Grammy award winning artist Laufey, the Icelandic jazz singer, has pushed for a new wave of artists in the modern jazz genre. She is actively introducing people to classical sounding music and her audience has become intergenerational. In a Variety interview she talks about this, saying “My whole goal as an artist is to introduce this music to a new generation of listeners”. The Icelandic singer-songwriter does this by using her social media to market herself as relatable and funny. Recently, Laufey won the Grammy award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for her sophomore release, Bewitched. She is actively creating a space for younger audiences to enjoy jazz music, which is vital for the genre to carry on. Laufey is critically acclaimed for her modern interpretation of the beloved genre, being praised for blending sounds of soul, folk, and pop. But why is this important to the next generations?
Jazz music holds much cultural significance in America, and encourages creativity and individual expression in creating music. In the States alone, Jazz music has been a way to break down cultural barriers between people groups and promote cultural exchange. Now in the modern era, the Jazz genre influences pop culture through the creation of other music genres. Blues, hip-hop, and rock and roll are examples of jazz-stemmed genres. The creation of Jazz music promotes individuality and creative expression by constantly adapting to new music technologies and new styles. The genre has remained a pioneer of modern music, and the importance of carrying on the genre to future generations is vital to new music. Laufey’s influence is a driving force in the Gen Z jazz culture, and her influence over a single generation has been amazing for promoting Jazz music as a genre for everybody.
Source:
https://variety.com/2023/music/news/laufey-interview-tour-bewitched-album-jazz-pop-1235831966/
Photo Credit: NPR
