THIS IS STARTER PACK, a new column from CULTURED that spotlights your favorite figures at a turning point in their careers, as well as the little rituals and holy grails that have helped propel them to this moment. 

It’s been a whirlwind year for Laufey (pronounced “Lay-vay,” for novice fans). The Icelandic-Chinese jazz-pop up-and-comer has been bringing traditional music back to the Billboard charts following her first Grammy win for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album last year, with Bewitched. Her third record, A Matter of Time, out last month, is a mixture of Swiftian confessional lyrics and classical instrumentation picked up at the prestigious Berklee College of Music and fine-tuned on the indie circuit.

Being a Laufey fan is sometimes like taking part in one giant sleepover, from her Instagram Book Club to her annual A Very Laufey Day, a hybrid fan meet up, album listening party, and scavenger hunt that has pop stans taking to the streets in droves, matcha and headphones in hand. As Laufey rides the tidal wave of newly rabid attention, CULTURED caught up with musician to talk about how a little more than a decade of work has culminated in a fresh start.

Laufey starts her day by….

What’s your favorite way to start your day?

By making my bed, putting on a cute cozy outfit (sweats and ballet flats, typically), and going for a long coffee walk. Some days, I take the walk in utter silence and listen to the birds. Other days I do it with a phone call or music. Pretty soon after finishing my morning latte and walk, I’m ready for my matcha! I love specialty beverages. 

Where do you start an outfit?

If I’ve just gotten a new piece of clothing like a new top or new pants, I’ll always center an outfit around that piece. If not, I start with bottoms. I love all my different skirt and trouser options. Depending on how fancy the bottoms feel, I’ll wear something more casual on top or sneakers instead of ballet flats. It’s all about balance! 

What’s a book you bought but never started?

I bought Flights by Olga Tokarczuk but never started it. It’s a series of short stories, and I bought it specifically to read the story about Frédéric Chopin’s heart being secretly snuck into Poland by his sister. Chopin is one of my all-time favorite composers! He’s known for his piano music, but I urge everyone to listen to his Cello Sonata! The second movement is a tear-jerker. 

What’s your way to kickstart a party?

I always start with an outfit that makes me feel confident. Ideally, there’s some fun texture (feathers, sequins, fringe, etc). After that, music makes or breaks it. I tend to opt for 2000s club bangers! 

If you could change the world, where would you start?

I’d start locally! You can’t change anything without proving your concept. I’d start by changing something in my community and see if it sticks! If change is successful and enjoyable for the community, I’d test the concept out with a bigger group! 

When the last time you had to start over?

I have to start over when practicing all the time—it’s a part of the art! Learning to give in and start again. 

In Laufey’s starter pack are….

My cello

Ballet flats

Lip liner

Ear phones

An iced matcha latte