I first played the Royal Albert Hall when I was 14. I was a violinist with the Birmingham Schools Concert Orchestra, and we travelled down from the Midlands for the last night of the School Proms. We played some pieces from the Harry Potter films, and the violin parts were really hard. Laura Mvula albertbirminghamconcert share on social
Teaching was my first job after leaving university. It was a challenge, but I enjoyed it. Some of the kids were disruptive, but I could deal with it because I was only 24 at the time, and my own school memories were still fresh. Laura Mvula challengedealdisruptive share on social
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. Laura Mvula bumpcoolcousin Change image and share on social
I don't think I've ever been chatted up, and I don't think I've ever chatted anyone up. The Fresh Prince has the best chat-up lines. Laura Mvula chatfreshhave Change image and share on social
You don't have to aim to be the best of everything, thinking that one day you're going to be the top of the world; I don't think it exists. Laura Mvula aimdayexist Change image and share on social
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. Laura Mvula classicaldriverjazz Change image and share on social
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. Laura Mvula depressfilterfocus Change image and share on social
I like pastels and lighter shades on darker skins. I feel like it lifts everything and accentuates being chocolate. Laura Mvula accentuatechocolatedark Change image and share on social
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'm by no means a pianist. I think that's safe to say, but the piano, for me, I would say it's the enabler. It gave me what I needed and gives me what I need in order to write a song. And I think playing or improvising on the piano is where I feel most liberated and sort of less conscious of all my insecurities or inadequacies. Laura Mvula consciousenablerfeel share on social