Laufey | The Rising Star Blending Jazz, Classical, and Pop

Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir, known simply as Laufey, has captured hearts worldwide with her enchanting music.

Born on April 23, 1999, in Reykjavík, Iceland, she blends jazz, classical, and pop into a sound that’s uniquely her own.

At just 26, Laufey has already won a Grammy and performed at iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall.

Her songs, like “From the Start,” tell stories that resonate with fans, especially Gen Z.

This biography traces her journey from a small-town dreamer to a global star.

Curious about Laufey pronunciation?

It’s “LAY-vay”—a nod to her Icelandic roots and Norse mythology.

What sets Laufey apart?

It’s her ability to make jazz feel fresh and relatable.

From her debut single to her sold-out Laufey tour 2025, she’s redefining music for a new generation.

Let’s explore her life, her sound, and why fans can’t get enough of Laufey songs.

Roots in Iceland and Beyond

A Multicultural Beginning

Laufey entered the world on April 23, 1999, in Reykjavík, Iceland. Her life reflects a rich blend of cultures—her father is Icelandic, and her mother hails from Guangzhou, China. “My heritage shapes me,” she once shared. Music surrounded her from the start. Her mother, a classical violinist, filled their home with melodies, while her maternal grandfather taught violin in China. “Music was my first language,” Laufey said.

Her family’s story took them to Washington, D.C., for two years before returning to Reykjavík in 2008. “Living in two worlds opened my eyes,” she explained. Growing up with her identical twin sister, Junia Laufey (Junia Lín Jónsdóttir), added another layer to her life. Junia, a violinist, later became Laufey’s creative director. “She’s my other half,” Laufey smiled.

At four, Laufey began piano lessons. By eight, she picked up the cello. “I loved how it felt,” she recalled. Her talent shone early, leading to a performance with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra at 15. “It was scary but thrilling,” she laughed. That moment cemented her path. With Laufey parents cheering her on, she dreamed big in a small city.

Her Laufey ethnicity—Icelandic and Chinese—colors her music and identity. “It’s who I am,” she said. This foundation set the stage for a remarkable career.

Family Ties and Inspiration

Family anchors Laufey. Her mother’s violin playing sparked her passion. “She’s my hero,” Laufey said. Her father, though not musical, offered unwavering support. “He’s my biggest cheerleader,” she added. Then there’s Laufey sister, Junia, her twin and collaborator. “We’re a team,” Laufey noted.

Her Chinese roots run deep. Her grandfather, a violin educator, left a legacy. “He’s a legend to me,” she beamed. This mix of Icelandic and Chinese influences shapes her sound. “It’s in my music,” she explained. Family gatherings often turned into mini-concerts, with Laufey and Junia playing together.

Even as fame grew, her family stayed close. “They keep me real,” she said. Her parents still attend her Laufey concerts, beaming with pride. “Seeing them in the crowd means everything,” she shared. This bond fuels her creativity and keeps her grounded.

Musical Seeds Planted Early

Laufey’s musical journey started young. Piano at four, cello at eight—she was hooked. “It was my escape,” she said. At 15, she played cello with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. “I’ll never forget it,” she recalled.

She tested her voice on Ísland Got Talent in 2014, reaching the finals. “It was fun,” she said. A year later, she hit the semi-finals on The Voice Iceland. “I grew so much,” she added. These moments built her confidence.

Music wasn’t just a hobby—it was her calling. “I knew this was it,” she said. Her early steps in Iceland paved the way for bigger stages.

Education at Berklee

After graduating from Reykjavík College of Music in 2018, Laufey faced a fork in the road. She and Junia got into the University of St Andrews, but Laufey chose Berklee College of Music in Boston. “It was my dream,” she said. With a presidential scholarship, she arrived in 2018.

Berklee sharpened her skills. “I found my sound,” she noted. She graduated in 2021, ready to shine. “It was worth it,” she said. Her time there blended classical roots with modern flair, setting her up for success.

From Debut to Global Fame

Breaking Out with “Street by Street”

Laufey’s career ignited with her debut single “Street by Street” in April 2020. “It was a risk,” she said. Written during the pandemic, it soared to the top of Icelandic Radio. “I couldn’t believe it,” she added. This marked her arrival.

