Voted Best Midlands Musician in the What’s On Readers’ Awards 2017, Laura Mvula’s road to soul-singing stardom started with the a capella group Black Voices. A Birmingham Conservatoire graduate, she started writing music while working as a supply teacher, and has recently written the score for the Royal Shakespeare Company's latest producting as a supply teacher, and has recently written the score for the Royal Shakespeare Company's latest production of Antony And Cleopatra. Laura took time out from her busy schedule to big up her Brummie roots...

What’s your earliest musical memory of performing, Laura?
It happens to be at the Midlands Arts Centre. When I was 11, I entered a competition where I gave my first piano recital, playing Gypsy Tango.  

Equipped with the experience you’ve gained over the past 12 years as a professional musician, what advice would you give to your younger self as an undergraduate at Birmingham Conservatoire?
I would say, be yourself, work really hard and exercise more. I would’ve encouraged myself to have gotten better sleeping habits too.

What’s surprised you most on your journey from Black Voices to where you are today?
Being able to perform to lots of people throughout the year and still feel passionate each time. I’m impressed with the progress in my voice. I’m not as nervous as a performer these days. I used to hate talking, full stop - both in between songs and in interviews - but now I quite like it.

Is there a single artist who’s been your biggest inspiration?
At the moment my biggest inspiration is my younger brother, James. I went to see his first gig with his string quartet, Dixit, last Saturday. They totally blew me away. I bought their music on iTunes and I’ve been listening to it ever since.  

Tell us about writing the score for Antony And Cleopatra at the RSC...
It’s my very first composer gig - and so far, so good. We have opening night on Thursday [23 March], so I guess that will be judgement day. I don’t really care what the critics say, as I know it’s just a sublime production and I’m super proud of the music. The RSC has been such a joy to work with, and it’s all been a superb learning curve for me. Off the back of this, I’d love to do more in theatre.

How did your involvement in the project come about?
The director, Iqbal Khan, was set on to my first album by his fiance, Kim, who’s also a director. Iqbal just decided that he’d like to work with me, so I met up with him at Shoreditch House in London and he asked me whether I’d consider writing the music for Antony And Cleopatra. Of course I jumped at the opportunity. He was interested in my writing style and my philosophy that there are no rules - or if you do have rules in writing, then just break them.

You’re up for Soul Artist Of The Year in the Jazz FM Awards. How important are such nominations and, hopefully, subsequent award wins?
Awards kind of mean everything and nothing at the same time. I try to be appreciative of any acknowledgement, but at the same time, I’ve sort of given up chasing awards. I realised that the most important thing for me is writing music that connects with people. As long as I see evidence of that, which I do every day, then I’m okay.

Amongst your many collaborations, is there one which remains the most memorable?
I think my collaboration with The Metropole Orkest, which was directed by Jules Buckley, the conductor. We recorded an album together at Abbey Road which is basically an orchestral version of my first album. I think we did two days, or maybe longer, but it was such a special experience for me. My brother and sister were playing in the orchestra also. As far as my career goes, that will remain one of my highlights.

What’s your favourite memory of being a Birmingham Conservatoire student?
I would say meeting my ex-husband. I remember the day I met him. We had to sing in the chorus - the whole year group. I would also say my final recital. That was the first time I gave a singing performance.

Do you have any plans to visit the new venue when it opens this summer?
Yeah, I’d love to, if I get the invite. It would be amazing to play there as well! If I ever have children, I’d love them to go there too.

What are you most proud of as a Brummie?
My schools, my Brummie accent, Cannon Hill Park and Aston Villa.

So is Birmingham still home?
Not any longer. I live in London out of peer pressure, but my mum still lives in Birmingham.

Finally, what would you like to say to the readers of What’s On who voted you Midlands Musician 2017?
I just want to say a really big, genuine thank you. It means so much to even be considered. Big up Birmingham! 

Laura plays Cheltenham Jazz Festival on Wednesday 26 April. 

Interview by Lauren Foster