Watch: Laura Mvula - Critics' Choice Nominee

Welcome to the first of our video introduction shorts to the 2013 Critics' Choice nominees. 

Laura Mvula's music fuses rich and complex melodies with poetic and emotional vocals giving nods to Nina Simone, George Gershwin and Bjork amongst others. Debut single 'She' appeared out of nowhere, almost overnight, to huge praise from the cream of the UK music critics. Laura's as yet untitled forthcoming album has been produced by Steve Brown (Rumer) and mixed my Tom Elmhirst (Adele).

Below, Laura talks about how it feels to be nominated for the BRITs 2013, her enduring love of music from an incredibly early age and arguing with her Dad about Miles Davis.

The Critics’ Choice Award is for new British acts tipped by critics for mainstream success in the forthcoming year.

The winner of this incredibly coveted award will be announced on Thursday 20th December. The second and third places will aslo be announced on the same day.

In previous years it has been awarded to Adele (2008), Florence and the Machine (2009), Ellie Goulding (2010) and Jessie J (2011). 2012’s winner Emeli Sandé has had a fantastic year. The Scottish singer/songwriter’s debut album ‘Our Version of Events’ scored a Number One in the Official British Chart; she has also had Number One singles with Professor Green and Labrinth. Emeli performed at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympic Games this summer.

The BRIT Awards 2013 with Mastercard take place on Wednesday 20th February 2013 at The O2 Arena, London.