Image source: NPR
Laufey, a young Icelandic-Chinese singer and musician, is one of the brilliant and emerging stars in the jazz-pop music world recently introduced by NPR. Having trained in classical cello since childhood, she has successfully blended her art with various music genres to create a unique and distinctive voice. In her interview with the Fresh Air program, she spoke about her artistic journey, the influence of her artistic family, and how she gained fame during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Laufey: The Icelandic-Chinese Jazz-Pop Star
Laufey grew up in Iceland but felt different since childhood because her father is Icelandic and her mother is Chinese. She tried to gain recognition by participating in local singing competitions like Voice Iceland, but her big breakthrough came when she started recording and posting videos during the COVID-19 lockdown, performing classic jazz pieces accompanied by cello, guitar, or piano. These clips quickly went viral online, bringing her voice to a much wider audience.
She says about this experience: “I’m willing to do anything to have my voice heard. I realized I had to leave Iceland to see if the wider world would appreciate my voice.” Her exceptional cello performance and warm unique voice amazed many listeners who had never heard such a combination before.
Laufey was raised in a musical family. Her mother was a longtime member of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, and her twin sister is also a string instrumentalist. This artistic environment introduced her to different aspects of music from early on and encouraged her to practice diligently. She believes her mother’s strict approach to daily practice was the main reason she became a skilled artist today.
Laufey’s artistic personality is a blend of classical music, jazz, pop, and even traditional musical theater. Her 2023 album titled “Bewitched” topped the Billboard charts in the jazz and traditional music categories and earned her the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Album. In 2024, she performed at the major music festival Lollapalooza, which gave her an opportunity to showcase the diversity of her musical styles and present her varied artistic identity to audiences.
In an interview with Terry Gross, Laufey explained that she began writing songs on guitar because it was unfamiliar to her and allowed her to express creativity without the restrictive classical training rules, bringing her true feelings into music. She also mentions being inspired by the elegance and charm of films from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Laufey tries to introduce young audiences to classical music and orchestras while breaking the traditional boundaries of these genres. She accompanies her performances with dance and theatrical movements to create a livelier and fresher atmosphere. Each night during her tours, she presents different facets of her musical style in the best possible way.
Summary
Ultimately, Laufey presents the image of a modern artist who, in addition to having strong classical roots, embraces diverse contemporary music styles and introduces herself to audiences with a free and creative spirit. This Icelandic-Chinese singer, with a soft yet powerful voice, has firmly established her place in the music world and has a bright future ahead.
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