Bewitched (Album, 2023) – Awarded Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 66th Grammys
A classically trained cellist and pianist, she frequently incorporates orchestral arrangements and cello solos.
: Elements of this Brazilian genre, known for its soft, syncopated rhythms, are prominent in several of her hits, such as " From the Start ". The "Is It Jazz?" Debate what genre of music is laufey
In short, Laufey describes her style as aiming to make the genre accessible and relatable to a contemporary audience.
| | Genre | Similarity to Laufey | Difference from Laufey | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Ella Fitzgerald | Traditional Vocal Jazz | Scat singing, swing feel, standard harmonies | Less intimate/modern production; powerful projection | | Norah Jones | Jazz Pop / Adult Contemporary | Piano-led jazz ballads, warm vocals | More country/blues influence; less classical orchestration | | Clairo | Bedroom Pop / Indie Pop | Intimate vocal tone, modern dating lyrics | Lacks jazz harmonies & orchestral instruments | | Taylor Swift (Folklore era) | Folk / Indie Folk | Storytelling, strings, muted production | Folk chord structures (no jazz extensions) | Bewitched (Album, 2023) – Awarded Best Traditional Pop
: Laufey uses "ii-V-I" jazz chord progressions and scatting, but frames them within accessible, modern pop structures. She has cited Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker as her primary artistic influences.
Laufey (pronounced LAY-vay ) is an Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She uses "old-school building blocks"—such as ii-V-I jazz chords and classical motifs—paired with relatable, modern lyrics. Core Genres & Elements: | | Genre | Similarity to Laufey |
For a music library or streaming algorithm, Laufey should be tagged as: Jazz, Bedroom Pop, Vocal Easy Listening. However, she is most commonly referred to in media and by fans as "the Gen Z jazz artist."
To understand Laufey’s genre, it is helpful to compare her to other artists:
Her visual style is described as hyperfeminine and vintage-inspired , featuring bows, lace, and ruffles, which serves as a "visual extension" of her nostalgic sound.
Ella Fitzgerald (her favorite), Chet Baker, and Billie Holiday. Classical Composers: Frédéric Chopin and George Gershwin. Modern Artists: Taylor Swift, Norah Jones, and Adele. Discography: Typical of Me (EP, 2021) Everything I Know About Love (Album, 2022)