The enhanced vulnerability of almost Brazilian Lianne La Havas [ENTREVISTA]

An avowed fan of our music, the acclaimed English singer celebrates her return to the country for a series of shows, one of which opens for Lenny Kravitz

With sweet ways and a hint of shyness, Lianne LaHavas He says, with all the modesty in the world, that he is “learning” (not “learning”, really “learning”) to speak Portuguese. It’s her response to a joke: she was asked to test her intimacy with language throughout the interview for the Rolling Stone Brazil. Nothing serious, because it’s not necessary. We are talking about an artist who not only knows Brazilian music very well but has also sung, in our language, more than once, together with none other than Milton Nascimento.

It’s the kind of situation that perhaps helps explain why Brazil has so embraced the singer and songwriter, one of the most acclaimed to emerge from England in the past 15 years. Much like the work of some of the nation’s greatest musicians, the work of Lianne It’s hard to label, but easy to appreciate. There is soul (neo-soul?), R&B, jazz, folk and, of course, a Brazilian flavor that comes from his acoustic guitar playing, clearly inspired by national jazz, MPB and, indirectly, bossa nova .

This bond results in another visit to the country for performances, the third of his career. Here the Englishwoman, daughter of a Greek father and a Jamaican mother, has a program of four performances, the first of which has already taken place, last Sunday (10), during the 2024 edition of the festival Afropunk In Savior. The second happens in Flying Circus, Rio de Janeironext Thursday (21st). The latter two occur in Saint Paulin different contexts: Saturday (23rd), in front of thousands of people in the Allianz Parkas the opening attraction of Lenny Kravitz; Sunday (24), in a more intimate context, in Joia Cinema. Tickets are on sale on the Eventim website.

THE Rolling Stone Brazilthe artist says she is “extremely grateful” for the opportunity to perform another sequence of shows in Brazilian territory, like in 2016 and 2023. Fans should expect a repertoire covering her three albums and also new songs. He did not speak of particular appearances, but it is not unlikely to expect something that happened in Salvador: a new collaboration with Linikerwhich will also serve as the opening attraction for Kravitz Saturday (23). She reflects:

I’m excited to share my music in different spaces, meet the audience and the Brazilians who already listen to me, but also, perhaps, acquire new fans by playing for the audience at Lenny. I’m really excited, maybe a little nervous, but I think everything will be fine.”

Previous trips took place in 2016 and 2023. It first opened at Coldplay in Sao Paulo (in the same Allianz Parque where he will play on Saturday 23rd) and in Rio de Janeiro (at the Maracanã stadium). Lianne he says that, on that occasion, he immediately fell in love with Brazil – and today he is proud to have managed to perform in such large venues so early in his career, at the age of 26.

The second occasion, at the beginning of last year, concerns an urban legend partially confirmed by English. Some say he was in Brazil on vacation. Other versions indicate that he came to the country seeking inspiration to compose new songs. The fact is that he was offered to perform at Clube Manouche, in Rio, and at Cine Joia, in Sao Paulo. Suddenly, the shows were announced to the public a few days before they were to take place, and the demand for tickets was such that he had to schedule extra dates in both cities. Already on stage he admitted that he did not want to accept the invitation to perform in shows.

After being informed of the so-called urban legend, Lianne He laughed and said, “That’s half true, but not quite true.” He was in the country to record an appearance Milton + hopealbum released last August by Milton Nascimento in collaboration with the American jazz double bass player Esperanza Spalding. The collaboration happened on the track “I miss Panair planes (talking at the bar)”also next to Maria Gadu, Tim Bernardes AND Lula Galvao.

[Risos] This is very funny. It’s true that I was on vacation. It’s also true that I was looking for inspiration, because that’s always true. But the real reason was that I was here to record Esperanza Spalding and the Milton Nascimento. And the opportunity arose to do some shows. I couldn’t say “no”. It was also an incredible memory for me. I’m so happy I did these shows and the people I met. Furthermore, it had been seven years since I had last been to Brazil. So I wanted to make sure I could come and see everyone. So yes, it’s a little true, but not entirely true.”

The partnership with the idol

It is known that the connection with Milton Nascimento had appeared before the invitation to participate in the album. So much so that, in June 2022, Lianne La Havas sung live “Meetings and Farewells” – in impeccable Portuguese – alongside his idol during his show at the Union Chapel, London. However, the opportunity to record a song in the studio proved even more special for the London-based artist, who took it Bituca of praise.

