborn caprisun ass telling me to work thru my pain by delivering at work, don’t think just go studio and create". This is accurate.
“CAPRISONGS by FKA Twigs.” Genius, genius.com/albums/Fka-twigs/Caprisongs. Accessed 7 Feb. 2023.https://genius.com/albums/Fka-twigs/Caprisongs
“On “CAPRISONGS,” FKA Twigs Vibrates at Her Highest Frequency.” NPR, 17 Jan. 2022, www.npr.org/2022/01/17/1072754089/on-caprisongs-fka-twigs-vibrates-at-her-highest-frequency. Accessed 7 Feb. 2023.https://www.npr.org/2022/01/17/1072754089/on-caprisongs-fka-twigs-vibrates-at-her-highest-frequency
“CAPRISONGS by FKA Twigs.” Genius, genius.com/albums/Fka-twigs/Caprisongs. Accessed 7 Feb. 2023.https://genius.com/albums/Fka-twigs/Caprisongs
“On “CAPRISONGS,” FKA Twigs Vibrates at Her Highest Frequency.” NPR, 17 Jan. 2022, www.npr.org/2022/01/17/1072754089/on-caprisongs-fka-twigs-vibrates-at-her-highest-frequency. Accessed 7 Feb. 2023.https://www.npr.org/2022/01/17/1072754089/on-caprisongs-fka-twigs-vibrates-at-her-highest-frequency
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