Following her debut on the music scene last year, Larissa has been making waves in the industry with a voice that's nothing to joke about. Hailing from Brighton, the singer/songwriter joined forces with Lionel Richie to tour the UK this past March, and continues to wow audiences across the country with her talent.

Now with big plans for the future and a successful single that was released as a free download, things are looking bright for this rising star.

Female First got the chance to put some questions to Larissa to find out some more about her past, how she feels about working within this business and much more. Read on to find out what she had to say.

For those who may not yet have heard your music, how best would you describe yourself as an artist?

I am an artist all about the voice! I would describe my music as edgy pop with strong vocals. My passion is in the songs and songwriting. Delivering the meaning of the song is something that is very important to me.

What challenges have you faced since your 2014 debut in the business?

I have been performing in and around the music industry since I left school, so the challenges I face today are not that much different to what I have had to deal with in the past, just on a bigger scale now. I think the biggest challenge is trying to stand out amongst so many other singers/musicians... but I believe the key to being unique is to actually just be yourself and to be happy within your own skin, that's what I try and live by.

How difficult would you say it is to carve yourself a career in this industry?

It isn't the easiest industry to be in and it takes a lot of hard work. Persistence and Determination is key. Lots of people give up on their dreams too early, so its important to believe in yourself and stay away from negativity. I always made sure I put in the effort by singing at as many gigs as I could and making sure I was always networking to get my name out there and after a while people started to take note.

This March has seen you tour the UK with Lionel Richie, what's that experience been like for you?

Touring with Lionel Richie is just the most amazing and exciting experience EVER! They say surround yourself with the best, so the highlight for me has been meeting the legend himself, he has been so warm and welcoming towards me, I am so grateful to be on tour with such an amazing man and also performing twice at the London O2 Arena! I can't explain the buzz you get walking out onto a stage in front of 20,000 people. I have also enjoyed watching his show 'All The Hits All Night Long'.

Your new single 'In Love Alone' is available for free to download now - what is it about this song that you love?

Yes it is! I am so excited for people to hear something that I'm really proud of. The song was written with the amazingly talented Matt Cardle who I clicked with right away and the song was written within just a few hours! I personally love the lyric content of the song and the subject matter. I hope that a lot of people will be able to relate to this. Everyone goes through tough times in love and it's important for me to write and sing about real life.

How important is it for you to have creative control within the work that you produce?

It's very important for me to have control over the creative process and even more important for me that I'm singing about something I really care for.

Touring with Peter Andre in the past, you went on-stage with the singer to duet, what was that like?

It was so amazing to share the stage with Peter Andre. I was so happy when him and his management asked me to join him on tour and even more excited when they asked me to duet with him. It was on the final show of the 26 date tour as well which made it even more special.

What are some of your biggest career highlights to-date?

There are so many highlights over the past few months! But my favourites have to be Supporting and dueting with Matt Cardle, being on tour with Peter Andre and singing at The Royal Albert Hall as part of that and of course being on the arena tour with the one and only Lionel Richie! Throughout the whole tour I would have performed up to 350,000 people... that concept is just mind-blowing!

It's also a highlight that I get to share the stage with my amazing band which consists of my brother Rawnsley Eddie on drums and our good friend Joe Colburn on guitar. I'm so glad I get to share this journey with them.

Finally, what should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?

I have lots of exciting things in the pipeline, but one gig that I'm particularly excited about is supporting the one and only Tito Jackson on the 17th of July at 'Under The Bridge' in Chelsea. It is a one off, rare London solo show, where he will be performing his classic hits as well as some new material from his solo album! This is a show not to be missed and I can't wait to be a part of it and support such am amazing showman.


by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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