It was incredible, truly magical. I still can’t believe this happened. I think he’s one of the greatest artists we’ve ever had. One of the greatest composers, performers, singers and musicians. In person, he has a truly magical presence. He comes from another world. And I found it very profound to talk to him, to be next to him, to listen to his voice and to sing with him. Recording my voice while his was playing through my headphones was also an incredible experience. And also work with Hopewhich I’m a big fan of. I respect her a lot. It was a great honor, one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

If Lianne is “learning” to speak Portuguese, the experience of recording “I miss Panair planes (talking at the bar)” it definitely helped her in the process. As in the live interpretation of “Meetings and Farewells”your fluency in the language is impressive. Nonetheless, he guarantees that he has not had an easy life.

I listen to a lot of Brazilian music and Portuguese lyrics. So for me, the hard part was reading the page with the lyrics and singing at the same time, because I know what it sounds like, but reading it is like really understanding the meaning. It took a while, but I felt even more connected to the culture and country that made it. It’s been a little difficult, but I think spending time here makes things a little easier. It finally comes naturally after a while.”

Brazilian music and connection with Brazil

Milton Nascimento it is, in fact, only the tip of the iceberg of the relationship that Lianne La Havas has with Brazilian music. Indeed, the way the artist came to know the work of Bituca shows that, at the same time, he had access to many other legendary names.

I discovered the Milton through an album I found, a compilation of Brazilian music organized by David Byrne ( Talking heads) call Tropical beauty. Sorry, I don’t remember where I got the album or why I got it, but I put it on and let it flow. Then, some songs hit me. And that’s how I discovered it Milton on this album.”

The compilation mentioned by Lianne was released in 1989 and also contains songs by Jorge Ben Jor (at the moment, Jorge Ben), Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Mary Bethany in collaboration with Gal Costa, Chico Buarque, The Borges AND Nazaré Pereira. When asked to name other Brazilian artists she admires, she braces herself Caetano and highlights other names discovered in other ways: Elza Soares, Edu Lobo, Djavan, Craving for bullets AND Liniker. He also highlights:

I think they all have incredible voices and songwriting and just the spirit of the country can be heard in all these different genres, but they’re united by that spirit and the language, the poetry.”

The influence of Brazilian music is such that it can be heard in his compositions. The report is exemplified during the chat during the citation phase “Seven hours”a track featured on his 2020 self-titled album, and Lianne thanks, I’ll also make a revelation:

It’s a compliment to me that you can hear it, because I was literally listening Milton that day I wrote this song, the song “Everything You Could Be” ( Clube da Esquina). I really wanted to capture this essence that I love about Brazilian music. I also love the guitar. It’s a great compliment that you can hear it in this particular song.”

Vulnerability that gives power

In recent years, Lianne LaHavas She did shows on her own. Really: no backing band, just her on stage, singing and playing guitar. Every now and then there’s a guest on a song or two, but nothing more. And no pre-recorded backing tracks, loops and the like: it’s all 100% live.

It seems like a risky decision, especially considering that some of their performances are held in large spaces, either as part of a festival or as an opener for a popular artist. But just listen a little and everything will make sense. He explains his motivations, which extend to his studio work:

Playing live is different than recording, but playing solo allows me to really refine the song, because there’s nothing else there. If it sounds good with just one instrument, I’m excited to think about how I can interpret it in a recording. This allows me to get back to the raw element of what the song is about and what it means. And then I can think about how to convey meaning with sound. I just want to connect with the words, the melody and the rhythm.”

When asked if there is any insecurity in appearing alone in such large spaces, Lianne he admits to feeling “very exposed and vulnerable at times”. However, this same feeling can occur when you are with a band, as this fragility is also linked to the songs.

It can be difficult if I’m feeling emotionally vulnerable, but either way it’s very inspiring. I love doing it, because I think it has a big impact when you have a big audience or a big space and it’s just you. I find it very surprising and inspiring. I like it, I just have to make sure that emotionally, that day, I’m okay.”

La Havas confirms that he is composing material for his next album, still without a title or release date, but scheduled for 2025. He even states cryptically that next year he intends to follow his “artistic impulses, perhaps in ways that are not music ” . Whatever it is, we’re pretty sure it’s going to be great.

*Lianne La Havas appears in Flying Circus, Rio de Janeironext Thursday (21st). Then proceed to Saint Paul: Saturday (23rd), performs at Allianz Parkas the opening attraction of Lenny Kravitz; On Sunday (24th), in a more intimate context, play a Joia Cinema. Tickets are on sale on the Eventim website.

Source: Terra

Earl

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.