British-Mauritian singer-songwriter Lavaud has been steadily carving out her own path in contemporary R&B, blending global influences with the raw edge of East London. With her latest single, “Change Clothes,” she enters a new era, one that is defined by confidence, independence, and creative evolution. The song is the perfect blend of smooth R&B melodies, delivering an infectious sound while carrying a deeper message about self-worth and personal growth.
For Lavaud, “Change Clothes” is more than just a song; it reflects a mindset. It’s about recognising your value, moving differently, and not being afraid to step into your power. The song also has a remix featuring Grammy Award-winning rapper Pardison Fontaine, adding an edge to the track and bringing together two artists whose styles complement each other effortlessly. With production that amplifies the track’s high-energy feel, the single marks a clear shift as Lavaud continues to evolve both sonically and personally.
Beyond the music itself, Lavaud’s artistry is deeply shaped by her background and experiences. Raised in East London with Mauritian roots, she blends cultures and sounds in a way that feels both authentic and fresh. We caught up with Lavaud, and she opened up about the story behind “Change Clothes,” what it was like growing up with a father who is also a musician, and how fashion brings her confidence, all grounded in self-worth and independence.
“Change Clothes” turns a simple phrase into a whole self-worth manifesto. Do you remember the moment when that message first clicked for you?
I love that — the self-worth manifesto is exactly what it is.
Yeah, I remember it so clearly. It was about three years ago when I genuinely got tired of being boxed into who people thought I was. I hit a point where I was like… this is my life. I can move how I want, when I want.
As I kept growing, I realised I wasn’t meant to stay the same person. I started really enjoying learning about myself, learning from my mistakes, and actually embracing that evolution instead of resisting it. It became less about being the woman people expected and more about being fully, unapologetically me.
Your sound moves effortlessly between drill, R&B, afrofusion, and global pop. When you’re creating, do you usually follow a mood, a story, or a rhythm first?
Honestly, I just love being experimental. I genuinely love all genres, so I don’t like putting limits on myself.
Most of the time, I let the music lead me. I feel what it’s telling me, and it usually connects to something personal in my life — that’s how the story starts forming. Other times, it might begin with a conversation in the studio about what I’m feeling that day or what message I want to put out into the world. It’s very intuitive, very organic.
Growing up with a musician father and learning guitar at a young age clearly shaped you. What part of your musical upbringing still shows up in your creative process today?
Honestly… everything.
From still listening to Sega, which is Mauritian music, to actively wanting to incorporate those influences, from playing chords on the guitar to really understanding musicality, rhythm, and how I want my music to make people feel.
But more than anything, it’s about the joy. Watching my dad play was always about letting go, feeling the music, and having fun. That energy is something I carry with me into every session.
Fashion feels deeply tied to your artistry. How does what you’re wearing influence how confident or expressive you feel in the studio or on stage?
For me, fashion is about respect, respect for my music, my work, and myself.
How I show up visually is an extension of how I feel internally. When I feel confident in what I’m wearing, it completely elevates my energy. It’s self-love, it’s self-expression.
On stage, especially, it’s about embracing my body, highlighting how I feel from the inside out, and fully stepping into that confidence. It’s powerful.
If “Change Clothes” had a dress code, what would it be, and what kind of woman is wearing it?
First of all, the dress code is for everyone — women and men.
It would simply be: dress to impress, but impress yourself first. Whatever makes you feel the most confident in your own skin. That’s the whole message.
From “3AM In London” to now, your music feels more fearless and self-assured. What’s the biggest lesson music has taught you about yourself?
That there are no rules.
You don’t have to overthink who you are or try to fit into anything. You’re already unique. The more you embrace what you genuinely love and who you truly are, the more natural and joyful the creative process becomes.
You balance softness and strength so naturally in both your sound and image. Is that duality something you consciously lean into, or is it simply who you are?
It’s definitely who I am. My roots are in Mauritius, a culture that’s built on warmth, kindness, and love, but also incredible strength and resilience. Then being born and raised in Hackney shaped another side of me, being streetwise, adaptable, and sometimes operating in survival mode.
That mix of softness and strength is just my nature, and I’ve fully embraced it.
When you’re not in artist mode, what kind of music do you listen to purely for yourself, no pressure, just vibes?
Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of DJs, Francis Mercier, Black Coffee, Major Lazer, DJ Spinall, just music that makes you dance and feel.
I also love listening to timeless voices like Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Etta James, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and gospel music. I also love Zouk, Kompa, Amapiano, Afrobeats, and of course, Sèga!
I’m drawn to music where you can really hear every emotion, from the drum pattern to the simple crack in the vocal that the artist decided to keep instead of perfecting it. Where everything feels honest, raw, and meaningful.
With Billboard-charting records and global collaborations already under your belt, how do you stay grounded while continuing to dream big?
I stay very aware that my journey is still unfolding. I pray, I meditate every morning, and I stay focused on the goals I’ve set for myself. I move with faith and gratitude, knowing there’s so much more ahead.
As you step into this next era and prepare for your sophomore project, what do you want people to feel the moment they press play on a Lavaud song?
I want them to feel love, happiness, and pure vibes. I want my music to feel like freedom, like you can be whoever you want to be. You can play it in the gym and go harder, run that 5K, dance in your house while cooking or cleaning, or just vibe in the club.
It’s all about energy, confidence, and good feeling.
