Laura Mvula

Introduction:

Laura Mvula (born Laura Douglas, April 23, 1987) is an acclaimed English soul singer-songwriter and composer known for her rich, orchestral soundscapes and powerful vocals. Her work often blends soul, jazz, and classical influences, earning her widespread critical acclaim and multiple awards.

Early Life and Background:

Laura Mvula was born in Birmingham, England, and grew up in the suburbs of Selly Park and Kings Heath. Her early musical influences included the British R&B group Eternal, which inspired her initial love for music. She attended the Birmingham Conservatoire, where she earned a degree in musical composition, honing her craft and developing her distinctive sound.

Before embarking on her music career, Laura worked as a supply teacher at a secondary school and as a receptionist. During this time, she began creating and sending out demo recordings, which eventually caught the attention of industry professionals.

Music Career:

Laura Mvula’s early experiences in music included singing with her aunt’s a cappella group, Black Voices. In 2008, she formed Judyshouse, a group she fronted and for which she wrote songs. She also became a prominent choral director, co-founding the Lichfield Community Gospel Choir in 2009 with Black Voices and the Lichfield Festival and directing the Alvechurch Community Choir.

In 2012, Laura signed with Sony’s RCA Records and released her debut EP, She. The EP’s success led to her being shortlisted for the BBC’s Sound of 2013 poll, where she placed fourth. Her debut album, Sing to the Moon, followed in 2013, featuring the breakout single "Green Garden," which charted across Europe and showcased her innovative blend of soul, jazz, and orchestral music. That same year, she made her first television appearance on The Graham Norton Show, further cementing her status as a rising star.

Mvula’s sophomore album, The Dreaming Room, was released in 2016 to critical acclaim. The album earned her an Ivor Novello Award and was praised for its bold experimentation and emotive depth. Tracks like "Overcome" (featuring Nile Rodgers) highlighted her ability to merge classical elements with modern pop and soul. Despite critical success, Mvula faced challenges with her record label and was dropped by RCA in 2017, a move she described as "devastating."

After a brief hiatus, Laura returned in 2021 with her third album, Pink Noise, which marked a departure from her earlier orchestral sound. Inspired by 1980s pop and funk, the album featured singles like "Church Girl" and "Got Me," receiving widespread praise for its reinvention of her musical identity. The album was nominated for the Mercury Prize and reaffirmed her status as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary music.

Personal Life:

Laura Mvula was married to Zambian-born baritone singer Themba Mvula, though the couple later divorced. Laura has been open about her struggles with anxiety and self-doubt, which she has channeled into her music, creating deeply personal and relatable work.

Legacy and Influence:

Laura Mvula is celebrated for her genre-defying approach to music, seamlessly blending classical, jazz, and soul influences. Her albums have been hailed as groundbreaking, and she has inspired a new generation of artists with her fearless creativity and emotional honesty. Critics and fans alike have praised her for challenging industry norms and pushing the boundaries of modern soul music.

Recent Activities:

In addition to releasing Pink Noise in 2021, Laura Mvula has been active in live performances, including a standout appearance at the Glastonbury Festival. She continues to explore new musical territories and remains a prominent voice in the UK’s contemporary music scene. Mvula has also ventured into composing for film and theater, further showcasing her versatility as an artist.