Laufey Lín Jónsdóttir, known by her mononym Laufey (pronounced “lay-vay”), is a singer-songwriter of Icelandic and Chinese descent. Her growth as an artist has surpassed her initial expectations as she went from recording lo-fi songs in her bedroom to releasing a record-breaking album.

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So who’s the 24-year-old enchantress rewriting the rules of both music and fashion? And what can fans expect from her concerts in Hong Kong on September 20 and 21? We chatted with the musical talent to find out …

Laufey’s debut album Bewitched

Her debut album Bewitched – which has broken the all-time record for biggest debut for a jazz album on Spotify in history – is a milestone in Laufey’s musical journey and a testament to her artistry. She showcases a mature songwriting style and sophisticated production in her new work, delving deeper into her jazz and classical roots while maintaining an organic sound – a creative process that she describes as “so fun”.

The recording sessions for Bewitched took place in Los Angeles and London, incorporating symphony orchestras, jazz trios and intimate solo performances. The carefully crafted songs tell captivating stories while highlighting Laufey’s musical versatility.

Her multicultural upbringing

Laufey had a multicultural upbringing, growing up between Reykjavik, Iceland and Washington DC with regular visits to Beijing. Her exposure to diverse cultures and musical traditions must have shaped her open-minded approach to creativity.

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“Coming from two different cultures between Iceland and China [gives] me a very open view of music and culture,” the young talent explains. This mix is reflected in her music as she seamlessly blends jazz, pop and classical elements to create a sound that is uniquely her own.

Laufey’s journey began with her mother, a violinist who inspired her to pick up the cello and piano. Raised in a family of classical musicians, Laufey developed discipline and a deep appreciation for the beauty of classical music. Her father’s record collection introduced her to the captivating world of jazz, and she counts “Queen of Jazz” Ella Fitzgerald as a source of inspiration.

Fashion as an extension of her artistry

Laufey’s sense of style seamlessly intertwines with her musical persona. A firm believer in the power of fashion, she leverages it to support her overall artistic vision, saying, “I love clothes, I love fashion, and I love how much it can give a person an identity.”

Among her wardrobe though, one piece seems to hold a special place in her heart: her T-strap Mary Janes from Chanel. She describes them as her favourite accessory, explaining, “It’s my pride and joy. It’s been my favourite thing to wear both with a dress, but also just with jeans.”

When it comes to her stage attire, Laufey puts together ‘fits that combine comfort, confidence and aesthetics. She takes the venue’s temperature into account as well as its overall atmosphere, creating a visual experience that enhances the connection between her performance and her audience.

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The musician enjoys seeing her fans embrace her style and make it their own, too. “It’s been crazy,” she admits. “I never thought that people would look at me and try to copy my style, but I love it so much. I love going to my concerts and seeing all the fans come in, wearing outfits that are similar to me. It makes me so happy.”

Her love for Hong Kong

Having spent her summers in China growing up, with Hong Kong a regular stop, the city holds special memories for Laufey. In fact, she considers it one of her favourite cities in the world. She appreciates its vibrant culture along with its culinary delights, stressing that she plans to indulge in the local cuisine during her upcoming visit: “It represents such a fun culture – so diverse and with so much good food.”

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Speaking about her upcoming performances in Hong Kong, Laufey reveals, “Fans can expect a very intimate performance. I’m going to be playing solo and jumping between guitar and piano, and I’m going to be telling the stories of my songs.” She also expresses her love for playing solo as it allows her to deeply connect with her audience.

Those lucky enough to secure a ticket can expect a spellbinding experience where goosebumps are guaranteed. Catch her on September 20 and 21 at Kitec, Kowloon Bay.