This past weekend I was completely “bewitched” by Icelandic-Chinese singer, Laufey, who’s recent Grammy win has launched her into pop-star levels of fame amongst today’s youth. The only thing is, she doesn’t sing pop music.
The picturesque outdoor concert took place in the heart of Long Island’s east end, outside Montauk’s infamous lighthouse. The makeshift stage overlooked the North Atlantic Ocean and was complemented by a stunning sunset view of New York State’s first lighthouse, commissioned by President George Washington himself in 1972.
Deviating from the typical venues Laufey performs at, this waterfront bluff was stacked from top to bottom with beach chairs. The chairs totally matched the east end beachy aesthetic and were filled up by concertgoers on a first-come, first-served basis. With a full house of excited faces in beach chairs not even half an hour after the “doors” opened, Laufey’s committed fanbase took to the remaining patches of grass surrounding the lighthouse with picnic blankets and pillows.
We were first greeted by Joe Gavioli, the current keeper of the lighthouse and the president of the Montauk Historical Society. Joe reminded the audience about the Montauk Lighthouse’s rich history and its significance to the local community. Then as a cool breeze washed over the seaside bluff, he introduced the show’s opener, Grace Enger.
As the self-proclaimed “best musician to come out of Hoboken since Frank Sinatra,” Enger played into her comedic strength when addressing the diverse crowd. She starts off with an acoustic version of her song “Ruin,” a song she says is about how self-destructive thoughts often ruin relationships for her. Enger also pleases the crowd with a sweet cover of “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer. Her voice is soft, but strong. Its echo bounces off the bluff and back through the air, creating a very unique and immersive listening experience. Her songwriting and acoustic style are reminiscent of other young female artists like Gracie Abrams and Lizzie McAlpine. I couldn’t help but notice that dragonflies buzzed through the air, and she closed with an unreleased single “I think I want to see you again.”
Once the Long Island sun set, a string quartet took the stage. As they set up their instruments, the crowd buzzed with excitement over the now visible signal light that beaconed out from the top of the lighthouse. Soon enough, Laufey pranced onstage wearing a black sailors dress, which she later confirmed was to match the “Montauk aesthetic.” Laufey’s dreamy jazz set started with her song “Bewitched.” The string quartet beautifully accompanied Laufey dulcet vocals.
Laufey cycled through an impressive repertoire of singles including “Valentine,” “Second Best,” “Falling Behind,” “Haunted,” and “Beautiful Stranger,” even inviting the crowd to sing along at times. She then headed to the piano and performed a beautiful cover of Cinderella’s “So This Is Love.”
Her set ended with “From The Start,” a fan favorite which was originally released as a single and then incorporated into her most recent album “Bewitched.”
Laufey brings a unique sound and fresh perspective to the mainstream music industry, and this performance highlighted her ability to connect with a diverse crowd and capture the hearts of many generations — something I’d argue the modern pop world struggles with.
