stayc main image

Have Fun Playing Your Instrument Again: Tips for Reigniting Your Passion

September 8, 2024

Playing an instrument can be one of the most fulfilling experiences, but it’s natural to feel like you’ve hit a plateau, especially after playing for years. If you’re finding it hard to enjoy...

Read more
stayc main image

Achieving the JPEGMAFIA Unique Sound: A Breakdown of His Mixing Techniques

September 8, 2024

Whether you're a fan of his chaotic beats, distorted vocals, or gritty textures, it's clear that his mixing approach is a key element in creating the signature JPEGMAFIA sound. But how does he do it?

Read more
stayc main image

SXSW 2024: Why Music Creators Shouldn’t Miss This Year’s Festival

February 5, 2024

For an aspiring music creator, attending SXSW in 2024 could be a game-changer for your career. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should make it a priority to attend:

Read more
stayc main image

Maximize Your Music Promotion: Proven Strategies from Industry Icons

September 5, 2024

Promoting your music can be just as challenging as writing it. You've spent time creating songs you're proud of, but now you're stuck wondering how to get your music heard by a wider audience. The...

Read more
stayc main image

Improve Your Songwriting Skills: Techniques to Break Through the Creative Rut

September 5, 2024

Feeling stuck in a rut with your songwriting? You’re not alone. Many songwriters, even the most successful ones, have faced moments where the creative well seems to run dry. The good news is that...

Read more
stayc main image

Promote Your Music On An Independent Budget

September 4, 2024

But the truth is, many successful artists have faced the same hurdles and found creative solutions to reach their audience without relying on big budgets or full-scale...

Read more
stayc main image

Keep Your Rap Lyrics & Flow Fresh

September 4, 2024

Whether it’s bragging about your strength, future fame, or taking on rivals, it can feel repetitive and uninspiring after a while. So, what do you do when you’re tired of writing the same thing...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Start a Band and Get Your First Gig: Lessons from Music Legends

September 3, 2024

Starting a band and getting your first gig can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re juggling a full-time job and a passion for music. But don’t worry—many famous musicians have been in...

Read more
stayc main image

Find Music Creators Who Share Your Genre Interests: Navigating Online Music Communities

September 3, 2024

If you’ve been searching for musicians who share your passion for breakcore, drum and bass, jungle, or other less mainstream genres on platforms like BandLab, it can be frustrating to feel like...

Read more
stayc main image

Find the Right Manager for Your Music Career—Even If You're Just Starting Out

September 3, 2024

The idea of hiring a traditional manager might seem premature, but finding someone who can handle your online presence and help you network could be exactly what you need to take your career...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Be a Successful Songwriter When You Can’t Play an Instrument

August 26, 2024

If you’re a songwriter who can sing but can’t play an instrument, you may feel like you’ve hit a roadblock in your creative journey. You have the ideas in your head, but you’re unsure how to turn...

Read more
stayc main image

What Is the Point of Mastering If the Mix Is Good? A Guide to Understanding Mastering's Role

August 26, 2024

For many newer producers, it can be confusing to understand the importance of mastering, especially when your mix feels polished and balanced. However, mastering is an essential step in the...

Read more

Laufey: The Gen Z Artist Reviving Our Love for Jazz

stayc main image

Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter Laufey (pronounced *Loy-vay*) is bringing a fresh, modern twist to jazz, channeling the timeless allure of icons like Ella Fitzgerald. With her unique blend of talent, musicality, and creativity, Laufey has quickly established herself as a standout voice in today’s music scene. Her journey into music began at an early age, inspired by her mother, a classical violinist, and has since evolved into a multifaceted artistry that seamlessly weaves classical, jazz, and modern influences.  

Laufey’s talents extend far beyond her enchanting voice. As a skilled pianist and cellist, she brings a rich instrumental depth to her music. Her musical prowess was evident early on, with a notable solo debut as a cellist with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra at just 15 years old. This classical foundation is a cornerstone of her artistic identity, merging seamlessly with her passion for jazz to create something truly unique.  

In 2021, Laufey introduced herself to the world with her debut EP, *Typical of Me*. The seven-track project is an intimate journey through 21 minutes of pure musical bliss. Tracks like "Magnolia" and "I Wish You Love" showcase her delicate, transcendent vocals, creating a one-on-one connection with listeners that feels almost sacred. The EP also highlights her effortless scatting, a nod to her deep appreciation for jazz’s improvisational roots.  

A standout track, "Like the Movies," immerses listeners in timeless nostalgia with its cinematic trumpet accompaniment and a playful call-and-response style, reminiscent of classic jazz and blues traditions. The song encapsulates Laufey’s ability to make the old feel new again, bridging generational gaps with her modern-day spin on jazz.  

But Laufey hasn’t stopped there. Her latest single, "Love Flew Away," a duet with Adam Melchor, showcases her ability to collaborate and innovate. Laufey describes the collaboration as a dream come true, saying, “Adam has been one of my greatest musical idols in the past few years, so it’s an incredible honor to release this song with him. Writing with Adam was so much fun, and we found common ground in our experiences with the pain of long-distance love, which inspired the song.”  

Melchor echoes this sentiment, sharing, “The first time I heard Laufey’s voice, I instantly knew I needed to sing with her. We connected deeply, talking for hours about shared experiences. When I showed her this idea I had about love feeling like it flies away, she elevated it to something incredibly powerful as a duet.”  

Laufey’s impact is undeniable. From captivating audiences on TikTok to earning fans like Billie Eilish, her ability to blend different sounds and styles resonates across generations. Her music feels like a warm embrace, the perfect soundtrack for crisp autumn days.  

With her sublime vocals, classical roots, and contemporary approach, Laufey is redefining jazz for the modern age, proving that this timeless genre is as vibrant and relevant as ever. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover or a curious newcomer, Laufey’s music invites you to fall in love with jazz all over again.