Laufey discusses jazz revival, 'Mad Woman' and global fan growth

Laufey reflects on jazz-pop success, 'Mad Woman' video and rising global audience appeal

Laufey has discussed her evolving musical style, creative influences and growing global audience, as her blend of jazz and pop continues to reach new listeners.

The Icelandic artist, who has won two Grammy Awards for best traditional pop album, is gaining attention for combining classic jazz elements with contemporary songwriting.

Her latest single Mad Woman features a music video filmed in Los Angeles with a 1960s-inspired aesthetic. The production includes a scene in which she strikes actor Hudson Williams with a prop fish.

Reflecting on the moment, she said, “Oh my God, it was amazing. It was cathartic. I had a lot of unreleased energy that I released on poor Hudson.” She added, “I'm not a very angry person, but it felt good to scream and shout,” describing the experience as “very primal”.

Laufey’s musical background includes classical training from an early age in Reykjavik, where she learned piano and cello. She later studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she began shaping her genre-blending sound.

She has said that younger audiences are less concerned with genre labels, noting: “I feel so lucky to be a musician nowadays, because genre has never meant less.”

Her album A Matter of Time explores themes of relationships and personal development, incorporating a range of styles.

The project includes tracks such as Silver Lining and Lover Girl, while Sabotage reflects a more experimental approach. Laufey explained, “The whole album was a challenge to myself to push beyond my artistic walls, to be a little scared.”

The artist has also described how her early focus on music affected her personal life. “I didn't date, I didn't drink, I didn't do the silly things,” she said, adding that later experiences of relationships informed her songwriting.

Laufey recently performed at London’s O2 Arena and continues to expand her international audience.