Laura Mvula: I asked Prince for support after fame left me feeling down

 
5 March 2014
The Weekender

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She had a glittering debut year, with nominations for both Brit and Mercury awards. But Laura Mvula says her rise to stardom sometimes leaves her feeling depressed.

The 27-year-old said she felt like she “didn’t really belong” as she became increasingly successful.

But she revealed that she had found support in Prince, who is a fan of her work, while the Purple Rain star was on tour in London last month.

Mvula was nominated for best female solo artist and British breakthrough act at this year’s Brits but missed out.

She told the Standard: “I wasn’t in a great place after the Brits. I felt sort of incongruous, like I didn’t really belong there.”

Speaking of Prince, she said: “It was great to ask for his support in conversation. He’s so passionate about music.

“He was wonderfully encouraging and kind. So wise and knowledgable.”

Just over a year since the release of her debut album Sing To The Moon, Mvula described the past 12 months as a “rollercoaster”.

She added: “Some days I feel depressed by it all. I think that sometimes... [I] feel a bit detached from a sense of normality.

“But I’m in love with the music and my happiest time is making music.”

She is currently re-recording her debut record at Abbey Road Studios with Metropole Orchestra and added: “The sessions at Abbey Road have reminded me what I am about.”

Mvula performed at the Baftas last month with Tinie Tempah, which she said was “terrifying”, adding: “The first thing I did was look down, which was crazy to see the likes of Tom Hanks, Angelina Jolie, the 12 Years A Slave crew.”

Laura Mvula and Jamie Cullum perform in aid of Kids Company tomorrow at Porchester Hall. Tickets at thegigcompany.org/events/kids-company

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