Laura Mvula
Laura Mvula
Laura Mvula is a British soul singer-songwriter from Birmingham. Her debut album, Sing to the Moon, was released on 4 March 2013 with an orchestral re-recording released on 11 August 2014...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionSoul Singer
Date of Birth23 April 1986
CityBirmingham, England
brother disney expect heard music recorded remember sing singing time younger
I have a younger brother and sister who actually play in my band, and we were always into Disney music, big time. The first time I heard myself sing was when I recorded myself singing a Disney song. I remember it because it was awful, and I didn't expect to hear that. I think it was 'A Whole New World' from 'Aladdin.'
bold bottom change colour envy lip lipstick red seem top wear
I envy those who can wear red lipstick or any bold lip colour, really. My top lip just doesn't seem to take colour - there's nothing I can do to change that, so I usually just use a nude on the bottom lip.
beauty dance excitement green joy lush smiling
'Green Garden' is about beauty and joy and lush green and dance and excitement and smiling from within.
celebrate dark early found freedom given glad great grew love makeup music present primary skin thinking
I love my complexion, but like so many of us, in the early years at primary school, I grew up thinking that my dark skin wasn't a great thing. I've found freedom in music and songwriting, which has given me a freedom in how I present myself. I'm glad I've got makeup to celebrate that with.
depressing filtering focusing good habit life sure
I got into the habit of filtering out all the good in my life, focusing on only the negative. I'm not sure why I did it, but it's a pretty depressing state.
absolutely dad grounding grown influence listened music parents thorough
I had a very thorough grounding in music; I'd grown up around songs. My parents listened to a lot of music. My dad was majorly into jazz, which was absolutely a big influence on me, even if it was more subconsciously as a kid.
adrenaline anywhere feels gig playing puts rush
If I'm playing a gig in London, it feels so important. The adrenaline rush here is bigger than anywhere else. I kind of like the pressure that London puts you under.
bumped cool cousin effortless looked seemed shaved
I bumped into my cousin after she'd shaved her hair very short, and she looked incredible. She seemed so effortless and cool, and I wanted that. And, I've had it like that ever since.
song writing angel
Taxi drivers used to ask me what kind of music I did and I'd say, well, it's kind of jazz, soul, classical - but that makes no sense to anyone. Now I say I just write my own songs. I thought I had to help people get me, but I don't think they need to be spoon-fed. If you connect with me that is cool. I don't need the whole world to feel like I am a soul angel.
dad cocky thinking
I remember listening to Miles Davis in the car with my dad. I had just done my Grade 5 piano exam, and I was quite cocky. I said, 'It sounds like he's played the wrong note there.' I remember the look of horror on my dad's face, and thinking, 'Wow, I have to figure out why that is not acceptable.'
way looks hippo
I respect hippos. They just look the way they do; they can't do anything about it, but they don't seem bothered.
song writing heart
I write songs from the heart, and I don't hold back.
school london reputation
London audiences have this reputation for being a bit too cool for school.
moving voice inspire
Lizz Wright is my favourite singer. Her voice moves me and takes me to another place. She also grows her own food, and that inspires me.