Laufey

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.