“Behind every great act, there is someone who has helped them and inspired them when looking for their voice.”
Lianne La Havas knows more than most, the power of support. In the latest episode in the Guinness series, Lianne La Havas discusses the importance of support and nurture within the music industry.
The series celebrates the legacy of 1930s music producer, John Hammond and his impact on contemporary musicians today.
Hammond’s musical ear and aptitude for discovering musical talent is unprecedented, signing many artists that then went on to achieve monumental success. He famously discovered Billie Holiday when she was just 17 years old. La Havas understands the importance of someone having an initial belief in you and how keeping an open mind has helped her to grow as an artist and find her voice. She was living above a pub, struggling to pay her rent, when her former manager encouraged her to follow her dream.
https://youtu.be/VWXCFXmYVQI
Hanging around the influential Urchin recording studios at the age of 18 was of huge importance in her development. Run by friends Matt Ingram and Dan Cox, she was urged to make her first demo.
Another key figure in her artistic development was Matt Hales (Aqualung): her songwriting partner, he helped her find her voice for her first album, and has continued to collaborate through her second record.
Bon Iver gave her a huge leg-up by inviting her to tour North America with them before her debut EP had even been released.
Sometimes brilliance needs a push. These videos celebrate collaboration, they celebrate support and they celebrate the beauty of an open mind.
The story of nurture and inspiration doesn’t end when there is success.
For her most recent album, she went to Jamaica, home of her father, for the first time, meeting reggae star Stephen McGregor, jamming with him and developing a song for the album.
As an artist, she has kept on developing, never forgetting those that have helped her on her journey. We can’t wait to hear this evolution manifest on her new album.
This is the third of four videos from Guinness celebrating John Hammond and his legacy through the eyes of musicians today.
These videos celebrate diversity, music as a force for good, nurturing talent and creative bravery. Take a look at the first and second episodes featuring Rudimental and Lady Leshurr, and make sure to keep an eye out for the final instalment next week.
Sponsored by Guinness. #MadeOfMore
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
