Laufey Doesn't Dare To Call Himself A Jazz Musician

Laufey (Instagram @laufey)

JAKARTA - Laufey never explicitly called himself a jazz genre, but he did not deny that the genre that originated in New Orleans was his inspiration in music, in addition to Western classical music.

"I have great respect for jazz music, and there is no doubt that from there most of my influence comes from, especially in terms of vocal performances and cord writing - that's very clear," Laufey said while attending the 2024 Hitmakers event, citing Variety, Monday, December 9.

"I think one of the reasons I don't fully refer to myself as a jazz artist is because I don't think every song I'm in that category, and maybe insult those who do jazz completely to say that it's a complete jazz album," he continued.

Even so, said Laufey, there are many songs on the album "Bewitched" (2023) that resemble jazz standards and are perfect for jazz.

So, it's very difficult to put me in any category. If I were in the pop category, I wouldn't feel completely fit either. So, that's the only reason I haven't claimed it yet," he said.

Laufey, who received this year's Crossover Artist award, called jazz a source of vocal inspiration. And he trained and studied jazz music.

So (entering the top position) is an honor. I absolutely would never trust him, and especially with an audience as young as me, and listeners who usually don't listen to jazz. I think that's what makes it so cool."

The singers of the Icelandic-Chinese-blooded song also gave their views, when asked about many young listeners, especially from Gen Z who began to like jazz through him.

I think there must be kids who will listen to Valentine or Dreamer or From the Start, and think I listen to jazz Because compared to other music they listen to, jazz music has more color in its scores, and it has more a kind of old sensitivity and is played by jazz musicians and is directly inspired by jazz music. And I'm sure it's the most similar to jazz they've ever listened to, and they'll consider it jazz, "he said.

"But then I think the majority just listen to it and think it's just music, and it's comfortable, or maybe it feels like old-soul music or rain music. You know, I think they're more connected to it with vibrations or energy than genres. I don't think there are many kids my age or even younger who divide the music they listen to into the genre."

Laufey (Instagram @laufey)