Laufey

Biography

​Laufey Lín Bīng Jónsdóttir, known professionally as Laufey (pronounced "Lay-vay"), is a 25-year-old Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has been captivating audiences worldwide with her unique blend of jazz, classical, and pop music. Born on April 23, 1999, in Reykjavík, Iceland, she was immersed in a rich musical environment from an early age. Her mother, a classical violinist from Guangzhou, China, and her maternal grandfather, Lin Yaoji, a renowned violin educator, significantly influenced her musical upbringing. Laufey's father, an Icelandic engineer, also contributed to her diverse musical tastes by introducing her to jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. ​

Early Life and Education

Growing up, Laufey split her time between Reykjavík and Washington, D.C., with frequent visits to Beijing, allowing her to embrace a multicultural perspective. She began piano lessons at the age of four and took up the cello at eight. By 15, she had already performed as a cello soloist with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. Her early exposure to both classical and jazz music laid the foundation for her distinctive sound. ​

In 2014, Laufey showcased her vocal talents by becoming a finalist on "Ísland Got Talent," the Icelandic version of the "Got Talent" series. The following year, she reached the semi-finals of "The Voice Iceland," marking her as the youngest competitor in the show's history at that time.

After completing her studies at the Reykjavík College of Music in 2018, Laufey earned a presidential scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston. She graduated in 2021, further honing her skills in composition and performance. ​

Musical Career

Laufey's professional music career began in April 2020 with the release of her debut single, "Street by Street," which quickly topped Icelandic radio charts. The following year, she released her first EP, "Typical of Me," featuring seven tracks that she largely wrote during her college years. The EP received critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone highlighting her rendition of "I Wish You Love." ​

In 2022, Laufey released her debut full-length album, "Everything I Know About Love," which peaked at number three on the US Jazz Albums chart. The album's success solidified her reputation as a rising star in the jazz and pop scenes. ​

Her sophomore album, "Bewitched," released in September 2023, marked a significant milestone in her career. The album received widespread acclaim and won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024. The single "From the Start" from this album achieved moderate chart success in Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. ​

Musical Style and Influence

Laufey's music seamlessly fuses elements of jazz, classical, and pop, creating a sound that resonates with a diverse audience. She cites Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker as her primary influences, alongside contemporary artists like Taylor Swift and Norah Jones. Her ability to blend traditional jazz with modern sensibilities has been praised for making the genre accessible to younger generations. ​

Recent Activities

In April 2025, Laufey released the single "Silver Lining," the lead track from her anticipated third album, expected later this year. Her innovative approach to music continues to bridge the gap between classical jazz and contemporary pop, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in the modern music landscape. ​

Laufey's journey reflects a harmonious blend of cultural influences and musical genres, making her a standout artist in today's diverse musical environment.