Laura Mvula

Laura Mvula – Life, Music, and Memorable Quotes

Explore the life and career of Laura Mvula, the British singer-songwriter blending soul, jazz, classical, and pop. Learn about her journey, musical philosophy, influence, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Laura Mvula (born Laura Douglas on 23 April 1986) is a British singer, composer, and songwriter whose music weaves together soul, jazz, classical, gospel, and contemporary pop.

Her voice, artistic ambition, and willingness to evolve have made her one of the most compelling voices in UK music in the 2010s and beyond. In this article, we’ll trace her background, major works, themes, and share some of her striking quotes and lessons.

Early Life and Family

Laura Mvula grew up in Birmingham, England, in the suburbs of Selly Park and Kings Heath.

Her mother, Paula, is from Saint Kitts and worked in humanities; her father, Elford, is Jamaican and worked in youth legal protection and council services.

Music was ingrained in her household. She learned piano and violin at primary school, and later sang in choirs and a cappella groups.

Her aunt founded or led the a cappella group Black Voices, and a young Laura was deeply influenced by the group’s performances and passion.

In her teenage years, she joined the group Black Voices, and also led other gospel / choir ensembles.

She studied composition at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, graduating in 2008.

Before fully committing to her solo career, she worked as a supply music teacher and served as a receptionist for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Musical Career & Major Works

Breakthrough & Sing to the Moon (2013)

In 2012, Laura signed with RCA Records and released an EP titled She, which drew critical attention.

Her debut full-length album, Sing to the Moon, was released in March 2013.

That album was well received by critics, and it earned her multiple nominations (including the Mercury Prize) and wins (MOBO awards).

In 2014, she re-recorded Sing to the Moon with the Metropole Orkest, giving it an orchestral touch.

She performed this orchestral version at prestigious venues and festivals, including the BBC Proms.

The Dreaming Room (2016) & Further Exploration

Her second studio album, The Dreaming Room, arrived in 2016.

This album showed greater boldness and political and emotional depth, merging her orchestral style with rhythmic, soulful, and Caribbean influences.

Tracks like Phenomenal Woman (inspired by Maya Angelou) and collaborations (e.g. with Nile Rodgers) expanded her sonic palette.

Following The Dreaming Room, she composed music for the Royal Shakespeare Company production of Antony & Cleopatra (2017).

Around 2021, she released the 1/f EP and her third full album, Pink Noise, marking a shift toward more rhythmic and electro influenced soundscapes.

Awards, Recognition & Later Work

• In 2018, she was awarded an honorary doctorate in music by Birmingham City University.

• Over her career, she has been nominated multiple times for the Mercury Prize and won Ivor Novello awards.

• Her musical identity is often described as blending “gospeldelia” — a fusion of gospel, neo-soul, jazz and orchestral elements.

Themes, Style & Influence

Musical Style & Identity

Laura’s music often carries lush arrangements, layered harmonies, orchestral elements, and a deep expressive voice.

She draws from jazz, gospel, classical training, soul, and pop — rejecting narrow genre labels.

Lyrics often explore identity, love, vulnerability, empowerment, mental health, and social commentary.

Her artistic evolution demonstrates both consistency (emotional sincerity, voice at center) and willingness to take risks (e.g. moving into more rhythmic / 80s / electro textures in Pink Noise).

Influence & Legacy

• She has inspired younger UK artists through showing how to balance artistry and authenticity.

• Her blending of orchestration and intimate songwriting influences producers and artists who seek to transcend genre boundaries.

• Her path also shows how personal struggle and growth can enrich art — offering an example of resilience in music.

Personality & Challenges

Laura has been open about struggles with stage fright and anxiety, despite her skill and acclaim.

In interviews, she has described feeling exposed in performance and being acutely aware of vulnerability in her music.

She has also spoken about industry pressures, navigating identity as a Black female artist in pop, and the tension between commercial expectations and artistic integrity.

Her move from lush orchestration to a more stripped-back or rhythmic sound indicates her willingness to confront discomfort and reinvent.

Famous Quotes by Laura Mvula

Here are some notable Laura Mvula quotations that reflect her artistic mindset:

“I write songs from the heart, and I don’t hold back.” “’Green Garden’ is about beauty and joy and lush green and dance and excitement and smiling from within.” “Limitlessness is important for me; I want to be able to use every opportunity to push me forward onto the next thing.” “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.” “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. Now I say I just write my own songs.” “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.”

These quotes highlight her focus on authenticity, connection over explanation, artistry over categorization, and the emotional honesty behind her music.

Lessons from Laura Mvula’s Journey

1. Artistry + authenticity win respect
   She shows that staying true to your voice — even if it’s not tailored for commercial formulas — can earn deep audience loyalty and critical recognition.

2. Evolve without losing core identity
   Her transitions (e.g. orchestral to electro, lush to stripped arrangements) are rooted in her voice and emotion, not a wholesale abandonment of self.

3. Vulnerability is strength
   By embracing her fears, doubts, and emotional life, she channels them into art that resonates.

4. Don’t let labels confine you
   Her refusal to box her music strictly into “jazz,” “soul,” or “pop” points to the importance of creative freedom.

5. Persistence through setbacks
   She has navigated changes, label challenges, and personal struggles — yet continued evolving and producing.

Conclusion

Laura Mvula stands as a rare and luminous musical presence: one who balances craft and soul, experimentation and emotional integrity. Her journey reminds us that true artistry is not about fitting in, but about expressing deeply. Her voice, her evolution, and her quotes encourage us to listen, feel, and create without apology.