Nov 29

Nov 29 Rebecca Phillips

Rebecca Phillips is an experimental pop artist from London with a neoteric, multidisciplinary vision. She explores dysfunctional intimacy - fizzing idiosyncratic takes on the euphoria and alienation of modern life.

mask **AGGLOMERATI**, gown **FRANCIS**, chain necklace used as bracelet **TALENT’S OWN**

What is your vision with your forthcoming musical release?

The new tracks I’ll be releasing are focused on spiky intimate encounters, the invasion of personal space through technology and the alienation that comes from living in a world where instant gratification is prioritised above deeper connections.

How do these photos reflect it?

The photos presented here were shot in Milan and are a direct visual response to my new, forthcoming body of music. I worked with stylist Enrica Miller on five looks stimulated by five new tracks that I played her and the photographer Elena Benvenuto in preparation for the project. The images we present here embody the characters I am giving voice to on my upcoming release. The styling reacts to the tracks incorporating elements that we may associate with intimate wear such as leather harnesses and Victorian petticoats, however in the Deviant photos these references are subverted and the garments are worn like armour. Elements present in my most recent tracks are also mirrored in the choice of sensual luxurious fabric garments combined with spiky, sometimes even brutal metal jewellery and accessories.

victorian petticoat on shoulders and leather biker trousers @LARIULA, belt used as top **UGLY LEATHER**, belt around waste **ROBERTA DI CAMERINO**, shoes **GIANMARCO LORENZI** both **@PWC MILANO**, rings and bracelet **HYPEROBJECTS**

Why have you called the collection Deviants?

I’ve called the collection of photographs Deviants because I feel the work we made in Milan was all about what it means to appear, reappear and come to life through an image and how that can be intoxicating and equally frightening and / or humiliating.

coat and skirt **RED SEPTEMBER**, leather harness **UGLY LEATHER**, shoes **AGL**

How would you describe your music?

It wants to catch your attention but on its own terms.

What about the sound of it?

It’s primarily electronic and pairs dissonant sounds with more silky melodic elements. I like to seek out and work with the tension that I find exists between jarring electronics and pop hooks.

dress **ADIDAS X JEREMY SCOTT**, boots **PUBLIC DESIRE** both **@LARIULA,** sunglasses **GENTLE MONSTER**, all jewelry **HYPEROBJECTS**

Would you be able divulge a little more about your creative process in the studio for example?

I actually make a lot of sounds with my mouth, recording them directly into the mic. Some of them are more beat boxy and can become drums and other sounds might get turned into or inspire more melodic instruments or sound design textures. I didn’t have a reference point for what I do and then Drew (one of the main producers I work with) showed me a video of Timberland writing music like this online and it suddenly made sense. It’s a lot of experimentation with people I trust and myself I guess. I am discerning about my lyrics, I consider every word.

Sometimes I have a strong sense of what I want to say, a story and a theme is clear and sometimes its murkier and the intention is uncovered through the freedom provided by experimentation - it’s a delicate balance that oscillates between those two parameters.

Tell me more about this forthcoming release?

I have just directed a music video for the first single I’ll be putting out for the release, Teriyaki. On the surface the track is a seductive and dystopian look into consumer culture-frenetic, pounding sounds. I am hopeful that the visual will be a striking counterpart.

coat **THISISELLEN**, leather bra **UGLY LEATHER**, boots **AGL**, hat **BONFILIO**, sunglasses **ADIDAS ORIGINALS**, gloves **STYLIST’S OWN**

What about your live work? I understand you had a sculpture at your live show made from silicone linked to your song Silicone Skin. I wish I had been there - it sounds immersive.

Ah thank you! Yes I’m always aiming to be immersive - I know that will mean various things to different people but that is an important intention for my work. I have a background in acting and writing which definitely feeds into my music and lyrics and I am fascinated and inspired by the potentialities that can be achieved in live spaces.

I did some shows at the Dublin Castle recently just teasing my new material etc and I’m working on an extended project re-an interactive outfit for performance. I am interested in creating holistic experiences for audiences where all five senses coalesce but this something I’m still defining and understanding the limitations of!

I think the temptation is to use technology as a crutch and while I know that rejecting computing / screen technology when trying to make contemporary work is paradoxical considering my vision, I want to use screens intentionally: elements woven into to the live performance rather than mindlessly or ornamentally or for shock and awe.