Laura Mvula’s playlist

There is chatter of a new queen rising from the UK music scene.

Birmingham breakthrough artist, Laura Mvula, is earning comparisons to epic talents like Nina Simone and Nat King Cole, but doesn’t want to wear the crown just yet.

“It’s flattering, but I can in no way be compared to such iconic music legends,” Laura says. “I’m so young in my development and I have so much to learn.”

While that is what the 26 year-old newcomer modestly insists, her debut album, Sing to the Moon, says differently.

You would never guess that this soulful orchestral pop record marks Laura’s first time in a recording studio, “and my first time as boss lady,” she adds.

“It was all new. I had to learn how to talk to musicians, you know, ‘Please mister sir, who is twice my age and has played in every orchestra I can think of, can you play it this way, and not that way?’ I struggled with that. I might have a few insecurities to work on,” Laura laughs.

Next, Laura is trying to find her footing, dizzy from instant stardom and the speed at which her career is accelerating.

In under a year, Laura was shortlisted for the Critics’ Choice Award at the 2013 BRIT Awards, ranked fourth on the BBC’s Sound of 2013 poll and pierced the American market with an applauded performance at SXSW, all before Sing to the Moon even dropped.

“Everything is happening so quickly, it’s like I’m living a fantasy,” she says.

And, like a dream come true, Sing to the Moon made the Top 10 UK Albums Chart, and the record’s success recently brought Laura back to North America for a promotional tour.

“It is an amazing feeling, but so overwhelming,” Laura admits. “Knowing that it is a huge privilege to share this part of me with the world keeps me going through this whirlwind. People are connecting with the album and that makes me feel like I’ve got a good lengthy go at this.”

Laura may not be ready to be crowned Britain’s next big thing, but she is an heir to the throne and that is undeniable.

While in Montreal, Laura took a minute to put together this playlist.

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Little Girl Blue – Nina Simone

“I love this cover. It’s always in my top three.”

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I Wanna Be Where You Are – Michael Jackson

“One of my favorite Jackson songs.”

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Baby Be Mine – Michael Jackson

“I love Rod Temperton. He wrote this Michael Jackson recording.”

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Concerto for Double String Orchestra – Michael Tippett

“This, for me, is one of the greatest pieces of music of all time.”

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I Thank You God for This Most Amazing Day – Eric Whitacre

“I wanted to walk down the aisle to this song, but my mother-in-law said it was too granny. I don’t care, it’s still one of my favorites.”

Laura plays Montreal’s la Tulipe on Sunday, April 6. More tour dates here.

Laura’s debut album, Sing to the Moon, is available on iTunes now.

Follow Laura on twitter and facebook.

Posted by Marc Andrew on Apr 4 2014. Filed under Celebrity Playlist. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.