Every once in a while, a musician emerges who bridges generations, genres, and emotions—all with effortless grace. Laufey is one of those rare artists. Blending the elegance of classic jazz with the intimacy of modern pop, she’s become a voice of calm and nostalgia for millions. But as her music continues to top charts, fans everywhere are curious about one thing: what is Laufey’s age, and how did someone so young master a sound so timeless?
Let’s explore the story behind Laufey’s journey, her background, her influences, and how her age and upbringing have shaped her into one of today’s most beloved artists.
How Old Is Laufey?
Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir—professionally known as Laufey—was born on April 23, 1999, in Reykjavík, Iceland. That makes her 26 years old as of 2025.
At just 26, Laufey has already achieved milestones that many musicians spend a lifetime pursuing: a Grammy Award, sold-out tours, and millions of devoted fans around the world. Her youthful perspective combined with her classical training has made her one of the most distinctive new voices in contemporary music.
For those who love the details, you can find more about Laufey age and background on her official profiles and music platforms.
A Musical Childhood
Laufey’s journey started early—very early. Growing up in a musical household, she was surrounded by classical compositions, instruments, and artistic expression from day one.
Her mother, a classical violinist from China, and her Icelandic father both encouraged a creative home environment. Even more impressively, Laufey’s grandfather, Lin Yaoji, was a world-renowned violin professor in China.
It’s no surprise that Laufey picked up music quickly. She began playing piano at age four and cello at age eight. These early foundations in classical music became the building blocks of her later career, giving her a rare combination of discipline and emotion that now defines her songwriting.
Laufey’s Early Achievements
By her mid-teens, Laufey was already making waves in Iceland’s music scene. At 15 years old, she performed as a cello soloist with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, showcasing her technical precision and stage confidence.
Soon after, she appeared on Ísland Got Talent, where her soft yet powerful performances caught national attention. She then joined The Voice Iceland, reaching the semifinals and introducing her voice to a broader audience.
These early experiences didn’t just build her résumé—they shaped her understanding of performance, authenticity, and connection. Laufey often says those teenage years taught her how to balance vulnerability and control, both of which are central to her music today.
From Iceland to Berklee College of Music
After finishing school in Iceland, Laufey pursued her dream further by attending the Berklee College of Music in Boston. There, she refined her craft in songwriting, arranging, and performance while learning from some of the best musicians in the world.
Berklee also introduced her to the global music community—peers and mentors who encouraged her to merge her classical background with her love for jazz and pop. During this time, Laufey began writing original songs that reflected her introspective nature and nostalgic spirit.
Her first taste of viral success came while she was still in college, when her early songs gained traction on social media platforms. The blend of timeless sound and youthful storytelling made her an instant favorite.
Laufey’s Rise to Stardom
Laufey’s debut EP, Typical of Me (2021), was the turning point. With songs like Street by Street and Someone New, she introduced listeners to her world—one filled with romance, longing, and delicate self-awareness.
Then came her first full album, Everything I Know About Love (2022). The record was an instant success, earning critical praise for its heartfelt lyrics and dreamy orchestration. Her voice—rich, velvety, and warm—invited comparisons to jazz icons like Ella Fitzgerald and Norah Jones, yet her songwriting spoke directly to Gen Z.
By 2023, Laufey had truly arrived. Her sophomore album, Bewitched, took her artistry to new heights. The record included hits such as From the Start and Promise, songs that went viral on TikTok and Spotify alike. The album’s romantic vintage aesthetic struck a chord with listeners craving authenticity in an age of overproduction.
In 2024, Laufey won her first Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album—a monumental achievement for a 25-year-old artist blending modern sensibilities with classic soundscapes.
What Makes Laufey’s Age So Significant
At 26, Laufey stands out not just for her achievements but for what her age represents. She’s part of a generation redefining how young people interact with traditional genres.
Where older jazz icons once performed in smoky clubs, Laufey reaches her fans through cozy YouTube videos, Instagram stories, and short clips of her playing piano in her apartment. She embodies the modern musician—connected, authentic, and accessible.
Her age allows her to speak to young audiences with honesty. Her lyrics capture the confusion, vulnerability, and beauty of being in your twenties. She doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out—and that’s exactly why her listeners connect so deeply.
Laufey’s Unique Sound: Old Soul, Modern Voice
Laufey’s music is often described as a “bridge between generations.” She combines jazz chord progressions and vintage harmonies with heartfelt, conversational lyrics. It’s music that feels both nostalgic and new.
Her sound draws inspiration from legends like Chet Baker, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald, but her tone and phrasing make it completely her own. Songs like Valentine, Let You Break My Heart Again, and From the Start showcase her ability to turn everyday emotions into timeless melodies.
Even her production style reflects this duality—warm analog textures layered with clean modern vocals, giving her songs that cinematic quality fans love.
Laufey’s Age and Influence on Fans
Many of Laufey’s listeners are young—teens and twenty-somethings discovering jazz for the first time. Through her storytelling, they’re introduced to the beauty of restraint, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence.
For older generations, she serves as a reminder of jazz’s golden era, reimagined for today’s world. Laufey’s age becomes her strength—a lens through which she interprets timeless emotions in a modern context.
Her concerts often include fans of all ages, from teenagers singing along to jazz standards to older audiences appreciating her artistry. That blend of worlds is something few artists manage to achieve.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Laufey
As of 2025, Laufey continues to evolve. Her upcoming projects promise more orchestral arrangements, intimate storytelling, and emotional depth. With every release, she’s expanding her global reach and further proving that jazz is alive, relevant, and resonating with a new audience.
At only 26, her career is just beginning—and if her trajectory so far is any indication, the best is yet to come.
Conclusion: Laufey’s Age Is Just the Beginning of Her Story
So, how old is Laufey? She’s 26 years old, a young artist with an old soul, seamlessly blending eras to create something fresh and unforgettable.
But her age is more than a number—it’s a testament to her growth, her perspective, and her fearless approach to artistry. Laufey is proof that timeless music can come from modern voices, and that youth and sophistication can coexist beautifully in sound.
Laufey’s story shows us that age isn’t a limitation—it’s a chapter. And for her, this chapter is only the beginning of a long, enchanting musical journey.