Before she sold out arenas like Capital One, Laufey was writing music in her bedroom in DC. The singer-songwriter — who spent time throughout her childhood and adulthood in the city — made it clear at her sold-out DC tour stop just how significant DC is for her. So special, in fact, that she wore light pink in honor of DC’s signature cherry blossoms.
The Icelandic artist brought her A Matter of Time Tour to Capital One Arena on Oct. 23, and what could have been an arena show instead felt like a soft and intimate love letter to the city that helped her grow.
There’s no audience quite like those at a Laufey show.
When Laufey, accompanied by her four dancers, band, and orchestra, stepped on stage, the crowd’s energy was warm and attentive. It was clear the audience came ready to listen, not just to party, which suits her jazz-pop / orchestral style perfectly. In an arena where the floor is often jumping and screaming and occasionally moshing, Laufey’s audience came to sing and dance, but in their own unique way. And, they brought the bows and crowns as well. There were moments where the audience hushed completely, letting her voice and the strings carry the room. That stillness amplified the emotional impact of her music.
Stream A Matter of Time by Laufey on Spotify:
The show was composed of five acts and an encore. The set drew heavily from A Matter of Time — her third studio album recently released via AWAL — adding songs like “Goddess” and “California and Me” alongside fan-favorites “Valentine” and “Let You Break My Heart Again.” For the surprise song encore, she played “Just like Chet,” which she noted she saved exclusively for DC.
From the moment you entered, the show’s central concept — time — was everywhere. The stage featured a catwalk that led to a clock that not only changed colors but also had an “arm” that moved with and without Laufey standing on it, much like a traditional analog clock. There was also a swing, extravagant staircases that moved, and meaningful projections and lighting that tied into the theme. It was notably a larger production than the last time she was on tour in DC at The Anthem; this time featured dancers alongside the large set pieces and three costume changes. It was obvious how many people, and a bunny known as Mei Mei, made the show run.
Laufey interacted and spoke with the audience frequently, speaking about feeling different growing up Chinese, how orchestra kids are always the cool ones, and giving motivational advice to younger fans. Mid-show, she crowned (literally, with a special crown) a best-dressed fan, who made a dress out of Laufey’s sheet music. She made a giant arena feel like an intimate set with ease.
Earlier in the evening, Suki Waterhouse got the audience ready for the headlining set. Suki had cinematic set that perfectly set the mood for Laufey’s elegant performance. She delivered a dreamy blend of indie pop and retro flair, her smoky vocals carrying effortlessly through the Arena. Accompanied by her band, Waterhouse performed favorites including “Good Looking” and “Moves,” alongside new material from her forthcoming album. Her stage presence was both understated and magnetic, leaning into a vintage cool that felt at home in Laufey’s universe of romance and nostalgia. By the time she closed her set, the audience was fully entranced, the transition from Suki’s sultry indie pop to Laufey’s lush jazzy, orchestral sound feeling.
Setlist
Act I
Clockwork
Lover Girl
Dreamer
Falling Behind
Silver Lining
Bored
Too Little, Too Late
(Followed by instrumental interlude featuring elements of “Bewitched”)
Act II
Seems Like Old Times
(Carmen Lombardo cover)
Valentine
Fragile
While You Were Sleeping
Let You Break My Heart Again
Act III
Carousel
Forget-Me-Not
Cuckoo Ballet (Interlude)
Act IV
Like the Movies
(Instrumental)
Mr. Eclectic
Castle in Hollywood
Promise
Goddess
Tough Luck
Snow White
From the Start
The Final Act
Sabotage
Encore
Just Like Chet
Letter to My 13-Year-Old Self
Here are some more photos of Laufey performing live at Capital One Arena on Oct. 23, 2025. Photos courtesy of Nicole Mago.
