twigs

Say my name, say my… new name. No not that one, my new new name.

Lauren Ziegler

FKA Twigs, real name Tahlia Barnett, already has a tumultuous history regarding her name, and it seems as though her battle to retain her musical identity is once again under fire. Laura and Linda Good, known to the music world back in the 90s as ‘The Twigs’ slapped British trip-hop starlet FKA Twigs with a big old lawsuit back in 2013 over her name, formerly Twigs. And now yet again the duo is seeking a temporary restraining order against her.

Unfortunately for Barnett, the Goods hold a registered trademark for their name, and despite being offered $15000 from her reps Beggars Group back in June 2013, the sisters forced her to cease retaining the moniker Twigs. Adding FKA (formerly known as) to her name, Barnett set out, unfazed, to conquer the R&B scene.

Since this debacle FKA Twigs has clambered her way to R&B fame, releasing her highly acclaimed album LP1; already nominated for the Mercury Prize and a Grammy. Billboard named her in their 14 Artists to watch in 2014, and it seems as though the music world really did have their eye transfixed on this mysterious creature. Her tenderly smooth, ethereal sound caught the attention of big-name producers Paul Epworth (Adele, Florence & the Machine) and Emile Haynie (Kanye West) and within a year she had established herself as “one of the most compelling and complex acts in R&B” (Time). Barnett has even flown half way across the world to spread her atmospheric beats to us lucky Aussies at Laneway Festival. Gracing us with an unforgettable performance of sensual, moody vocals and captivating dance moves, her set was definitely one of the highlights of the line-up.

Barnett has certainly come a long way since her days as a backing dancer for the likes of Kylie Minogue and Jessie J, and has openly admitted to Pitchfork magazine that she disassociates herself from this former character, but it seems as though the Good sisters are determined to make her once again reform her identity. The motion was brought to court just hours before Barnett was due to perform, and resultantly the judge denied the restraining order. The case was “withdrawn without prejudice” meaning the Good sisters still have the right sue in the future.

It’s hard enough to make a name for yourself in the formidable hierarchy of R&B, let alone when it is the name itself that is holding you back. Lets hope the Good sisters retreat back into musical oblivion and leave Barnett to reign supreme. Headstrong and optimistic, FKA Twigs still seems to find light of the situation, “I’m not angry, but I do feel sad about it. It’ll be fine. I might call myself FKA tree trunk. Or FKA baby branches. Or Irl twigs” (DAZED). Performing in corsetry and dangling from a harness of hair don’t seem very characteristic of the moniker ‘baby branches’, but then again names don’t always infer character, right Madonna?

FKA Twigs isn’t the only artist to change her name. Read our list to check out loads more!