In a journey marked by whimsy and emotional depth, Icelandic artist Laufey Jónsdóttir is redefining the boundaries of jazz and pop, earning critical acclaim and two Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Pop Album. With a unique sound that blends classic jazz elements with modern storytelling, Laufey is captivating audiences while also exploring the complexities of relationships—both in her music and her life.
A Splash of Primal Creativity
In her latest music video for the track “Mad Woman,” Laufey took an unexpected approach to expressing her frustrations. The playful yet chaotic need to hit actor Hudson Williams with a fish—a prop, to be clear—was more than just a comedic moment; it encapsulated a cathartic release of pent-up emotions. “Oh my God, it was amazing. It was cathartic,” she recalls, laughing at the absurdity of the scene. The shoot took place in Los Angeles, infused with a vintage 1960s vibe and featuring a star-studded cast, including Olympic figure skater Alyssa Liu. “I had a lot of unreleased energy that I released on poor Hudson,” she adds with a chuckle.
This refreshing take on expressing inner turmoil is emblematic of Laufey’s artistic ethos. While she may not be the first name that comes to mind when one thinks of primal energy, her music has a disarming ability to blend vulnerability with a playful spirit.
A Genre-Bending Journey
Laufey’s odyssey began at Berklee College of Music, where her diverse influences melded into a distinctive sound that reflects her Icelandic roots. From a tender age, she was immersed in music, learning piano and cello, and drawing inspiration from movie musicals and pop icons like Taylor Swift. However, when she first uploaded her song “Street by Street,” a reflection on reclaiming personal spaces post-breakup, she was perplexed by the question of genre.
“Older audiences are always trying to figure me out,” she explains. “Is she a jazz musician? Is she a pop musician?” In contrast, she finds that her younger listeners are open-minded and willing to embrace music based on emotional resonance rather than rigid categorisation. “I feel so lucky to be a musician nowadays, because genre has never meant less.”
Her latest album, *A Matter of Time*, released in August 2022, serves as a testament to this philosophy. The album invites listeners into the emotional landscape of a relationship, punctuated by the sound of a ticking clock—a reminder of the anxieties that can tear love apart. Through tracks like “Silver Lining,” infused with soulful rhythms, and “Lover Girl,” echoing Brazilian influences, Laufey reveals her artistic versatility, culminating in the hauntingly discordant “Sabotage.”
The Complexity of Love and Self-Discovery
Delving into her personal narrative, Laufey candidly discusses the challenges of love and self-discovery, revealing how her classical training shaped her perception of relationships. “I didn’t get to be a regular kid,” she admits, reflecting on the discipline that defined her early years. This rigorous upbringing left her ill-prepared for the chaos of young love. “When I first started falling in love, it felt like pure chaos,” she confesses.
The narrative woven throughout *A Matter of Time* captures her journey from innocence to understanding, with tracks like “A Cautionary Tale” offering poignant insights into post-breakup clarity. “I gave it too much, I gave myself up / I lost sight of all my dignity,” she sings, encapsulating the struggle many face in navigating love’s complexities.
The deluxe edition of her album further explores these themes, featuring reflective tracks that act as a post-mortem on her romantic experiences. “I have this song called ‘I Wait, I Wait, I Wait’—it’s about how I’m always preparing for the storm to start,” she explains, showcasing her innate sense of instability.
The Power of Dreams and Global Connection
Laufey’s ascent in the music industry is not just a matter of talent but also of vision. Last year, she made a nostalgic pilgrimage to the Boston Public Garden, where she once dreamed of becoming an artist. “There’s something about a park that just gets you thinking,” she recalls, describing how writing down her aspirations gave her clarity. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges the power of manifesting dreams.
As her star continues to rise, Laufey finds herself in a whirlwind of opportunities, from performing at Coachella to collaborating with the video game *Fortnite*. “I definitely feel like I’m in the hamster wheel, but not in a bad way,” she notes, expressing excitement over the future.
At a recent performance at London’s O2 Arena, she transformed the venue into a fantastical space, enchanting her audience with elaborate staging and whimsical aesthetics. Fans, dressed in homage to her vintage-inspired style, sang along fervently, creating a sense of community that transcends geography. “That’s why my concerts feel so special, because we’re all just collected together from different corners of the world,” she says, highlighting the impact of social media in fostering global connections.
Why it Matters
Laufey’s journey reflects a broader cultural shift in the music industry, where traditional genre boundaries are increasingly blurred. By embracing her multifaceted identity as an artist, she resonates with a generation eager for authenticity and emotional connection. As she navigates her artistic evolution, Laufey not only redefines what it means to be a jazz musician in the contemporary landscape but also invites her listeners to embrace their own complexities. Her ability to blend playful creativity with raw vulnerability offers a refreshing perspective, ensuring her place at the forefront of a new wave of musical innovation.
