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A Proper Chanteuse for the Digital Age
As social-media sensations go, Laufey is positively Old World.
Born in Reykjavik, Iceland, and raised by musical, artistic parents, Laufey was immersed in multiple styles, including the jazz that informs her most popular tunes.
The aptly named “From the Start” is a good place to begin. Its bossa flavorings, excellent musicianship, and distinctive vocals deliver the whole package. Her look and style, as you’ll see, are also key elements of her appeal. (This may also be the best-ever use of “blah, blah, blah” in a lyric…)
Her music evokes a bygone time of smoky jazz clubs and vinyl records. Indeed, she looks like she could be from any of several eras.
More to the point, her musicianship is undeniable. Classically trained and fluent on multiple instruments, she is a fully-formed artist.
Plus, she can absolutely nail a complex live performance.
The interweb has fully embraced her, with many homegrown performers covering her work and riffing on her style.
The mainstream has also taken notice, as her “Bewitched” recently won a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
So, learn to pronounce her name. Chances are you’ll be hearing it more.
-Al Cattabiani
Photo: Foundations Management, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Wow, thanks for bringing her to my attention! I further checked her out on YouTube, now adding her to my Spotify. Further proof that not ALL new music sucks!
She is indeed the real deal!
Laufey was unknown to me until today, & I thank you for the intro! She is smooth & soulful. Always glad to expand my musical horizons.
There’s a lot a tasty music to digest, Ellen. Enjoy!
Beautiful voice. Love the old school jazz vibes, too!