Lianne La Havas
A: All the songs on the album that discuss my love life are completely autobiographical, and I had hoped only to express a true account of my feelings through my songwriting. Therefore, I am glad it comes across as interesting. A: My memories of singing with Paloma in her band are some of my fondest. I love her and loved being on the road with everyone,
With lavish endorsements from soul greats Prince and Stevie Wonder, a former backup singer from south London named Lianne La Havas is having an unforgettable year. Considering the heartbroken tunes on the 23-year-old songwriter’s debut album, “Is Your Love Big Enough?,” it’s well deserved. The record, which was made with Aqualung’s Matt Hales, was recently nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in her native Britain. La Havas plays Saturday at the Rickshaw Stop.
Q: There’s a lot of emotional turmoil on your album. Is your real love life as interesting as these songs make it sound? Q: You spent years singing backup for other singers, including Paloma Faith. When did you realize you could do it on your own?
but the need to express one’s self becomes so strong that I realized at the age of about 20, it was time to explore fully my personal songwriting, singing and guitar playing.
Q: Stevie Wonder left you a voice mail singing your song “Is Your Love Big Enough?” and you got to hang out with Prince at his Paisley Park home. What is the most surreal thing that has happened to you this year?
A: It was a great honor and extremely emotional to meet two living legends that have been idols for a long time. The other surreal thing that I’ve seen happening is the sheer fact that people started coming to my shows of their own accord and they know all my lyrics and songs and sing along with me in countries and towns that I don’t live. It always takes my breath away when I see the many corners that the music has traveled.
Q: Can you describe the moment you found out your album was short-listed for the Mercury Prize?
A: I found out on my birthday back in August. I immediately cried and laughed and jumped around. I had just turned 23 after a wonderful action-packed year of my dreams coming true. Then to find out that my album had been acknowledged by the powers that be was a huge honor.
Aidin Vaziri is The San Francisco Chronicle’s pop music critic. E-mail: avaziri@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MusicSF