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 don't think I always look in people's faces, like, as - I think especially when I'm doing my more intimate songs that are quite personal, I always feel it's a bit accusing if I stare in someone's face when I singing quite a personal lyric. Laura Mvula accusebiteface 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
I come from an African Caribbean background. I've been influenced by a reggae church music style, contemporary gospel, and rock all fused together. Laura Mvula africanbackgroundcaribbean Change image and share on social
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.' Laura Mvula acceptablecarcocky 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
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
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. Laura Mvula absolutelybigdad share on social
I grew up playing in youth orchestras, so they were my most treasured memories, so to be in front of an orchestra playing my own material would be incredible. Laura Mvula frontgrowincredible Change image and share on social
I love church buildings, particularly cathedrals, and I like living in spaces that remind me of music or evoke that creative energy. Laura Mvula buildingcathedralchurch Change image and share on social