by Andrew Auclair ’29 on February 26, 2026
A&E - Music
With Valentine’s Day now behind us, there may be no better time to reflect on one of the most compelling breakout artists of the 2020s: Laufey. Since emerging in 2020 with her debut single “Street by Street,” Laufey has steadily built a career defined by authenticity, classical training, and a distinctive jazz-pop sound that sets her apart from much of today’s mainstream music. While still studying for her music degree at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, Laufey wrote and recorded much of her early material for in-class assignments. In 2021, she released her debut EP, Typical of Me, introducing audiences to her soft-spoken vocals and orchestral arrangements. She graduated shortly before releasing her first full-length album, Everything I Know About Love (2022), which went on to top charts in both the United States and Iceland. The album featured standout singles such as “Valentine,” a track that played a significant role in expanding her fanbase and creating her early success.
Since her debut, Laufey has released two additional albums: Bewitched in 2023 and A Matter of Time in 2025. Both projects continue her signature blend of jazz harmonies, classical instrumentation, and emotionally reflective songwriting. Her music frequently incorporates sweeping string sections and live orchestration, giving it a classical quality that feels both vintage and modern. In a musical era often dominated by electronic production and fast-paced trends, Laufey’s work stands out for its intentional simplicity and influence. Many of her most popular songs, including “Goddess” and “From the Start,” explore themes of heartbreak and longing, while others such as “Clean Air” and “Letter To My 13 Year Old Self” shift toward themes like personal growth. Along with her vocal tracks, her instrumental arrangements and special edition releases have become popular among students looking for music to study or relax to, at least in my opinion.
Her artistic accomplishments have also earned significant industry recognition. At the 66th Grammy Awards, Laufey won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Bewitched, marking her first Grammy victory. She later received the same award at the 68th Grammy Awards for A Matter of Time. In both acceptance speeches, she expressed deep gratitude toward her family, thanking her parents, grandparents, and especially her twin sister Junia, who frequently joins her on stage as an extremely talented violinist for a song or two. Their musical collaboration has become a key part of Laufey’s live performances, highlighting both her classical background and her strong family ties.
Beyond her recorded music, Laufey maintains a notably positive and engaged relationship with her fans on stage and on social media. On Instagram, she often shares professional photo shoots and tour highlights, while on TikTok, she posts more casual content, including “get ready with me” videos, collaborations with other artists, and sometimes Laufey-related memes. At concerts, she regularly thanks her audience for their continued support and makes an effort to create memorable moments, sometimes inviting the best-dressed fan on stage based on the theme of the album. These interactions greatly contribute to the perception of her as both humble and appreciative of her growing success.
As someone who has followed Laufey since 2022, I remember eagerly anticipating the release of Bewitched on Sept. 8, 2023, the same day that Olivia Rodrigo released Guts. While many of my classmates were listening to Rodrigo’s album on the school bus that morning, I was listening to Bewitched, which would quickly become one of my favorite albums to this day. Compared to her previous work, this album felt more cohesive and emotionally refined. It carried a distinct fall atmosphere that matched the season of its release, making it especially memorable. More recently, when Laufey announced her A Matter of Time tour, it was only a matter of time before I would try to get tickets. I attended her concert at TD Garden in Boston, and the performance exceeded all of my expectations. The set design and lighting effects complemented the orchestral arrangements beautifully, and her interactions with the audience felt genuine rather than rehearsed. From the themed audience participation to the awesome merchandise, the concert experience reflected the same amount of love and attention that she puts into all of her recorded music.
Laufey’s rapid rise to popularity represents more than commercial success; it reflects a broader shift in musical tastes among young and old audiences alike who are increasingly drawn to jazz-influenced and classically inspired pop. Through dedication to her craft and a clear artistic identity, she has carved out a distinctive place within contemporary music. As her career continues to evolve, I’m invested to see how she further develops her sound and expands her reach. If her career so far is any indication, Laufey’s presence in modern music is likely to be both influential and enduring.