Lots of people think I'm telling porky pies when I say how nervous I get about singing. I was good at working out how music was put together, and I was good at being at the back, but if you asked me to sing up front, then I looked like I was going to pass out. Laura Mvula askbackfront share on social
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. Laura Mvula angelconnectcool Change image and share on social
Fame hasn't really affected me. I have a really close knit group around me, and my sister is always with me, so it's like a bit of a travelling circus. Laura Mvula affectbitecircus Change image and share on social
For me, a wake-up playlist completely depends on what mood I'm in. If I need to get into action pretty quick, it will be between Beyonce and Miles Davis. I'm a massive Beyonce fan, and all of her anthems will do it for me. And Miles Davis, because I grew up hearing his music because my dad played it a lot, so that will always be special to me. Laura Mvula actionanthembeyonce share on social
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. Laura Mvula boldbottomchange share on social
Being a pop star is something I don't think I'm very good at. I'm worried it's making me too paranoid, because all of a sudden, life has become this constant assessment. When you put something out there and people get to hear it, then those people react to it, socially, culturally. Laura Mvula assessmentconstantculturally share on social
The first time I sang in church, when I was ten, the applause was so overwhelming that I started to weep. My mum had to rescue me from the stage. Laura Mvula applausechurchmum Change image and share on social
I don't talk about Amy Winehouse as a 'singer.' She's a pioneer. I listened to her endlessly when I started writing. Laura Mvula amyendlesslylisten Change image and share on social
My parents encouraged us to commit to things, so if we wanted to learn an instrument, it was all the grades and all the theory. Laura Mvula commitencouragegrade Change image and share on social
London audiences have this reputation for being a bit too cool for school. Laura Mvula audiencebitecool Change image and share on social