Get to Know Singer-Songwriter Lianne La Havas, Britain's Best-Kept Secret
1/11In This Story: Hair, Mark Hampton for TONI&GUY Hair Meet Wardrobe; Makeup, Lucy Burt at D+V Management; Production, Artistry London
2/11"There's a sense of empowerment, but not in a militant way," says Lianne La Havas of her highly anticipated sophomore album, Blood. After the second-ever visit to her grandparents' native Jamaica in 2014, the South Londoner, 25, felt inspired to record again—and this time it was evident that she had let her guard down. "I was newly single and inviting people to join me in my independence," she said. "I was very happy while making this record and went into the studio with a reinvigorated rhythm, excited to express a different side to my music."
On her debut full-length effort, Is Your Love Big Enough?, lyrical moments of hope lifted an otherwise grim air of intense loneliness. Curious listeners who related to her tales of a broken relationship were hooked. The artist's edgy, modern beats not only secured a loyal fan base—they also earned her the accolade "iTunes U.K. Album of the Year" in 2012. Now Lianne is pushing boundaries with a category-defying sound that both unleashes a lungpower previously held in reserve and masterfully blends R&B and folk influences. Successfully skirting musical genres and creating her own place in the game can only mean one thing: major staying power.
Click through some exclusive photos from her trip to Jamaica below!
3/11Jamaica is home to some of the freshest produce. These peppers and peas were mouthwateringly photogenic.
4/11A beautiful tiger lily during a morning walk!
5/11My grandfather and I with some beautiful, fresh green bananas.
6/11The view from my room with a photobomb from some local farmers.
7/11This is a breadfruit; one of the most versatile and delicious fruits in the world, the exotic breadfruit actually tastes of bread. Whether you roast or boil it, you'll enjoy a potato-like consistency, and the sweet taste of All Right.
8/11A beautiful tropical flower. How pretty are these colors!?
9/11Studio equipment for some fresh new recording in Kingston! Let's play.
10/11In the studio with my producer, Stephen McGregor!
11/11Some of Stephen's friends.
