Meet Laufey, the Icelandic-Chinese Gen Z musical talent: from her record-breaking debut album Bewitched to her love of Chanel and fashion, to her upcoming Hong Kong concerts at KITEC – interview
- Laufey’s debut album Bewitched has broken the all-time record as the biggest debut for a jazz album on Spotify – a far cry from recording lo-fi songs in her bedroom
- The 24-year-old credits her multicultural upbringing for influencing her genre-blending style, with inspirations ranging from Taylor Swift to Ella Fitzgerald, and Jane Birkin to Emma Corrin
Laufey’s hauntingly beautiful vocals, reminiscent of the cello’s deep resonance, create a sonic landscape that bewitches listeners from the very first note.
With her 2020 debut single “Street by Street”, Laufey caught the attention of industry icons like Billie Eilish, Willow Smith, V of BTS and Dodie, propelling her into the spotlight with a force that cannot be ignored. Her music is a captivating blend of contemporary jazz and pop that transcends generations. Her distinctive fashion style merges seamlessly with her artistry too.
Laufey Lín Jónsdóttir, known by her mononym Laufey (pronounced “lay-vay”), is a singer-songwriter of Icelandic and Chinese descent. Her growth as an artist has surpassed her initial expectations as she went from recording lo-fi songs in her bedroom to releasing a record-breaking album.
So who’s the 24-year-old enchantress rewriting the rules of both music and fashion? And what can fans expect from her concerts in Hong Kong on September 20 and 21? We chatted with the musical talent to find out …
Laufey’s debut album Bewitched
Her debut album Bewitched – which has broken the all-time record for biggest debut for a jazz album on Spotify in history – is a milestone in Laufey’s musical journey and a testament to her artistry. She showcases a mature songwriting style and sophisticated production in her new work, delving deeper into her jazz and classical roots while maintaining an organic sound – a creative process that she describes as “so fun”.
The recording sessions for Bewitched took place in Los Angeles and London, incorporating symphony orchestras, jazz trios and intimate solo performances. The carefully crafted songs tell captivating stories while highlighting Laufey’s musical versatility.