If you haven’t heard of this extraordinary artist, I want to encourage you to take some time out and listen. The combination of Caribbean culture, a British upbringing, experience from a young age with a cappella groups, neo-soul/jazz, and a composition degree all add up to a seriously interesting sound.
I would call this music engaging and simulating. The arrangements are absolutely genius – the use of vocals especially create an overlaid texture that you can’t deny is extremely satisfying. As a music student, I studied African music and there are many elements that can be identified in Mvula’s style. The antiphonal nature of vocals at times, the repetitive nature of the sequences, and the untainted soul of the vocals truly lend themselves to the African and Caribbean idiom. That being said, these elements have been masterfully modernised with distinct rhythms, a masterfully tasteful approach to form and classical horns, harps, strings, and chimes.
Laura wields all this skill gracefully, creating such a rich musical experience that there is no space for any ‘celebrity’ or ‘hype’. All of that gives way to a deep respect and sense of wonder.
Her latest single, Overcome, was released a week ago. It is a glorious addition to her broad catalogue with a clear progression that still embodies all of who she is musically. The strings and horns are accented by a dry electric guitar and tied down with meaty drums and even some electronic effects. The vocals are still king, though, and the layers of sonic texture build masterfully.
Laura’s music videos are also a celebration of culture. Her use of black dancers is a continuous thread throughout. One excellent example is the video for That’s Alright. The fun, bombastic nature of the music carries the powerful words in a way that allows the message of racial self-confidence to permeate in a way that no one could twist it if they tried. Even her dancing in front a group of vintage-dressed white people is effective without being biased or accusatory.
All in all, I love it when artists are so definitely themselves. There isn’t an ounce of pretense in anything Laura Mvula has done. I hope many more people are inspired to work on their craft without compromising the fabric of their own soul. So if you haven’t heard of Laura before: Welcome to her world.