Laura Mvula Quotes

I don't talk about Amy Winehouse as a 'singer.' She's a pioneer. I listened to her endlessly when I started writing.

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.

I respect hippos. They just look the way they do; they can't do anything about it, but they don't seem bothered.

Lizz Wright is my favourite singer. Her voice moves me and takes me to another place. She also grows her own food and that inspires me.

I always said when I was younger, I wanted to write film music, and I think that's what my ultimate dream is.

London audiences have this reputation for being a bit too cool for school.

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.

I love church buildings, particularly cathedrals, and I like living in spaces that remind me of music or evoke that creative energy.

Who made you the center of the universe?

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.

My songs are very personal, which means they are fantastically therapeutic to write, but performing them night after night is emotionally draining.

I write songs from the heart, and I don't hold back.

I really love jazz, but I will never be a jazz musician as much as I dream. But, I think that the jazz music I love is there in my music.

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.

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.'

I like pastels and lighter shades on darker skins. I feel like it lifts everything and accentuates being chocolate.