@LauraMvula
Watching the
tribal, regal, and rural video to "Green Garden," one can’t help but notice the ponderous
vocals of Laura Mvula. She’s next on the come up of soul inspired artists. It’s
that rumbling, humming soul, the sort of tones that rush into the heart, as if
to soften it; the force and tow of pitch and power, all under unrivaled control,
that makes her one to watch for 2013. She’s up next for the spotlight, earning
a Brit Award nomination in the category of “Critic's
Choice, " without even putting out an album.
She started off
as a supply teacher in a Birmingham secondary school, with a degree from the
Birmingham Conservatoire in composition. With theatric roots, African rhythms,
and some unexpected surprises, Laura Mvula’s debut album, Sing To The Moon, set for release on March 4, is sure to pique your
eardrums, and your interest.
Here’s five things you should know about the talented crooner.
Here’s five things you should know about the talented crooner.
1) She’s a jazz girl. Growing up among music from
the greatness of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Dizzy Gillespie, Laura started
playing piano in the 5th Grade, listening to Claude Debussy along the way. She also likes
Lauryn Hill and gospel.
2) Her roots are
firmly planted in music: As a member of the church choir from youth, Laura Mvula
has tried her hand at teaching music for a year (which she describes as
“challenging”) and arranging for the Black Voices Birmingham a cappella group
from age 15.
3) She has connections. Mvula was signed to RCA after sending demos to a friend of
a friend made at a university seminar.
4) She got by with a little help. She worked with producer Steve Brown (Elton John, George Michael) on the record, and thinks he is like a tutor, one who has a pertinent part to her success on the album. "I came out of university a bit lost. What do you do with a music degree? So I was lucky to meet Steve," she says.
4) She got by with a little help. She worked with producer Steve Brown (Elton John, George Michael) on the record, and thinks he is like a tutor, one who has a pertinent part to her success on the album. "I came out of university a bit lost. What do you do with a music degree? So I was lucky to meet Steve," she says.
5) Don’t call
her (insert name)! Laura Mvula may sound like someone you’ve heard before, and
she’s been compared to anyone and everyone under the sun. But she’ll just brush it
off. “I
just can't take them seriously! I understand that musical references are
important, but with the utmost respect I don't take them very seriously. It's
very nice though," Laura explains.
Watch the video to "Green Garden" below.
Propers: Digital Spy, MTV Iggy, Telegraph, Wonderland
