For this month’s stroll down musical memory lane, Maisie Honjacobs speaks to chart-topping Sheffield RnB star Lavelle Daley.
The first record I bought….
It was Eminem – ‘The Real Slim Shady’. It was on a tape cassette! I’m not sure why that was the one I went for, but I remember listening to it over and over on that tape.
My first gig…
Bigga Fish at the 02 Academy supporting Lady Leshurr, Chipmunk, Ghetts, and a load of other artists who were big in the UK scene at the time. There were some big DJs playing too. It was the first time I was in that sort of environment. I won a spot to perform through a competition or something and I was around 14 or 15 at the time. I supported for the Manchester show and the Sheffield show. It was scary, but I loved it. And I knew from that day onwards I needed to be on a stage.
The first song I performed live…
That would have been ‘Shackles’ by Mary Mary. I’ve been singing since I was little, it’s just something I’ve always remembered doing. So, I think I would have been about 5 or 6, performing to family with my cousins. That was the song I usually chose, so I’ll go for that one.
A song I wish I had written….
Right now, it would be Victoria Monét – ‘On my Mama’. I love that song. I love the self confidence that comes across in the song, the beat and the melody. It’s just a great tune.
When did I first fall in love with music…….
I’d say ever since I was born. My dad’s a music producer and my mum’s just always encouraged me to sing, so ever since I was little that’s always been the vibe.
One song I can’t get out of my head at the moment…
At the moment it would be Drip Rick x Kannan – ‘Gang Shit’. It’s going viral on TikTok. They’re from Sheffield, are friends of mine, and it’s just constantly in my head all the time. It’s such a good song.
A record that reminds me of a specific time and place…
‘Shackles’ by Mary Mary reminds me of Britain’s Got Talent, when the group I was with [Miss Treats] performed it for the semi-final. That brings back a lot of memories; it reminds me of when I first started, how I got into music, and it’s a very nostalgic feeling.
Lavelle is a Sheffield-based RnB artist who recently topped the iTunes UK R&B/Soul chart with her debut solo single ‘Baby Boy’.
