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| Lauv | |
|---|---|
| Name | Lauv |
| Birth name | Ari Staprans Leff |
| Birth date | March 8, 1994 |
| Birth place | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Years active | 2014–present |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano |
| Labels | AWAL, Republic Records |
Lauv
Ari Staprans Leff, known professionally as a singer-songwriter and record producer, rose to prominence with a string of synth-pop and electro-pop releases that achieved global streaming success. He has collaborated with artists across pop, electronic, and indie scenes and earned recognition from industry organizations, award bodies, and major media outlets. His work bridges mainstream pop charts, festival circuits, and independent production communities.
Leff was born in San Francisco and raised in San Mateo County, California, with family roots linking to Riga and Latvia through his paternal grandparents. He began writing music in adolescence, drawing early comparisons to artists associated with Indie pop movements and Californian singer-songwriters such as Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz. He attended Columbia University in New York City where he studied music and engineering, participated in campus music scenes connected to venues like Bowery Ballroom and Le Poisson Rouge, and interacted with peers who later worked with producers from Los Angeles, Stockholm, and London. During his university years he released early EPs that circulated on platforms like SoundCloud and Spotify, attracting attention from managers and labels including Republic Records and independent distributors like AWAL.
Leff's early career featured collaborations with producers and songwriters from Dr. Luke-era pop teams and with electronic acts linked to Monstercat and Nettwerk. His breakout single garnered playlist placement on influential curators such as Spotify's editorial teams and exposure through tastemakers at Billboard, Rolling Stone, and Pitchfork. He has co-written and co-produced tracks with artists and producers including Charlie Puth, BTS members' collaborators, Troye Sivan's camp, and songwriters associated with Max Martin-influenced pop. Leff released multiple EPs before debuting studio albums that charted on the Billboard 200 and international charts like the UK Albums Chart and ARIA Charts. He has licensed songs for media properties including series on Netflix, HBO, and advertisements for brands like Apple and Nike. His label affiliations and publishing arrangements involved companies such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Publishing, and independent imprints in New York and Los Angeles.
Leff's sound blends synth-pop, electro-pop, and bedroom pop aesthetics influenced by artists such as John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, Lorde, The Weeknd, and innovators from the 1980s synth era like Tears for Fears and Depeche Mode. Production techniques draw on contemporary producers who've worked with Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, The Chainsmokers, and Calvin Harris. Lyrical themes often parallel confessional songwriting traditions found in works by Elliott Smith, Bon Iver, and Sufjan Stevens, while melodic sensibilities align with mainstream pop hitmakers like Paul McCartney and Max Martin. His arrangements incorporate electronic programming used by producers from Sweden and Norway and mixing engineers who have worked at studios such as Electric Lady Studios and Abbey Road Studios.
Leff's catalog includes studio albums, EPs, singles, and collaborative releases that have appeared on charts compiled by Billboard and Official Charts Company. Notable releases include full-length albums released through labels such as Republic Records and distribution partners like AWAL. His singles have been playlisted alongside tracks from artists including Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, Halsey, and Justin Bieber. He has issued deluxe editions and acoustic variants similar to releases by Coldplay and Imagine Dragons and has contributed songwriting to sessions credited to artists signed with Island Records and Interscope Records.
Leff has headlined international tours, performing at festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, Glastonbury Festival, and SXSW, and at venues ranging from Madison Square Garden-adjacent theaters to European arenas booked by promoters like Live Nation and AEG Presents. He has supported established artists on tours with acts managed by teams who work with Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Sam Smith. His live band configurations have included musicians with credits alongside Florence and the Machine, Vampire Weekend, and Foster the People. Broadcast performances include appearances on programs like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and European music shows tied to BBC Radio 1.
Leff's songwriting and streaming milestones have led to nominations and wins from organizations such as BMI, ASCAP, and recognition in year-end lists by Billboard and Rolling Stone. He has been shortlisted for awards presented by MTV Video Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, and national ceremonies including the American Music Awards and industry events in United Kingdom and Australia. His work has earned certifications from bodies like the Recording Industry Association of America and equivalents including British Phonographic Industry and Australian Recording Industry Association.
Leff has been public about mental health topics and advocacy similar to peers who have discussed wellbeing in interviews with outlets like NPR, The New York Times, and The Guardian. He has participated in benefit events alongside artists affiliated with charities such as (RED), Make-A-Wish Foundation, and MusiCares. He has collaborated with fashion and lifestyle brands that partner with artists like Pharrell Williams and Rihanna and maintains residences and workspaces between Los Angeles and New York City.
Category:American singer-songwriters Category:1994 births Category:Living people