Laufey’s Age Revealed: 7 Unbelievable Career Milestones She Hit Before Turning 27

As of today, December 17, 2025, the globally acclaimed Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter Laufey is 26 years old. The artist, whose full name is Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir, celebrated her most recent birthday on April 23, 2025, marking another year in a career that has already defied industry expectations, blending the classic sophistication of jazz with the emotional accessibility of modern pop music. Her meteoric rise has captivated a new generation, proving that traditional genres can thrive in the digital age. The curiosity surrounding "how old is Laufey" stems from the sheer magnitude of her achievements at such a young age. She has successfully bridged the gap between Gen Z audiences and the timeless sounds of the mid-20th century, cementing her status as a jazz-pop prodigy. From graduating from the prestigious Berklee College of Music to winning a Grammy Award, Laufey’s journey is a masterclass in musical innovation and rapid global success, all before reaching her late twenties.

Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir: Complete Biographical Profile

Laufey's background is as rich and multi-layered as her music, providing the foundation for her unique artistic vision. Born into a highly musical and multicultural family, her early life was steeped in classical training that would later inform her signature jazz-pop sound.

• Full Name: Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir (Chinese name: 林冰)
• Date of Birth: April 23, 1999
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 26 years old
• Place of Birth: Reykjavík, Iceland
• Pronunciation: lāy-vāy (as often cited in interviews and media)
• Nationality: Icelandic and Chinese heritage
• Family Background: Her father is Icelandic, and her mother is Chinese, hailing from Guangzhou. Her mother is a classical violinist, and her maternal grandfather was a music educator in China.
• Sibling: She has a twin sister named Junia, who is also a musician (violinist) and serves as Laufey’s creative director.
• Education: She is a classically trained musician who graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 2021.
• Instruments: Vocals, Cello, Piano, and Guitar.
• Musical Genres: Jazz-Pop, Traditional Pop, Classical, and Bossa Nova.

The Phenomenal Rise: From Berklee to a Grammy Win at 26

Laufey’s career trajectory is a testament to the power of blending tradition with modern digital platforms. Her journey from a classically trained cellist to a global jazz sensation has been remarkably swift, culminating in one of the music industry's highest honors before she even turned 27.

Early Career and The Digital Breakthrough

Laufey’s professional music career began to take shape while she was still a student. Her musical foundation was built on rigorous classical training, which she has frequently cited as her "school of music". This background, combined with a deep appreciation for jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker, set the stage for her unique sound. The turning point came with the release of her debut EP, *Typical of Me*, in 2021, the same year she graduated from Berklee. The EP quickly garnered attention, primarily through social media platforms like TikTok, where her soft, ethereal vocals and intimate, jazz-infused compositions resonated with millions. Her ability to translate the emotional depth of traditional jazz into the language of Gen Z—often categorized by the media as the "Sad Wasian" trope—helped her stand out in a crowded landscape.

The Albums That Redefined Pop-Jazz

Following her successful EP, Laufey released her debut full-length album, *Everything I Know About Love*, in 2022. The album performed well, charting in both Iceland and the United States, and established her as a serious contender in the indie and jazz scenes. However, it was her second album, *Bewitched*, released in 2023, that catapulted her to international stardom. The album, which featured the viral hit single "From the Start," was a critical and commercial success. *Bewitched* showcased her evolving artistry, balancing emotional storytelling with complex musical arrangements, often collaborating with producers like Spencer Stewart and Aaron Dessner of The National.

The Grammy Triumph and 2025 Momentum

The ultimate validation of her work came at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024. At the age of 24, Laufey won the prestigious award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for *Bewitched*. This monumental win not only confirmed her status as a leading voice in the revival of traditional pop but also made her a global phenomenon. As of late 2025, Laufey continues to leverage this momentum. Her "Matter of Time Tour" has been selling out venues worldwide, demonstrating the massive global appeal of her unique sound. She has become a symbol of how classic genres can be successfully reimagined for a modern audience, inspiring countless young musicians to pick up instruments and explore the world of jazz and classical music.

The Sound of 'Bewitched': Laufey's Unique Jazz-Pop Fusion

Laufey's musical style is the core reason for her widespread appeal. It is a sophisticated, yet accessible, blend of multiple genres that defies easy categorization. Her music is often described as "jazz-pop" but is deeply rooted in the technical mastery of classical music and the rhythmic allure of bossa nova.

A Blend of Old and New Influences

Her training as a classical cellist and pianist is evident in the harmonic richness and structural complexity of her songs. This classical discipline gives her music a timeless quality, setting it apart from much of contemporary pop. However, her true genius lies in her ability to infuse this framework with the warmth and spontaneity of jazz. Laufey frequently cites jazz icons Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker as her biggest musical influences. She channels the intimate, conversational vocal style of Baker's "Chet Baker Sings" and the effortless swing of Fitzgerald, making her songs feel both nostalgic and entirely new. Her low, breathy vocal register has become a signature element, drawing comparisons to the great female vocalists of the past.

Topical Authority Through LSI Keywords and Entities

Laufey’s music is not just a genre fusion; it's a topical universe built on specific, relatable themes. Her songs explore the universal experiences of young love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, which resonate deeply with her Gen Z fanbase. The use of traditional instruments like the cello and acoustic guitar, combined with production techniques that evoke the sound of vintage recordings, creates a sonic world that is both comforting and emotionally raw. Key entities that define her sound include: * Traditional Pop Vocal Album: The Grammy category she won, solidifying her place in the traditional music canon. * Bossa Nova: A key rhythmic and harmonic influence, particularly noticeable in tracks that have a gentle, Latin-inspired sway. * Orchestral Arrangements: She frequently performs with and writes for full orchestras, such as her collaboration with The Cleveland Orchestra, highlighting the classical side of her artistry. * "From the Start": The breakout single that exemplifies her jazz-pop hybrid, featuring a memorable, intricate melody that went viral. In conclusion, Laufey’s age of 26 is merely a number that underscores her extraordinary achievements. She is not just a young artist; she is a cultural phenomenon who has successfully revived and modernized a genre, proving that great music—whether it's jazz, pop, or classical—is truly timeless. Her continued success in 2025 confirms her as one of the most important and influential voices of her generation.