Her EP Typical of Me dropped in April 2021. “It’s my soul on record,” she said. Penned in her dorm, its seven tracks—including a standout “I Wish You Love”—won hearts. “It’s so personal,” she noted. American Songwriter named it a top album of 2021. “That blew me away,” she smiled.

These early Laufey songs showed her knack for blending genres. “I wanted to be me,” she said. They laid the groundwork for her rise.

Albums That Define Her

Laufey albums tell her story. Her debut, Everything I Know About Love (2022), was a hit. “It’s about growing up,” she said. Tracks like “Valentine” showcased her storytelling. “I poured my heart in,” she added.

Then came Bewitched in 2023. “It’s my favorite,” she beamed. The album mixed jazz and pop, earning a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. “Winning was unreal,” she said. She performed with Billy Joel at the Grammys. “A dream moment,” she noted.

Her third album, A Matter of Time, arrives in August 2025. “It’s new but still me,” she teased. Fans can’t wait to listen to Laufey again.

Touring the World

Laufey’s concerts are magical. In 2024, she played the Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House. “It felt huge,” she said. Her Laufey tour 2025, the “A Matter of Time Tour,” sold out fast. “Fans are amazing,” she added.

Her shows feel intimate. “I talk to the crowd,” she said. Laufey tour tickets are hot commodities—why are Laufey tickets so expensive? Demand. “It’s wild,” she laughed.

Behind the Music

Life in LA and Family

Laufey has called Los Angeles home since October 2023. “It’s my base,” she said. She stays tight with Laufey’s sister, Junia, her creative director. “We’re always together,” she noted.

Her style is casual—lace, pastels, a vintage vibe. “It’s just me,” she said. On TikTok, she’s real and relatable. “I share my life,” she added. Her Laufey age—26 in 2025—connects her to Gen Z fans. “They get my stories,” she said.

Fame hasn’t changed her. “I’m still Laufey,” she smiled.

Style and Identity

Laufey’s fashion is effortless. Think lace tops and soft colors. “I love timeless stuff,” she said. Her 2022 Chanel Cruise moment was iconic. “I felt fancy,” she laughed.

Her Laufey height isn’t public—she keeps some things private. But her style shines. “It matches my music,” she noted. Fans snap up Laufey merch like hoodies and totes from her Laufey website. “They’re cute,” she said.

What’s Next in 2025

At 26, Laufey balances stardom and growth. “I’m still figuring it out,” she said. She’s touring for the A Matter of Time Tour, visiting Iceland and China. “Roots matter,” she added.

Her social media shows studio time and tour snaps. “I keep it real,” she said. Laufey tour dates are buzzing on Laufey tour 2025 Reddit. “Fans are hyped,” she noted.

Changing Music Forever

A New Sound

Laufey has reshaped music. Her jazz-classical-pop mix is fresh. “She’s a trailblazer,” a critic said. Albums like Bewitched prove it. “It’s classic yet new,” a fan raved.

She’s the “TikTok jazz ambassador,” making jazz cool for Gen Z “It’s exciting,” she said. Laufey from the start lyrics like “Don’t you notice how…” hooks listeners. “I tell my truth,” she added.

Her legacy inspires. “I want to spark creativity,” she said.

Awards and Praise

Laufey’s trophy case shines. Bewitched snagged a Grammy in 2024. “I was stunned,” she said. Time named her a Woman of the Year for 2025. “It’s humbling,” she added.

Her Laufey songs top the charts globally. She’s played legendary venues. “Every stage is special,” she said. Her impact grows daily.

Inspiring the Future

Laufey lights the way for young artists. “She’s proof dreams come true,” a teen musician said. She mentors at workshops. “I love giving back,” she noted.

Her genre-blending style breaks molds. “It’s freedom,” a fan said. Her story—small-town to stardom—motivates. “She’s my idol,” a listener added.

Laufey is more than a singer—she’s a movement.

From Iceland to LA, her music bridges worlds.

Laufey albums like Bewitched and upcoming A Matter of Time keep fans hooked.

Want more?

Subscribe to Sarkar for celebrity updates!

External Links

1. Wikipedia: Laufey
2. Official Website: Laufey
3. Classic FM: Laufey
4. Berklee: Laufey
5. Laufeypedia Wiki
6. The Sydney Morning Herald
7. Billboard
8. NPR: Bewitched Interview
9. Time Magazine
10. Madame Tussauds

FAQs