13/12/2025

LYFE SATURDAY | DEC 13, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

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Magic of Christmas L OS ANGELES-BASED Icelandic-Chinese multi instrumentalist, composer, producer and artiste Laufey has released an animated video for her take on the classic Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town . o A Matter of Time sees Grammy nomination

Created by Scale Model Studios, directed by Jennifer Kidd, with creative direction from Junia Lin, the video portrays Laufey and her beloved Mei Mei The Bunny anticipating Santa’s arrival. Laufey’s music has become synonymous with the season and in 2024 she had three songs chart in Top 40 for Christmas. A Very Laufey Holiday started in 2021 with Love To Keep Me Warm (with dodie), followed by The Christmas Waltz in 2022, Christmas Dreaming in 2023 and Santa Baby last year with a music video featuring Bill Murray. Additionally, there was her exclusive Spotify single, which was a cover of Winter Wonderland that came out in 2023 and in 2024, Laufey recorded a holiday original, Christmas Magic , exclusively for Amazon Music, which will now be included on the A Very Laufey Holiday collection. Laufey recently performed Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town , as well as her rendition of Santa Baby and her holiday original Christmas Magic , on NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center . She also performed her hit single Lover Girl on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this week.

A Matter of Time highlights Laufey’s singular sound that finds its roots in her influences, after being in writing for a year.

acclaim in August, debuting third on UK Official Charts, fourth on Billboard 200 chart and first on Jazz Albums chart (where it remains to this day). On the album, Laufey further emphasises her singular sound – one still rooted in her beloved influences, but forgoes any strict standards or rules. She teamed with a pair of co-producers, one comforting and familiar – Spencer Stewart who worked with Laufey on her first two albums – and one new to her but deeply attuned to artistes looking to open up: Aaron Dessner (Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran). Feeling sonically unrestrained gave Laufey the space to share new sides of herself while exploring sometimes heavier themes.

26-year-old Laufey is riding her own musical wave. chart topping album A Matter of Time has been nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 68th Grammy Awards. The nomination follows her 2024 win in the same category for her album Bewitched – the youngest artiste ever to win in the category. The honour is the culmination of a huge year for Laufey. A Matter of Time , was released to widespread critical Moreover, Laufey’s

Hailing from Iceland, Laufey’s musical knowledge acts as her career-springboard. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @LAUFEY

Ballad of hope, light

THAI artiste James Alyn and London based pop band Prep have teamed up for their heartfelt new single Don’t Worry . With Prep’s smooth blend of soft pop, soul and funk, paired with Alyn’s warm, emotional tone, they complement each other to create a sound that feels both intimate and timeless, offering comfort and hope. Don’t Worry was inspired by a touching encounter with a fan. “She told me my songs helped her through her darkest times. I wrote this song hoping it could be a

Prep band members (from left) Daniel Radclyffe, Llywelyn Myrddin, Guillaume Jambel and Tom Havelock.

classics alongside cutting-edge new material that he has both written and performed, solidifying his reputation as a trendsetter in the music industry. On stage, Alyn captivates audiences with his electrifying performances, backed by a band that has been by his side for over a decade. Together, they create an immersive and exhilarating live experience, leaving fans enthralled for the entire show.

“After the show, me and the guys from Prep went to Kuo from Sunset Rollercoaster’s house and jammed for a bit, not intending for it to be anything. A year later, I found a voice memo from that night and built the rest of the song from there.” Alyn, formerly the lead vocalist of the internationally acclaimed duo HYBS, has embarked on a dynamic solo career, showcasing his versatility across a wide range of musical styles. His repertoire features beloved HYBS

beacon of light for others who need reassurance. I’m really thankful to my fans for being by my side through thick and thin. Just like the line “Even in another life, you can find me by your side, I’ll always be there for them too.” Blending soothing vocals, lush synths and Prep’s signature groove, Don’t Worry is a reminder to keep faith through difficult moments. “It was the night I opened for Prep in Taipei,” Alyn recalled.

Alyn embarking on a solo musical career brings international collaboration.

Don’t Worry is inspired by an encounter with a fan.