Lauv

Ari Staprans Leff, known professionally as Lauv, is an American singer, songwriter, and producer who has become one of the defining voices of modern bedroom pop. Born on August 8, 1994, in San Francisco, California, to a Latvian father and an American mother, he grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. He studied music technology at New York University’s Steinhardt School, where he began crafting the emotionally honest pop songs that would launch his career.

Lauv first gained major attention in 2017 with his single “I Like Me Better,” which became a global hit, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and amassing billions of streams. The song’s success was largely organic, driven by streaming platforms and social media sharing. His debut compilation project “I Met You When I Was 18 (The Playlist)” released tracks over time, creating a unique rollout strategy that kept him consistently visible to fans.

His official debut album “~how i’m feeling~” was released in March 2020 and featured collaborations with BTS, Troye Sivan, Alessia Cara, and Anne-Marie. The album debuted in the top 20 on the Billboard 200 and spawned hit singles like “Feelings,” “Mean It” (with LANY), and “Who” (with BTS). Lauv’s willingness to openly discuss mental health has resonated deeply with his young fanbase, and he has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness through his Blue Boy Foundation.

Lauv has continued to release music prolifically, building a dedicated global fanbase that has enabled successful world tours. His songwriting credits extend beyond his own work, having written for other artists as well. His ability to craft relatable, emotionally driven pop songs has made him a streaming powerhouse, with billions of total streams across platforms. By 2026, his net worth from music sales, touring, songwriting royalties, and brand partnerships is estimated at approximately $10 million.