AceShowbiz - Laufey, honored as a 2026 Innovator at Billboard Women in Music, shared insights into her artistic process, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and creative growth. She highlighted how performing alongside diverse artists like Benson Boone, Hozier, and KATSEYE allows her to explore new dimensions of her voice and defy genre boundaries.

Reflecting on her early days, Laufey described starting out by posting videos from her bedroom and personally managing communication with record labels. This hands-on approach helped her maintain independence while building a dedicated team through the release of her first three albums.

Addressing the challenge of performing live, Laufey admitted to feeling a sense of impostor syndrome initially. She recalled, “I definitely was a little bit at first. I think the first concert I played, I was like, 'Whoa. Who do I think I am to be playing here?'” However, she quickly grew comfortable, especially when surrounded by fans in intimate theater settings. This immersive environment, she explained, deepens the connection between artist and audience and enriches her musical expression.

Laufey expressed a lasting affection for theater performances, saying she intends to continue playing such venues throughout her career. She elaborated on the creative decisions involved in balancing large-scale and intimate moments during concerts. Big productions with dancers, orchestration, strings, and expansive visuals draw inspiration from opera, ballet, and musical theater to create fantastical experiences.

In contrast, quieter moments are crafted to feel deeply personal. Laufey values using these times to speak directly to the audience, sharing the stories behind her songs or simply humanizing the experience by discussing everyday life. She noted that while arenas can feel vast and intimidating for both performer and audience, these smaller, candid interactions help bridge that gap.

Through this dynamic approach to live shows, Laufey finds ways to showcase multiple facets of her artistry, blending grandeur with intimacy. Her reflections reveal a thoughtful balance between maintaining independence as an artist and embracing the collaborative, transformative nature of live music.

Fans and observers can look forward to seeing how Laufey continues to evolve her performances, blending innovation with emotional honesty, and navigating the complexities of touring and self-expression in the years ahead.