Laufey Announces New Album 'A Matter of Time,' Plays Glastonbury with Noah Kahan

Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir, the Icelandic-Chinese jazz-pop sensation, is embarking on a period of significant growth and change, marked by the recent announcement of her third studio album, A Matter of Time, set for release on August 22nd. The multifaceted artist also recently made headlines with a surprise appearance at Glastonbury, joining friend Noah Kahan on the iconic Pyramid Stage. This whirlwind of activity signals a new, more confident chapter for the 26-year-old, whose musical journey has steadily ascended from Berklee College of Music student to Grammy-winning artist.

A New Sonic Chapter: A Matter of Time

Laufey describes A Matter of Time as her "most daunting project yet," and a "turning point" in her career. Moving beyond the wistful romanticism of her previous works, this new album delves into the intricacies of falling in love for the first time, offering a more introspective and mature perspective. "My first two albums are kind of just like, 'Oh, I wonder what it will feel like, la di da, I'm falling behind,'" Laufey told Time.com. "But this one is a lot more introspective and mature."

Fans can anticipate a bolder, more expansive sound. "There's more instrumentation," the multi-instrumentalist shared with Teen Vogue, describing the album as "louder" and "bigger." This evolution is driven in part by her growing audience and the demand for larger-than-life performances in arenas. Laufey emphasizes that this is her "most confident album," reflecting her comfort in occupying a larger space within the music industry. The album's final track, "Sabotage," is particularly indicative of this new direction, featuring "frantic instrumentals that crescendo in the final minute of the song, ultimately tying the album up in one big, cacophonous bow," according to Time.com. This track, among others, aims to explore the complexity of female emotion, even when it's not conventionally "beautiful."

Collaborations and Creative Growth

For A Matter of Time, Laufey sought to push her artistic boundaries, embracing new techniques and sounds. This ambition led to a significant collaboration with acclaimed producer Aaron Dessner, known for his work with Taylor Swift and Gracie Abrams. "He was the only person I worked with that I was like, 'This is a really honest opening of my story and my sound,'" Laufey shared with Rolling Stone. Their partnership, she believes, brought "a level of shine and speed" to her music, expanding her range in an exciting way. The album's concept draws inspiration from the Cinderella story, particularly the moment she races against time, symbolizing the album's themes of urgency and transformation. Yet, Laufey is keen to subvert this fairytale image, asserting that she is "so much more complex than that very soft-spoken, sweet jazz girl who wears ribbons in her hair and prances down the street."

Beyond Dessner, the album also features a backing vocal contribution from esteemed indie artist Clairo on the track "Mr. Eclectic," further diversifying the sonic texture of A Matter of Time.

Glastonbury Debut with Noah Kahan

Adding to her bustling schedule, Laufey made a memorable appearance at her first-ever Glastonbury Festival, joining friend Noah Kahan on the Pyramid Stage. This performance to an audience of 120,000 people was a significant moment for the artist, showcasing her versatility and growing presence across different musical landscapes. This follows a highly successful 2024, which saw her win a Grammy and complete a sold-out 110-show headlining tour for her sophomore album, Bewitched. These experiences have undoubtedly contributed to the heightened confidence and artistic ambition evident in her upcoming release.

Touring and Future Plans

Following the album's release, Laufey is embarking on a series of shows across the UK and the US, performing in music centers and amphitheatres alongside local symphony orchestras. These performances are designed to embrace the grandeur of her evolving sound and the expansive venues she now commands. Her Matter of Time concerts are structured into four acts, with a unique second act transforming the arena into a "jazz club," where she performs standards and reimagined versions of her own songs. A signature element of her shows is a B-stage with a spinning clock, allowing her to create intimate moments with the audience even in large arenas, a detail she was "really, really strict about having there," according to Paste Magazine.

Laufey's journey from a Berklee College of Music student to an artist selling out arenas and collaborating with musical icons is a testament to her unique blend of jazz, classical, bossa nova, and contemporary pop. Her dedication to her craft and her willingness to evolve her sound, while staying true to her artistic vision, positions A Matter of Time as a highly anticipated release and a pivotal moment in her burgeoning career.