Laufey's Creative Voice: ASCAP Honors a Star Redefining Music's Future

NEW YORK, NY – April 08, 2026 – The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has named two-time Grammy-winning artist Laufey as the recipient of its prestigious Creative Voice Award. The honor, which celebrates creators whose career achievements are shaped by their innovative spirit and community contributions, places the Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter among an esteemed list of past recipients including Questlove, Wyclef Jean, and Lyle Lovett.

Laufey, a composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, will accept the award at an invitation-only celebration for songwriters in Los Angeles on April 30. The recognition underscores a meteoric rise that has seen the artist not only achieve commercial success but also fundamentally reshape the conversation around classical and jazz music for a new generation.

"Few artists are reshaping the musical landscape quite like Laufey. Through her elegant fusion of pop, jazz and classical influences, Laufey bridges genres and generations with a sound that has captivated audiences around the world," said ASCAP President & Chairman Paul Williams. "Just as impressive is her dedication to empowering other aspiring young creators through her charitable work. It is a privilege to celebrate her trailblazing artistry and remarkable impact with the ASCAP Creative Voice Award."

A New Blueprint for Modern Music

At the heart of Laufey's acclaim is a musical style that is both nostalgic and strikingly contemporary. Raised between Reykjavik and Washington, D.C., she was immersed in music from a young age, training as a classical cellist and pianist while her father introduced her to the jazz standards of Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker. This dual education formed the bedrock of her artistic vision, which she honed at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.

Her 2021 debut EP, Typical of Me, offered the first glimpse of this unique fusion, with the single "Street by Street" topping Icelandic radio charts. However, it was her subsequent work that cemented her status as a cultural phenomenon. Her 2023 album, Bewitched, not only earned her a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album but also shattered records, securing the biggest jazz LP debut in Spotify's history. This success is built on a sophisticated yet accessible sound, where lush orchestral arrangements reminiscent of Ravel meet the breezy rhythms of bossa nova and the relatable lyrical themes of modern love and self-discovery.

Laufey's influence extends far beyond streaming metrics, which now tally over seven billion global plays. She has cultivated a massive and deeply engaged audience, particularly among Gen Z listeners, through her masterful use of social media. With over 25 million followers, she uses platforms like TikTok and Instagram not just for promotion, but as a creative and communal space, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of her process and fostering a direct, authentic connection with fans. This digital-native approach has proven instrumental in demystifying genres once considered niche, making the Great American Songbook as relevant to a teenager today as a viral pop hit.

Beyond the Stage: A Mission to Give Back

While her musical accolades—which include a second Grammy, a Forbes 30 Under 30 designation, and being named one of TIME's 2025 Women of the Year—are extensive, the ASCAP Creative Voice Award also recognizes her profound commitment to community. Inspired by her own formative experiences with music education, Laufey has channeled her success into tangible support for the next generation of artists.

In 2025, she launched The Laufey Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to music education globally. The foundation's mission is to provide instruments, resources, and financial support to youth orchestral programs, ensuring that aspiring musicians have the same opportunities that she credits with shaping her career. "My goal is to bring jazz and classical music to my generation through a more accessible road," she has stated, a principle that guides both her music and her philanthropy.

The foundation has already established significant partnerships with renowned institutions such as the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO), Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA), and Carnegie Hall's NYO Jazz program. With founding support from industry giants like AEG Presents, Steinway & Sons, and Warner Chappell, The Laufey Foundation is a testament to her vision of an artistic ecosystem where success is shared and talent is nurtured regardless of background.

The Architect of a Cultural Moment

Laufey's impact is visible in the sold-out venues she commands across the globe, from the Hollywood Bowl and Madison Square Garden to London's Royal Albert Hall. She has performed with world-class orchestras like the LA Phil and the National Symphony Orchestra, seamlessly bridging the worlds of pop and classical performance. Her versatility is further highlighted by her diverse collaborations, which span from icons like Barbra Streisand and Norah Jones to contemporary trailblazers such as Hozier, PinkPantheress, and Noah Kahan.

This broad appeal signifies more than just personal success; it points to a larger cultural shift. Laufey represents a new model for artistry in the 21st century—one that is genre-fluid, entrepreneurially savvy, and deeply connected to its audience. Her creative endeavors continue to expand, with the deluxe version of her 2025 album A Matter of Time and her debut children's book, Mei Mei the Bunny, both released this April.

By honoring Laufey, ASCAP is not only recognizing an exceptional catalog of work but also endorsing a future where artists are celebrated for their holistic contribution to culture. The Creative Voice Award acknowledges her as more than a singer or a songwriter; it defines her as a visionary, a community builder, and a powerful force for change in the music world. Her work provides a compelling blueprint for how to build a meaningful and enduring career by honoring the past while composing the future.