Laufey
Where She’s From:
Reykjavik, Iceland
Who She Is:
Laufey is a Chinese-Icelandic singer-songwriter, who has firmly established her presence in the modern jazz scene with her unique blend of atmospheric lo-fi jazz-pop. She is a seasoned cellist and pianist whose deep appreciation for jazz developed as she listened to her parents’ record collection while studying classical music throughout her childhood. Jazz bridged the gap between classical and contemporary music for Laufey, allowing her to explore and experiment. Moving away from classical music closer towards jazz has provided her with the freedom to create music that is truly her own.
Laufey’s lush and dreamy vocal tones perfectly complement the emotional depth of her lyrics, which tell stories of life and love. During her time at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Laufey released her debut single “Street by Street,” which gained lots of recognition in her home country. Following her graduation in 2021, she released her debut EP, Typical of Me, and just a year later, her full-length album Everything I Know About Love, which reached the #1 spot on Billboard’s Alternative New Artist Album chart. She did not abandon her love for classical music entirely, as she released her interpretation of the album with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra in spring of 2023. That September, Laufey shared her latest album, Bewitched,showcasing a more seasoned artist weaving her signature sound with more clever and thoughtful lyricism. She was named a WXPN Artist to Watch in November of 2023.
Years Active:
2021-Present
Essential Albums:
Bewitched (2023)
Everything I Know About Love (2022)