Lauv, also known as Ari Staprans Leff, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. With a passion for music since childhood, he honed his skills in various instruments and pursued formal education in music technology. His talent for songwriting led to the release of several viral singles, including the immensely popular ‘The Other’, which achieved gold certification. Lauv’s success propelled him to Los Angeles, where he collaborated with renowned artists like Demi Lovato and Charli XCX. His hit single ‘I Like Me Better’ further solidified his position in the industry, earning him high chart rankings and numerous accolades. Currently, Lauv is touring worldwide with esteemed musicians like Ed Sheeran and expanding his collaborations with artists such as Troye Sivan and Julia Michaels.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Ari Staprans Leff
- Age: 29 Years, 29 Year Old Males
- Pop Singers
- Record Producers
- Notable Alumni: Steinhardt School
- U.S. State: California
- City: San Francisco, California
- More Facts
- Education: Steinhardt School
Early Life and Education
Lauv, born on August 8, 1994 in San Francisco, California, showed a strong inclination towards music from a young age. By the time he was 10 years old, he had already learned to play the piano and the viola. At the age of 11, he switched to the guitar and his passion for music turned into an obsession. He began writing his own music, with a particular focus on relationships and breakups. Even during his time at Radnor Middle School, he was actively involved in various bands. Lauv decided to pursue his passion academically and studied music technology at New York University.
Career Beginnings
During his time at university, Lauv started exploring contemporary songwriting styles and paid attention to production techniques. He was particularly inspired by an interview with Paul Simon, where Simon discussed his songwriting process. In 2014, Lauv adopted the stage name ‘Lauv’ and released his breakout song ‘The Other’, a mix of rhythmic and indie pop beats. The song, co-written by Michael Matosic, went viral and entered the Top 100 list on Spotify, despite not having a big producer backing it up.
After graduating, Lauv signed with Prescription Songs, an American music publishing company. In September 2015, he released his debut play record ‘Lost in the Light’, which included his first hit ‘The Other’. In 2016, he released the single ‘Question’ featuring Travis Mills in the video, which was certified gold by the RIAA and MC. Lauv also co-wrote the song ‘Breathe’ with Michael Matosic and DallasK. Throughout the year, Lauv primarily assisted other artists.
Rise to Fame
In May 2017, Lauv released the single ‘I Like Me Better’, which quickly climbed the charts and became a hit among teenagers. The upbeat song, inspired by his own relationship, topped charts in many countries and received numerous certifications. The success of the song gave Lauv the confidence to embark on a tour across the country called the ‘Late Nights, Deep Talks’ tour. The tour was immensely successful, and Lauv’s popularity continued to grow with the release of singles like ‘Easy in Love’ and ‘Paris in the Rain’. He was even invited to perform at Summerfest in Wisconsin.
In September 2017, Lauv was announced as the supporting act for Ed Sheeran’s Divide Tour (Asia). Despite some cancellations, Lauv actively promoted the tour in Manila and Jakarta. The tour finally kicked off in Singapore in November 2017 and was a huge success.
First Full-Length Album and World Tour
In 2018, Lauv released his first full-length album ‘I Met You When I Was 18’. The album consisted of songs that were collected over time and included hits like ‘Chasing Fire’ and ‘Paranoid’. Lauv described the album as a playlist due to its intermittent nature. Following the success of his album, Lauv embarked on his first world tour with Jeremy Tucker. His concerts were often sold out. In September 2018, he released the single ‘There’s No Way’ in collaboration with Julia Michaels, which gained millions of views and streams.
Recent Collaborations and Future Plans
In January 2019, Lauv collaborated with Australian singer Troye Sivan for the song ‘I’m So Tired’. The music video quickly gained millions of views. Lauv is currently busy with his tours and has announced a tour in Asia. He plans to perform in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and India. Tickets to his concerts have already sold out, solidifying Lauv’s status as a rising star in the music industry.