Panorama Festival: FKA Twigs Is Now the Definition of a Modern Pop Star

The term "pop star" has changed over the past decade, thanks to alternative-leaning sonic shifts in the genre and the transition into social media usage from the artists and fans alike. But let's be real: a lot of these female pop acts nowadays aren't embodying the modern-day pop star persona to its full capability. Yet there is one woman that we continue to overlook, and that is FKA Twigs.

During her set at NYC's inaugural Panorama festival, the British-bred performer was an artist in every sense of the word. Twigs established herself with her 2012 EP1 debut and has defiantly pushed closer into mainstream territory over the years. As soon as she sauntered on stage like a slightly possessed witch, the trite pop mentality we've become used to—excessive four-on-the-floor beats, tiring vocals and awkward reliance on a squad—were all left behind.

Opening up with "Water Me" from her 2013 EP2, FKA Twigs put a spell on every festival-goer in the Pavilion (the fest's second stage) while donning white locs, a sparkling cutout bodysuit and feathers sticking out of her nose. Don't go looking for pageant girl curls and perfect red lipstick here! The singer's display was futuristic, tribal and intense. Even if you don't "get" her music, you'll have no choice but to understand its exciting and unique sounds by the end of the performance.