Sheffield-based RnB star Lavelle turned heads last year with her single ‘Baby Boy’ reaching number one on the iTunes RnB/Soul Chart – and guess what? The rising artist has only gone and pinched top spot again with her new single ‘Honest’.
Yesterday, the artist marked the release of the second single with a launch party at SteelYard Kelham, accompanied by the premiere of her music video (which you can view below). The event saw collaboration with fellow musicians, influencers and brands like Nandos, PLT, and ITV Calendar, all coming together to support our initiative in raising funds for the Sparkle Autism Charity.
Exposed’s Rosie May-Knapp caught up with Lavelle to discuss some of the latest developments in her career…
You had amazing success with your single release in summer 2023, how has the year overall been for you?
Last year was so good! I dropped my first single, playlists across all major platforms, Spotify, Visa, Tidal and Apple Music. The song went to number one – and it was just my starting point!
That song was my first ever drop, and it was testing the waters. It went really well, to be honest, and I don’t think anyone could have predicted how well it went. It went crazy.
I’m just so grateful. And I’ve got my next single coming out at the end of the month. So we’re just hoping to replicate the same success again.
The next single to be release is titled ‘Honest’ can you tell us a bit more about this?
The song is still an R&B song. Like ‘Baby Boy’, but is sonically is a bit slower and more live instruments are used.
‘Honest’ is literally just about being honest and requesting honesty from someone. Even if they’ve not been loyal, you know? As long as they are honest about it, we can kind of get through whatever it is that we need to get through.
I feel like this is slightly more old-school style; it’s slightly more 90s. I think all my music sounds very old-school, but with a modern kind of twist and sonic. But it’s kind of from the same kind of era and very nostalgic sounding.
You’re juggling quite a few things in the music world and personal life. However, alongside this, you are helping to raise awareness for Sparkle a charity that supports Autism Spectrum Conditions and people who have difficulty communicating. How important is this for you?
Yeah, my son’s five-years-old and is nonverbal, and I have ADHD. I always wanted to get into a bit of a position where I was able to spread some awareness. And I’ve got a little platform on Tik Tok for autism and neurological disabilities.
Going through the process to get the right support can be really difficult. I’ve been doing it for a little while with my son, and I know certain things. I know how to go through those processes, and I can provide just a bit of insight, I guess.
How does your ADHD affect you when making music?
I have something called synesthesia, which is a sensory processing condition is where you see colours and shapes when you hear sound. The condition really helps me when I’m writing songs/composing, because I can kind of see what it looks like, where it needs to be a bit more sharper and where it needs to be round. That really helps me with the songwriting process.
When people speak to me, they’re always like, “Oh, you’ve got such a good energy.” I feel like a lot of that is probably down to my hyperactiveness. In the music industry, you have to just kind of be on your toes. 24/7. And I do feel like it’s an advantage when it comes to that. I can’t imagine doing a job where you have to sit at a desk all day; it would be my worst nightmare.
What sort of message do you want to pass on through your music?
My message in music is you don’t have to be like everybody else in order to make something of yourself. I come from a really rough background. But that has not stopped me from getting a number one.
Put your head down, be a good person and take care of the people around you; build a good team and just stay consistent and focused. Anyone can achieve whatever they want to achieve.
My message in music is you don’t have to be like everybody else in order to make something of yourself.
The MOBO Awards are being hosted in Sheffield this February. How influential is it that this awards ceremony is to be hosted in your own town?
It’s really important. There’s a lot of good music coming out of the city right now. So I think it’s the perfect time for the MOBOs to come Sheffield and shed light on what’s going on.
Which artists are you looking forward to seeing?
I’m very excited about the girls. The boys have had their time now. Respectfully though, when you think about the UK scene, you think of Dave, Stormzy, Central Cee. Where are my girls at? I mean look at Raye? I started out at the same time. When I was on Britain’s Got Talent, she just got signed. She eventually left the label because they weren’t letting her release music. Now she’s got another number one album independent. I love that girl. I think she’s sick.
Bella, Flow. They’re going to be massive. I’m excited for the girls. I’m excited to see the girls outfits. This is not about the boys. This is about the girls now.
To finish off, 2023 was a huge one. What can we expect from Lavelle in 2024?
You can expect more music, visuals and expect shows. We can expect? Last year, we were warming up. This year we are going for gold.
Lavelle’s new single Honest is out now.
