Laufey: The perfect winter artist
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Laufey is Chinese-Icelandic singer, songwriter, and cellist that is worth your listen this winter!
Different people prepare for the cold weather in different ways. For some, buying new coats and fur boots is the pricey way to go. For others, a mantle of warm lights and chunky blankets is necessary to get their home in the holiday spirit. As for me, icy temperatures call for a new seasonal playlist— to be cliche: “when sleigh bells ring, it is time we listen.”
Those with picky ears like mine know the aversion to hearing a song like “Cruel Summer” amid November. I do not make the rules, but if I did, we all would be required to listen to songs with elements of blues, jazz, and classical during the wintertime. Since nature is slowing down, our music should too.
Laufey, a 24-year-old Icelandic-Chinese singer and musician, embodies the delicate sound of winter. Many of her songs have a “whimsical” vibe— her lyrics are accompanied by an orchestra resembling a vintage Disney movie soundtrack. Moreover, Laufey’s deeper jazz voice adds a layer of sophistication to her relatable and playful songs.
Many hopeless romantics come out to shine their light during the holidays, and Laufey is the goddess of it. Her lyrics are witty and fun despite centering around failed relationships or the frustration of love. Since Laufey is so young, any fan of pop princesses like Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, and Olivia Rodrigo can resonate with her music. While she may appeal to pop lovers, her music has a unique twang; the blend of jazz and blues with pop makes her the Frank Sinatra and Micheal Buble of a new generation.
While all her music is incredible and worth your time, I highly encourage you to scavenge through her album, Bewitched: The Goddess Edition (2024), for some impeccable winter finds. Laufey’s music is especially suitable for the holiday season, and I plan on decorating my Christmas tree to the nostalgic and comforting tones that radiate from her music.
Her song “A Letter To My 13-Year-Old Self” is a personal favorite of mine despite its more somber tone. The song encapsulates the insecurities and doubts felt by young women of color growing up in predominantly white areas. Laufey sings about her hardships: hating her curly hair, feeling rejected by her classmates, and watching all the blondes get their first kiss. I appreciate that these were more covert instances of racism; sometimes, the subtle things are the ones that build up and eat at our self-esteem.
Adding to my praise of this song, I love how it is framed as a letter addressed to her younger self from her older self. As we age, we come to terms with the fact that we were not treated fairly, and in Laufey’s case, her heart breaks for the pain her younger self was facing. Her reassurance in the song, telling young Laufey that she will grow up to be confident and charming, fall in love, and achieve the things thought impossible, never fails to bring me to tears.
Laufey’s ability to create easy-to-follow stories with vivid imagery, lovely instrumentation, and a crystalline voice makes for a pleasant and, in some instances, transformative listening experience. Her divergence from mainstream sound allows her to stand out and introduce a younger audience to the world of jazz.
Blending pop, classical, and jazz to appeal to new audiences, Laufey is revolutionizing jazz and adding a new sound to my staple winter playlist. With her well-deserved Grammy for her second album, Bewitched (2023), Laufey is finally beginning to receive the recognition she deserves. Whether your winter spirit manifests as somber or joyful, Laufey’s music tackles both moods. Make sure to give her a listen —and while you are there— check out her recent cover, “Santa Baby.”