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Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir, known professionally as Laufey (pronounced 'lay-vay'), is an Icelandic singer-songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose work has captivated the early 2020s scene with a unique blend of jazz-inspired pop music. Her multicultural heritage and a profound classical training have paved the way for her distinctive sound.
Born on April 23, 1999, Laufey's upbringing was a cultural mosaic, as she spent her formative years between Reykjavik, Iceland, and Washington, D.C. Her mother is Chinese, and her father is Icelandic—a dynamic that deeply influences her musical identity.
Trained as a classical musician from a young age, Laufey's talents were evident. She studied violin, piano, and cello, performing as a cello soloist with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra at just 15. Laufey's prowess in classical music laid a strong foundation, and her participation as a finalist in the 2014 Iceland's Got Talent and a semi-finalist on The Voice Iceland in 2015 marked the beginning of her public journey in music. She later graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston in 2021.
Laufey burst onto the music scene with her debut single "Street by Street" in April 2020, which quickly charted at number one on Icelandic Radio. This was followed by her first EP "Typical of Me" on April 30, 2021. Her engaging presence was also felt on a weekly music show "Happy Harmonies" on BBC Radio 3 in 2021, reflecting her widespread popularity.
Laufey's performances have graced international stages, including the London Jazz Festival in November 2021. Her U.S. network television debut came when she appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in January 2022. Her debut album "Everything I Know About Love" was released on August 26, 2022, followed by her critically acclaimed second album "Bewitched" on September 8, 2023, which led to her winning a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. In 2023, a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music was secured, representing a significant milestone in her flourishing career.
Laufey's music is a captivating blend of jazz, pop, bossa nova, and classical elements. She cites legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker as huge influences, yet she also draws inspiration from contemporary artists such as Taylor Swift, Norah Jones, Adele, and Billie Eilish.
Her artistry is showcased through her use of instruments like the cello and symphony orchestra, coupled with jazz-inspired vocals, including scatting and rich low notes. As a result, Laufey has become known for revitalizing jazz among the Gen Z demographic, even amassing over 1 billion streams across digital platforms.
Laufey's album "Bewitched" saw the biggest debut for a jazz album on Spotify, and her collaboration with the London Philharmonic Orchestra highlights her commitment to genre-blending.
Unapologetically integrating her jazz roots with modern flair, Laufey has been described as a "TikTok jazz ambassador." Her image reflects a seamless fusion of older musical inspirations with contemporary themes, portraying the "sad Wasian" trope that pays homage to her rich heritage.
Laufey's music speaks to a diverse audience, and her success serves as a testament to her ability to bridge cultural and musical divides, breathing new life into the jazz genre on a global stage.
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