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Remi Wolf Unveils "Motorcycle" Featuring Stellar Collaborations

June 23, 2024

Remi Wolf, known for her vibrant and eclectic musical style, has released a new single titled "Motorcycle," featuring the talents of Kenny Beats, Leon Michels, and The Dap-Kings. Released on...

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Lava La Rue Announces Debut Album ‘STARFACE’

June 23, 2024

Lava La Rue, former Dork cover star and acclaimed London-based artist, has announced the release of their debut album, STARFACE, set to drop on June 21st, 2024, via Dirty Hit. This announcement is...

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Welcome to 'The Sweater Club' – Jelani Aryeh’s Sophomore Triumph

June 23, 2024

Jelani Aryeh’s highly anticipated album, The Sweater Club, dropped today, delivering exactly what fans have been eagerly awaiting. At 24, the San Diego native has already taken the indie-pop world...

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Sony Music to acquire Queen catalogue for £1 billion

June 23, 2024

Sony Music's recent announcement to acquire the majority of Queen's music catalogue, along with various other rights, signifies a monumental deal valued at approximately £1 billion...

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Rema Kicks Off 2024 with Explosive New Track “Benin Boys” Featuring Shallipopi

June 23, 2024

Nigerian superstar Rema has made an electrifying return with his new track, "Benin Boys," marking his first musical release of 2024. This collaboration with Shallipopi is a significant moment for...

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Alicia Keys: The Soulful Songstress and Her Musical Journey

June 23, 2024

Alicia Keys, born Alicia Augello Cook on January 25, 1981, in New York City, is an artist whose influence and talent have transcended musical genres and generations. With her powerful voice...

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Armaan Malik: The Melodic Maestro of Modern Indian Music

June 23, 2024

Armaan Malik, born on July 22, 1995, in Mumbai, India, is a name that resonates with melody, versatility, and youthful charm. As one of the most prominent voices in contemporary Indian music...

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Mitraz: The Rising Star of Indian Pop Music

June 23, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian music, a new artist is making waves with his fresh sound and heartfelt lyrics. Mitraz, an emerging star in the Indian pop music scene, has captivated...

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George Strait Shatters US Concert Attendance Record at Kyle Field

June 23, 2024

Country music legend George Strait has once again demonstrated his unparalleled star power by breaking the record for the largest concert ever held in the United States. His recent performance at...

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Katy Perry Teases New Album with Single "Woman’s World"

June 22, 2024

Katy Perry is once again stirring excitement in the music world with the announcement of her upcoming single, "Woman’s World," heralding a new album that promises to continue her dynamic presence...

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Carrie Underwood Marks 50th Show of "Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency"

Carrie Underwood celebrated a major milestone in her illustrious career on June 1, as she performed her 50th show in the "Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency" at Resorts World Theatre. This...

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Inside Taylor Swift's feud with Charli XCX from song dig to ex-boyfriend connection

June 22, 2024

Charli XCX's latest album, BRAT, has garnered critical acclaim, yet it has also reignited rumors of a feud with Taylor Swift. Despite having opened for Taylor on her Reputation tour, Charli's new...

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The Laufey Effect: Jazz is so back

Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet

Laufey has played a key role in revitalizing interest in jazz, blending its classic elements with modern pop appeal to attract Gen Z audiences on platforms like TikTok and Spotify. Her Grammy-winning album Bewitched broke streaming records for a jazz debut, showing how accessible and fresh the genre can feel today.

Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir, the 26 year old Icelandic artist’s music aligns with the Great American Songbook while infusing her own songs with soulful lyrics about love and heartbreak.​ This approach has earned her praise from many artists, went on to win the 2025 Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, and got many sold-out arena tours. While some listeners debate her jazz credentials, Laufey emphasizes her classical training at Berklee and insists her music lifts people up, regardless of labels.​

Core Jazz Elements for Beginners

Jazz stands out for its swing rhythms, rich harmonies, and expressive improvisation, creating a warm, organic feel that's perfect to layer into pop, hip-hop, or electronic tracks. It’s key features include:

  • Swing eighth notes: Uneven timing where the first note feels longer, like a laid-back shuffle.​
  • Extended chords: Seventh or ninth chords add color and tension, beyond basic major/minor triads.​
  • Walking bass lines: Steady, melodic bass that outlines chord changes smoothly.​

These elements bring sophistication without overwhelming a simple beat!

Beginner Tips to Add Jazz Vibes

1. Set a swing sound.
Program drums at 80–130 BPM with swing quantization (often 50–70%) to make hi-hats and snares feel loose and more nostalgic.

2. Build chord progressions.
Use ii-V-I patterns (like Dm7-G7-Cmaj7) for that classic jazz flow. Play them on piano or guitar plugins for a velvety texture.​

3. Layer a walking bass.
Add upright bass notes that step chromatically between chord tones, keeping it simple: one note per beat at moderate velocity for natural swing.​

4. Experiment with samples.
Chop jazz sax riffs, piano loops, or vocal scat and time-stretch and pitch-shift to fit your track, then layer over drums until you get the vibe you’re looking for

5. Focus on space and dynamics.
Leave room between elements, use subtle reverb on keys and EQ to carve frequencies so bass and drums don't clash.

Many artists face backlash when they dare to pivot, yet for Laufey, whose fans often treat her music as a time capsule for nostalgia, the stakes of experimentation are even higher. However, her meteoric rise has proven one thing: her greatest strength lies in her refusal to be defined by a single genre or era. 

The Laufey Effect: Jazz is so backthe-laufey-effect-jazz-is-so-backJaisha VallianiMar 25, 2026Laufey has played a key role in revitalizing interest in jazz, blending its classic elements with modern pop appeal to attract Gen Z audiences on platforms like TikTok and Spotify. Her...