By: Elaine Chan, Center Spread Editor
Icelandic-Chinese singer, Laufey, has brought the jazz genre of music back to modern audiences especially with the release of her newest album Bewitched.
Laufey Lín Jónsdóttir, or better known by Laufey, has cultivated a dreamy and smooth atmosphere through her music, putting a modern twist on classic jazz. The 24-year-old started out as a classically trained musician on cello, piano, and guitar which then evolved into the release of her first single, “Street by Street”. She takes great inspiration from iconic jazz artists like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Chet Baker, even referencing Baker in her song title, “Just Like Chet”.
The genre of jazz had not quite found its place among the younger generations, even being considered a dying genre by some. However Laufey has proved this style to be timeless as she has single handedly repopularized bossa-nova style jazz by blending it with a bedroom-pop inspired sound. She initially gained attention amidst the February buzz with her single “Valentine” come 2022. Timely dropping it on the eve of Valentine’s Day, many were enchanted by her witty lyrics, emotional instrumentals, and dynamic vocals. Kameron Fung (11), an avid Laufey listener, expresses, “Her sense of dynamic when singing while playing her instrument is very balanced as she’s extremely conscious of how it will be received by the audience.”
In August, 2022 Laufey released her very first studio album by the title of, Everything I Know About Love. With a total of 16 tracks, she tells personal anecdotes yet easily resonates with her audience and listeners. Fung continues, “Beautiful Stranger resonates the most with me. It tugs at the romantic side of your imagination.” Laufey has even recorded and performed with the accompaniment of the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. She has displayed her amazing versatility in her newest album Bewitched which was released just last month. This time a 14-track album, Laufey has truly encapsulated the silkiness of classic jazz while incorporating her own contemporary sound especially in tracks 6 and 10, “Lovesick” and “From the Start”.
Furthering the excitement of her fans, Laufey announced a world tour for 2023-2024. Touring across 13 countries, she began right here with the first two shows in San Francisco this October. Some students who attended her shows described their experiences as unreal and magical. She put on a captivating performance, even playing the cello for one section. Noah Ung (11) says, “The emotion and vibe she gives off in person are so much more than you can experience just online.” Many students have revealed that jazz was not a typical genre in their music rotation but Laufey has settled right in. “There is something so addicting about her music…it’s so seamless,” a sophomore states. Laufey has seen nothing less than success these past couple years and her listeners are ready to support her in the future!
