Born and raised in south London to a Jamaican mother and Greek father, it was the latter's multi-instrumental talent which was passed on to the young La Havas. She sang in the school choir before experimenting in a few bands at art college. However, anyone who's seen La Havas perform either live or on her much talked about Jools Holland performance knows that the her real strength comes when she stands alone and spins heartfelt neo-soul.
Lianne will be supported by Mara Carlyle, the artist whose innovative approach to songwriting has seen her dubbed “the Missy Elliot of the classical world” is set to release a new single on July 9th. Reflective of her signature magpie style, The Devil and Me sees Carlyle take a Vaughan Willliams composition (Silent Noon) and rework it with shimmering beats (from The Invisible’s Leo Taylor) and her vivid lyricism, conjuring an almost devotional love song to an unnamed subject. Also included on this release will be Ping Ting – an exclusive track not featured on her current album – and a remix by Warp Records stalwarts (and former musical co-conspirators) Plaid.