Lauv

Biography

Ari Staprans Leff, known professionally as Lauv, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer born on August 8, 1994, in San Francisco, California. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in music, learning to play the piano, viola, and guitar. During his teenage years, he played in several bands and explored jazz music before delving into electronic music production. His stage name, Lauv, is Latvian for "lion," a nod to his mother's heritage, his Hebrew name Ari which also means lion, and his Leo zodiac sign.

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

While studying music technology at New York University, a breakup inspired him to write the song "The Other," which he co-wrote with Michael Matosic. Released in 2015, the song went viral on SoundCloud and Spotify, marking his arrival on the music scene. This success led to the release of his debut EP, "Lost in the Light," in the same year. However, it was his 2017 single, "I Like Me Better," that became a global breakout hit, achieving multi-platinum status in the US and gaining popularity in many other countries. This track was part of his 2018 compilation album, "I Met You When I Was 18.," which chronicled a significant relationship in his life.

Musical Style and Themes

Lauv's music is a blend of pop, R&B, and electronic elements, characterized by catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. He is known for his introspective and vulnerable songwriting, often exploring themes of love, heartbreak, loneliness, and mental health. His work is often described as emotionally resonant and relatable, which has helped him connect with a broad audience. He has cited artists like John Mayer and The 1975 as influences on his musical style.

Studio Albums and Collaborations

Lauv has released two studio albums. His debut full-length album, "~how i'm feeling~," was released in March 2020. The album features a number of collaborations with popular artists, including Troye Sivan on "i'm so tired...," Anne-Marie on "fuck, i'm lonely," and BTS on "Who." His second album, "All 4 Nothing," was released in August 2022 and featured the lead single "26." Throughout his career, Lauv has also written songs for other artists, such as "No Promises" for Cheat Codes and Demi Lovato, and "Boys" for Charli XCX.

Recent Work

More recently, Lauv contributed the song "Steal the Show" to the soundtrack of the 2023 Disney/Pixar film "Elemental." He continues to release new music, with singles like "Potential" and "First Heartbreak" arriving in the following year, and maintains a strong connection with his dedicated fanbase through his honest and evolving musical journey.