Introduction to Laufey
The Icelandic Jazzpop phenomenon, Laufey, brought its characteristic charm to the Crypto.com Arena in LA over the weekend. The 26-year-old Grammy winner performed on September 26th and 27th, with her legions of worshiped fans packing the arena for two nights. The show was divided into a five-act structure, with each act featuring a different set piece.
The Album and Its Meaning
Laufey’s album, "A Matter of Time," is about self-discovery and the emotions that come with falling in love. She describes it as "the overlap of love" and notes that she sometimes didn’t even recognize herself throughout the process. The album explores the idea of "Who am I?" and the emotions that come with it. One of the songs from the album, "Sabotage," serves as a perfect example of this theme. It’s a meeting of chaotic and essential elements, showcasing the contrast between Laufey’s beautiful and melodic piano pieces and the chaos that can be inside.
The Structure of the Show
The singer, known for her unique mix of jazz and pop, explored all sides of musical identity throughout the show. Act two of the show was born from the idea of bringing concertgoers to a jazz club, while still performing in a large arena. This unique setup made the experience feel like a must-see entertainment. The show’s structure, with its different set pieces and acts, kept the audience engaged and interested throughout the performance.
Special Guests
A special song was built into Laufey’s set, a rotating track that changes from city to city. This alone would be exciting for fans, but Laufey took it to the next level by inviting various musicians to perform with her. On the first night, she brought out Hozier to perform her song "Magnolia" with her. The duo sounded incredible, and the duet stood out as a highlight of the night. For her second LA show, Laufey invited the rising girl group Katseye to join her on stage, where they played the song "Gabriela" together.
Highlights of the Show
One of the standout moments of the show was when Laufey performed her 2023 single "Goddess." She warned the crowd that things were about to get a bit dramatic, and then went to the piano for a few songs. The song, played against dramatic lighting, was an outstanding moment of the show. It felt like all the theaters of the night had led up to the explosive highlight of the song, with the camera chasing Laufey as she hit the high notes. The performance was a testament to Laufey’s talent and charisma as a performer, and left a lasting impression on the audience.
