LAUFEY
Musician
At only 14, the musician appeared on Iceland’s Got Talent. Now, at 26, the Grammy winner’s masterful blend of classical training, jazz influences, and effusive pop has made her a viral phenomenon far beyond the borders of her home country.
WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT?
The fact that I live on the other side of the world from my family.
WHAT’S ONE BOOK, WORK OF ART, OR FILM THAT GOT YOU THROUGH AN IMPORTANT MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE?
When I first moved on my own to LA, the words of Joan Didion really got me through.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SURPRISED YOURSELF IN YOUR PRACTICE?
I recently did choreography—contemporary dance—for a music video, and I didn’t know I could move like that!
DESCRIBE A RECENT CROSSROADS AT WHICH YOU FOUND YOURSELF.
How to grow as a musician while staying true to myself and where I came from.
“I’m always thinking about my younger self—whether I’m listening to music I think she would’ve loved, or writing directly to her.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS YOUR BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION TO CULTURE?
I hope I’ve helped at least one aspiring artist to look beyond the rules and constraints of genre.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE MORE OF IN YOUR INDUSTRY? LESS OF?
I grew up in a musical family and knew music was an option from the day I was born. I want kids [who aren’t] from musical or privileged backgrounds to get the same opportunities.
WHAT QUESTION DO YOU ASK YOURSELF MOST OFTEN WHILE YOU’RE MAKING WORK?
I’m always thinking about my younger self —whether I’m listening to music I think she would’ve loved, or writing directly to her.
ARE PEOPLE EVER STARSTRUCK BY YOU?
All I know is that I still get starstruck meeting by my idols, even after years in this industry.
in your life?
