Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir, known professionally as Laufey, was born on April 23, 1999, in Reykjavík, Iceland. The Icelandic-Chinese musician has garnered international acclaim for her unique blend of jazz, pop, and classical influences. Her mother, a classical violinist from Guangzhou, China, and her father, Icelandic, have significantly influenced her musical journey. Laufey credits her grandfather, Lin Yaoji, a renowned violin educator at the Central Conservatory of Music in China, as a source of inspiration.
Laufey spent her early years moving between Reykjavík, Washington, D.C., and Beijing. She began learning piano at age four and cello at eight. At 15, she performed as a cello soloist with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, showcasing her prodigious talent. Laufey participated in the 2014 edition of Ísland Got Talent, where she was a finalist, and in The Voice Iceland the following year, reaching the semi-finals as the youngest competitor in the show’s history. She graduated from the Reykjavík College of Music in 2018, further honing her skills in cello, piano, and vocals.
Laufey received a presidential scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, graduating in 2021. While at Berklee, she released her debut single, “Street by Street,” on April 6, 2020, which topped the Icelandic Radio charts. Her debut EP, Typical of Me, released on April 30, 2021, received critical acclaim. Rolling Stone praised her rendition of “I Wish You Love,” and American Songwriter included the EP in its list of the best albums of 2021. The EP’s success caught the attention of notable musicians, including Billie Eilish.
Laufey hosted a weekly music show, Happy Harmonies, on BBC Radio 3, highlighting uplifting music across various genres. She performed at the London Jazz Festival in November 2021 and collaborated with the London Philharmonic Orchestra on the single “Let You Break My Heart Again.” Her cover of “Winter Weather” with Dodie further showcased her versatility.
On January 21, 2022, Laufey made her U.S. network television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, performing “Like the Movies” from Typical of Me. Her debut album, Everything I Know About Love, released on August 26, 2022, to critical acclaim, topped Billboard’s Alternative New Artist Album chart.
Laufey signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music in August 2023. Her second album, Bewitched, released on September 8, 2023, received critical acclaim and won the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. The album’s single, “From the Start,” achieved moderate chart success in Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. At the Grammy Awards, Laufey performed alongside Billy Joel, cementing her status as a rising star.
Laufey’s music blends jazz, pop, bossa nova, and classical elements. Influenced by classical composers like Frédéric Chopin and jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker, she has developed a distinctive sound. Laufey also cites contemporary artists like Taylor Swift, Norah Jones, and Adele as inspirations, aspiring to unite audiences through her music as Swift has done for pop and country.
Laufey continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her innovative approach to music. Her ability to seamlessly blend genres and her heartfelt performances have established her as a prominent figure in the music industry. As she continues to evolve, Laufey’s impact on the music world is undeniable, and her future endeavors are highly anticipated.
