Laufey

Laufey, a 24-year-old Icelandic-Chinese singer, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, blends jazz with themes of young love and self-discovery. Raised between Reykjavík and Washington, D.C., with ties to Beijing, she mastered cello and piano early on. Inspired by jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Laufey crafts modern jazz songs that connect with a new generation of listeners.

By
PopFiltr
Last updated on:
June 23, 2024
Laufey on the ladder, wearing light pink dress for Vogue China

Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir, better known as Laufey, is an Icelandic-Chinese singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist born on April 23, 1999, in Reykjavík, Iceland. Laufey has made a significant impact in the music world with her unique blend of jazz, classical, and pop influences, creating a fresh, modern sound that resonates with a wide audience.

Early Life and Influences

Laufey was raised between Reykjavík and Washington, D.C., with frequent visits to Beijing, enriching her cultural and musical upbringing. Her mother, a classical violinist, and her father, a jazz enthusiast, profoundly influenced her musical development. She began playing piano and cello at a young age and later delved into her father’s jazz records, discovering artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, who became pivotal influences in her musical journey.

Career Beginnings

Laufey’s career began to take shape while she was a student at Berklee College of Music. In 2020, she released her debut single, "Street by Street," which topped the Icelandic radio charts. This was followed by her EP "Typical of Me" in 2021, which earned her the Best New Artist in Jazz and Blues award at the Icelandic Music Awards. Laufey also hosted a show on BBC Radio 3/BBC Sounds, further establishing her presence in the music world.

Albums and Critical Acclaim

Her debut album, "Everything I Know About Love," was released in August 2022 and debuted at number one on Billboard’s Alternative New Artist Album chart. The lead single, "Valentine," topped the Spotify Jazz Chart, and Laufey was recognized as the most streamed jazz artist on Spotify in 2022 with over 425 million streams.

In 2023, Laufey signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and released her second album, "Bewitched," in September. This album received critical acclaim, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. Laufey’s innovative blend of genres and heartfelt songwriting has been praised for bringing jazz to a new generation.

Tours and Live Performances

Laufey is known for her captivating live performances and genuine interaction with fans. She has an extensive tour schedule for 2024, including performances at the Ottawa Jazz Festival and a special concert with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. Her ability to connect with audiences through her music and stage presence has been widely appreciated, contributing to her growing fanbase.

Musical Style and Public Image

Laufey's music is a fusion of jazz, classical, pop, and bossa nova, described as jazz pop or traditional pop. Influenced by classical composers like Chopin and Ravel, as well as jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker, Laufey aims to bridge the gap between classical and modern music. She also draws inspiration from contemporary artists like Taylor Swift, Norah Jones, and Adele.

Critics have noted Laufey's role in revitalizing jazz for younger audiences, often referring to her as a "TikTok jazz ambassador" due to her popularity on social media platforms. Her fashion style, characterized by simplicity and elegance, has also been highlighted in publications like Vogue.

More like this:
No items found.

Latest

Latest
Spotify includes Sabrina Carpenter's 'Please Please Please' on unrelated playlists, users frustrated, accuse Spotify of payola

Sabrina Carpenter's latest single, "Please Please Please," has taken the Spotify world by storm, securing the number 2 spot on the artist and song radios of Spotify's top 50 artists.

ALL Top 50 Artists on Spotify Have Sabrina Carpenter's 'Please Please Please' at Number 2 on Their Artist or Song Radios
Portrait of Teddy Swims wearing a brown suit, hat, and glasses for the Dolce Magazine photoshoot

Explore the latest hits in our New Music Friday feature, showcasing diverse new releases from Teddy Swims' soulful depths to St. Vincent's self-produced brilliance, and more—there's a fresh track for every playlist!

New Music Friday: Featuring Normani and Gunna, Teddy Swims, Myke Towers and Bad Bunny, ZICO and JENNIE, Stephen Sanchez, and More...
‘Bewitched’ by Laufey wins Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

Laufey's 'Bewitched' wins Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

‘Bewitched’ by Laufey wins Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Grammy Awards 2024 - Complete List of Winners

The 66th annual Grammy Awards, music's most illustrious evening, is underway, with live updates on the complete list of winners as they're announced.

Grammy's 2024: Complete List of Winners | Live Updates
Laufey in music video "from the start, which amassed 200 mil streams on Spotify

Laufey's single "From the Start" surpasses 200 million streams on Spotify, marking a significant achievement for the Icelandic-Chinese artist and her album "Bewitched," released on September 8.

Laufey's 'From the Start' Hits 200 Million Spotify Streams
Laufey signs an image of herself after performance at NPR's Tiny Desk on December 12, 2023

Laufey's performance at NPR's Tiny Desk showcased her unique blend of classical and jazz-pop, featuring heartfelt songs like "From The Start" and "California and Me," each infused with personal stories and classical influences.

Laufey's Live Performance at NPR's Tiny Desk
RIIA Class of 2023, First time Gold and Platinum singles and albums

There is nothing like achieving a first Gold or Platinum certification. The Class of 2023 welcomes Ice Spice, Jung Kook, PinkPantheress, Jimin, Central Cee, Laufey, and more. Review the full list of 57 artists.

First Time Gold and Platinum RIAA Certifications, Class of 2023, Full List
Laufey announces Bewitched: The Goddess Tour spanning North America and London, pre-sale opens Decemeber 6, general tickets go on sale December 8

Grammy-nominated jazz sensation Laufey has unveiled her 2024 Bewitched: The Goddess Tour, promising grander shows across North America and London.

Laufey Announces 'Bewitched: The Goddess Tour' 2024 with Concerts in Europe and North America
Laufey dressed in white

Laufey's distinctive fusion of modern jazz has not only sparked intense debates among music critic, but has also led to remarkable achievements. Her sophomore album "Bewitched" became the most listened jazz album on Spotify's history, recording the biggest debut for a jazz album on the platform. Amidst these accolades and the discussions surrounding her genre-defining sound, it leads to the emergence of the question: Who is Laufey?

Meet Laufey, The Artist Who Brought Jazz To Gen Z Playlists