Listening to Laufey‘s Bewitched album opener, “Dreamer,” feels like stepping into a candle-lit room, a little dazed, with eyes trying to adjust to the sudden change in atmosphere. The Icelandic singer-songwriter borrows the magic of classic jazz tracks from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, or, a more contemporary comparison, Norah Jones.
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The entire, recently released, album follows in that vein. With the record, Laufey has primed herself to be one of the most exciting, yet comforting, voices in jazz-influenced pop.
She already has a robust legion of fans, but we anticipate them to grow in numbers over the next few years. Once you get a hold of her intoxicating, hypnotizing music, there is no going back. Leap into Laufey’s world with our introduction, below.
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Pronunciation
Those not well-versed in Icelandic names will stumble over the pronunciation of “Laufey.” She has explained the phonetics a number of times, but we will also lay it out here. While there is a more accurate Icelandic pronunciation of the name, she has explained a simplistic version: “Lay-Vay.”
We want to make that clear for the next time you need to tell someone who your favorite up-and-coming singer is. “Lay-Vay,” will likely be your answer after combing through her catalog.
Classical Training
Though there is more of a pop-tinge to her music now, Laufey was classically trained from a young age. She picked up both the piano and the cello in childhood. She put those skills to good use at 15, performing as part of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
She studied at both the Reykjavík College of Music and Berklee College of Music. Her intimate knowledge of the craft is apparent when listening to her two studio albums.
Everything I Know About Love
Laufey released her debut album, Everything I Know About Love, in 2022. The 16 tracks on the record make nods to her influences, bottle up the painful tinge of heartbreak, and transport the listener away from their immediate surroundings.
Standout tracks include “Just Like Chet,” “Dance With You Tonight,” and “What Love Will Do to You.”
Bewitched
Laufey ups her entrancing powers in her latest album, Bewitched. While her debut feels decidedly summery—despite the somber themes—this record feels born out of a cloudy fall night wherein Laufey lets her emotions fester.
Most likely to make it onto your new music playlist are: “Dreamer,” “California and Me,” and a stellar cover of the jazz standard “Misty.”
Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
