Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir, known simply as Laufey (pronounced “LAY-vay”), was born on April 23, 1999, in Reykjavík, Iceland. She is of Icelandic and Chinese heritage; her mother is a classical violinist and she descends from musicians and music educators on her maternal side in China. Laufey grew up in a musical environment, and at age 15 performed as a cello soloist with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
In her teenage years she participated in Icelandic talent shows, distinguishing herself with her voice and musicality. She later attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she refined her songwriting, composition, and grounding in jazz and classical traditions.
She released her debut EP Typical of Me in 2021, followed in 2022 by her first full studio album Everything I Know About Love, which resonated in both Iceland and the U.S., especially within jazz circles. Her second album Bewitched (2023) earned her a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. The single “From the Start” achieved notable chart presence in several countries.
Laufey’s musical style blends jazz, classical music, traditional pop, and nostalgia. Her vocals recall the classic standards, yet her production and lyrics are fresh, personal, and modern. Her songs often explore love, longing, identity, and emotional reflection.
On stage, Laufey has built a reputation for live performances that combine orchestral arrangements, chamber jazz settings, and pop sensibilities, offering audiences warmth, intimacy, and elegance. She has become a voice that connects across generations, bringing jazz influence back into contemporary pop through her unique vision and artistry.
