Laufey herself has dismissed the gatekeeping. In interviews, she notes: “I never claimed to be a pure jazz artist. I write songs about my life, and they come out sounding like this. If you like it, listen; if you don’t, that’s fine.”
Laufey’s breakout single, “Valentine,” is a perfect example. It opens with a solo, slightly detuned piano and a whispered vocal, feeling closer to artists like Clairo or Beabadoobee than Ella Fitzgerald. Her lyrics tackle modern Gen-Z anxieties: dating apps, insecurity, and romantic daydreaming. This blend of old-sounding chords with new-sounding themes creates her unique niche. laufey genre
Laufey's music is deeply rooted in jazz, with influences from iconic artists such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Chet Baker. However, her sound is not limited to traditional jazz. She incorporates elements of pop, electronic, and R&B music, making her a unique and refreshing voice in the music scene. Laufey herself has dismissed the gatekeeping
Laufey’s musical DNA is undeniably rooted in jazz. She grew up listening to Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Chet Baker, and her classical training at the Berklee College of Music (which she attended on a presidential scholarship) gave her a deep command of harmony and theory. Songs like “I Wish You Love” and “Love Flew Away” (featuring the London Philharmonic Orchestra) showcase her ability to sing over lush, swinging horn sections and complex seventh chords. If you like it, listen; if you don’t, that’s fine
Her deep, rich contralto vocals draw immediate comparison to legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Chet Baker. She utilizes the warm, unhurried phrasing characteristic of mid-20th-century jazz standards.
One of the defining features of the Laufey genre is its use of atmospheric, ambient textures. Laufey's music often features lush, cinematic soundscapes that evoke a sense of introspection and emotional depth. Her songs frequently explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, which are conveyed through her expressive, emotive vocals.