Artist Spotlight: Lianne La Havas

While my recent foray into the Lana Del Rey debate and debacle was entertaining, some of you commented that there are a plethora of talented musicians we could focus our energy on instead; perhaps those whose popularity is not driven partly by controversy and clever branding. I understand what you’re saying, so allow me the pleasure of introducing to you an emerging young artist that truly deserves your attention and time. Her name is Lianne La Havas.

Lianne is a 22-year old multi-instrumental singer and songwriter who hails from the United Kingdom and who has brought a wonderful meld of folk, pop and soul music with her. With the epidemic of ‘artists’ relying on gimmicks for attention, Lianne’s presentation of her product is simplistic and beautiful. She’s a girl who is seemingly wise and talented beyond her years, a girl who works out the complex matters of life, love and emotion via the lovely and haunting melodies she creates. Her ability to stand on stage and be so comfortable with her instruments and her words is stunning. All this girl needs is her voice and her guitar. (Amy Winehouse in 2003, anyone?)

It gets better. At a time where poorly written songs are all too common, Lianne’s lyrical content is the stuff dreams are made of. She crafts vivid and lovely stories that reflect on our perceptions of love (and Age) with ease. She sings universal truths about those tricky emotions that we’ve all felt and offers insight on life that is beyond her years. And her voice? A soft and sultry instrument with a subtle, yet beautiful vibrato that resonates strong at the softest tones and sores on the highest, loudest notes.

Lianne’s melodic tunes are rooted in folk and pop while her voice is jazz and soul. Comparisons to Corinne Bailey Rae, Andreya Triana and Adele are currently abound and somewhat accurate, although I’d be more inclined to say she has an Amel Larrieux voice with Esperanza Spalding‘s instrumental talent. And her own take on these comparisons? “Nothing like Corinne Bailey Rae or Andreya Triana, but we all have similar hair.” 

Still accessible and humble enough to reach out to her growing fanbase, Lianne has always made herself available by the Facebooks and Twitters for light conversation or to show appreciation for comments; a trait I love in any human being, especially musicians. La Havas’ has been bubbling on the scene for a minute, but it wasn’t until her landmark performance on Jools Holland last October when the world started taking notice. Her powerful renditions of “Age” and “No Room For Doubt” caught attention of the ever awesome Bon Iver, who instantly signed her on to tour as their opening act.