Gen Z Jazz-Pop Star Laufey Stayed True to Herself. Now, It’s Paying Off: ‘I Didn’t Change Any of My Dreams’ (Exclusive)

Laufey Shares Her Journey to Success in Staying True to Herself

After recently captivating audiences at Coachella and on the cusp of performing at Jazz Fest, Icelandic singer Laufey has been making waves with her soulful, jazz-inspired music. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the rising star opens up about her personal journey to success and the importance of staying true to herself as an artist.

Growing up in Reykjavik, Iceland, Laufey was surrounded by a musical family, with a classical musician mother and a father who had a penchant for jazz music. Influenced by the sounds of jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, Laufey developed a deep love for music from a young age. Despite her early exposure to classical and jazz music, she was relatively unaware of pop culture growing up.

The singer’s authenticity and unique blend of genres have set her apart in the music industry. While her sound is often described as jazz or jazz-pop, Laufey prefers to focus on creating music that resonates with her audience on a personal level. She believes that the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, values music that they can relate to and connect with emotionally, which is where jazz music shines.

Laufey’s journey to success wasn’t without its challenges. At the age of 14, she competed on the Icelandic version of Got Talent, where she faced criticism for her unique style and voice. Despite the setbacks and vulnerabilities she experienced during that time, Laufey never wavered from her artistic vision, staying true to her roots and genre despite external pressures to conform.

Reflecting on her early experiences in the music industry, Laufey acknowledges the importance of perseverance and self-belief in achieving her goals. She recalls the highs and lows of her career, from viral clips of her performances to the monumental achievement of winning a Grammy Award for her album, “Bewitched.” Through it all, Laufey credits her unwavering determination for her continued success and growth as an artist.

As she embarks on the next phase of her career, Laufey remains focused on maintaining her authenticity and storytelling through her music. With new projects on the horizon, including her upcoming third album and live performances at prestigious events like Jazz Fest, Laufey’s star is on the rise. Collaborating with fellow musicians like Role Model and Olivia Rodrigo has provided her with a sense of community and support in the industry.

In addition to connecting with her peers in the music world, Laufey also values her relationship with her fans. Through social media platforms like TikTok, she engages with her followers and shares glimpses of her personality off-stage. Her quirky sense of humor and down-to-earth personality have endeared her to fans worldwide, creating a strong bond within the Laufey fandom.

Looking ahead, Laufey’s message to aspiring musicians is clear: stay true to yourself and your artistic vision. By remaining authentic and resilient in the face of challenges, success will naturally follow. As Laufey continues to captivate audiences with her enchanting sound and genuine storytelling, her journey serves as an inspiration to emerging artists navigating the complexities of the music industry.