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 write songs from the heart, and I don't hold back. Laura Mvula backhearthold Change image and share on social
Topshop is one of my favourite shops, and I love shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti. There's a graduate fashion designer called Kate Falcus who makes me beautiful commissioned pieces - one of my favourites was the white Glastonbury dress she made me with the puffy skirt. Laura Mvula beautifulcallcommission 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'm not like my siblings, who are musical but can turn their hands to other professions! I'd always wanted to be involved in music - I'm a great believer in doing things that fulfil you. Laura Mvula believerfulfilgreat Change image and share on social
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. Laura Mvula adrenalinebigfelt Change image and 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 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
My songs are very personal, which means they are fantastically therapeutic to write, but performing them night after night is emotionally draining. Laura Mvula drainemotionallyfantastically 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