From sweet soul to power pop: Laura Mvula (29), a British woman with Caribbean roots, has been through a difficult time. Apparently this has made her strong.
Laura Mvula, we don't know you like this. Your new album "The Dreaming Room", which will be released next week, sounds much more energetic. And your look has also changed - strong, rich make-up, bold colors.
Laura Mvula: I guess that's true. I no longer wanted to be that woman that everyone accepts. I've become much more self-confident. And I wanted to take a risk with my album, leave the comfort zone.
You went through a divorce and spoke openly about your panic attacks. Is it even possible to be creative in such difficult phases?
The new album was actually much harder for me. It was painful. I went very deep inside myself - and found myself in the process. In the end, it was worth it for me.
One song on the album is called "Phenomenal Woman". Are you referring to yourself?
Yes, that's right, I am a phenomenal woman. As in the poem of the same name by civil rights activist Maya Angelou, which inspired me to write it. And I also surround myself with women who celebrate everything about themselves.
Your new album has a lot more drive and rhythm than the previous one - and a lot more guitar.
Yes, I'm a guitar freak, even if I don't play it myself.
But you were able to get the legendary Nile Rodgers on guitar.
Yes, for the song "Overcome", that was fantastic. I actually thought the song was finished - then this genius comes along with his guitar and turns it into a completely different song. To be honest, I listen to that song twice a day.
Does the guitar also determine your upcoming concert in Lucerne? In 2013, the cello and harp still dominated your KKL performance.
Cello and harp will also be on stage now, but you won't recognize the sound - the instruments seem like a whole orchestra thanks to the loops.
LAURA MVULA
30.07.16, Blue Balls Festival Lucerne
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