Laura Mvula: The Soulful Innovator of British Art Pop

Laura Mvula is a critically acclaimed British singer-songwriter and composer known for her lush, orchestral take on soul and art pop. Hailing from Birmingham, she achieved a major breakthrough with her 2013 debut album Sing to the Moon, which was certified Gold in the UK and earned her a Mercury Prize nomination alongside two MOBO Awards.

Early career

Born in 1986 in Birmingham, Laura Mvula studied composition at the Birmingham Conservatoire before initially pursuing a career in teaching. Her musical journey began in earnest with the formation of the a cappella group Black Voices and later writing songs for a girl group, which eventually led to her creating her own solo demo. This demo, featuring early versions of her distinctive sound, caught the attention of the manager of producer Steve Brown and subsequently led to a recording contract with RCA Records in 2012.

Breakthrough

Laura Mvula's breakthrough arrived in 2013 with the release of her debut album, Sing to the Moon. Produced by Steve Brown and recorded with the Metropole Orkest, the album entered the UK Albums Chart at number nine. Its success was propelled by its lead single Green Garden, which reached the UK Top 40 and became an instant classic, earning her widespread critical praise and establishing her as a formidable new voice.

Key tracks

Green Garden — This vibrant, percussive lead single became her signature song, showcasing her unique blend of soul, gospel, and orchestral pop.

Sing to the Moon — The title track from her debut album is a soaring, cinematic ballad that perfectly encapsulates her grand, emotive compositional style.

Phenomenal Woman — A powerful, gospel-infused anthem from her second album that highlights her empowering lyrical themes and vocal command.

Safe Passage — The lead single from her 2021 comeback album Pink Noise marked a bold shift into 80s-inspired synth-pop and contemporary R&B.

Church Girl — This track from Pink Noise exemplifies her successful fusion of classic soul vocals with modern, dancefloor-ready production.

Her sophomore album, 2016's The Dreaming Room, further cemented her critical standing, winning the Ivor Novello Award for Best Album and featuring a notable collaboration with Nile Rodgers on the track Overcome. After a period of personal and industry challenges, including being dropped by her label, Mvula made a triumphant return in 2021 with the self-released Pink Noise, an album that embraced 80s funk and synth-pop to widespread acclaim and a top 10 chart position.

Fans of Laura Mvula's rich, genre-blending sound may also enjoy the sophisticated soul of Lianne La Havas, who shares a gift for intricate guitar work and intimate vocal delivery. The ambitious art pop and vocal harmonies of Little Dragon offer a similar spirit of electronic experimentation. For more orchestral-infused British pop, explore the work of Michael Kiwanuka, whose soulful songwriting carries a comparable depth and timeless quality.

Laura Mvula's innovative catalog, from the orchestral soul of her debut to the synth-driven Pink Noise

Listeners can discover the evocative music of Laura Mvula, from Green Garden to Safe Passage, through the curated playlists of the art pop and soul radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to hear why this Birmingham-born artist remains one of the most distinctive and compelling voices in modern British music.