Ari Staprans Leff, known professionally as Lauv, is an American musician widely recognized for his breakthrough single “I Like Me Better”.
The song, included on his 2018 compilation album I Met You When I Was 18, made him internationally famous and a prominent figure in the pop music industry.
contour
- Full name: Ali Stapras Lev
- Stage name: Lauf
- Date of birth: August 8, 1994
- Age: 30 years old
- Birthplace: San Francisco, California, USA
- Nationality: United States
- Occupation: Musician
- Height: 1.73m
- Parents: Stuart Leff and Silvija Staprāns.
- Siblings: 1
- Girlfriends: Julia Michaels (formerly) and Sophie Cates (formerly)
- Children: None
- Relationship: Single
- Net worth: $6 million
early life and education
Ari Staprans Leff was born on August 8, 1994 in San Francisco, California, and was raised by his parents Stuart Leff and Silvija Staprāns. Lauf has a sibling.
He attended Radnor High School before pursuing a music technology degree at New York University. Although Lauf identifies as biracial and holds U.S. citizenship, his religious affiliation has not been publicly detailed.
Profession
Lauv is an American musician and songwriter who rose to fame with the 2017 hit single “I Like Me Better.” His musical journey began at New York University, where a personal breakup inspired him to channel his emotions into songwriting.
In 2015, he released his debut EP “Lost in the Light”, which included the hit song “The Other”. The song, a blend of electro-pop and heartfelt lyricism, gained huge traction on platforms like SoundCloud and Hype Machine, and marked the beginning of his solo career under the name Lauv.
Building on the success of his earlier albums, Lauv launched I Met You When I Was 18 (Playlist) in 2018, a collection of songs documenting his first love and life experiences in New York.
The project, which includes “I Like Me Better,” has received over 1 billion streams on Spotify, further cementing his place in pop music.
Lauv has also collaborated with famous artists such as Julia Michaels and Troye Sivan. Songs like “There’s No Way” and “I’m So Tired” showcase his ability to write relatable, introspective songs. His success earned him recognition on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart, underscoring his growing influence in the industry.
In March 2020, Lauv released his debut studio album, How I’m Feeling, which debuted at No. 16 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album delves into themes of mental health and self-identity, reflecting Lauv’s dedication to musical authenticity.
As well as touring internationally, he actively supports mental health initiatives, using his platform to raise awareness and create a personal connection with fans.
With his ever-evolving sound, candid storytelling, and commitment to meaningful causes, Lauf has become a prominent and influential figure in contemporary pop music.
Awards and nominations
- Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music for an Animated Feature (2024) for her work on the film Elemental
- Teen Choice Awards Music Choice Awards: Breakthrough Artist (2018)
- iHeartRadio Music Awards for Best New Pop Artist (2019)
- MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) Push Artist of the Year (2019)
- Gold Derby Music Awards Best Newcomer (2021)
- MTV European Music Awards Best Promoting Artist (2019)
social media
- Instagram account: @lauvsongs
- Facebook account: Lauf
- Twitter account: @lauvsongs
personal life
Lauf has had some notable relationships during his career, often drawing public attention for his high-profile partnerships. In 2018, he was rumored to be in a relationship with pop musician Julia Michaels.
The two collaborated on the duet “There’s No Way,” which reflected their real-life chemistry. Their relationship lasted about ten months before breaking up amicably.
In 2020, Lauf began dating singer-songwriter Sophie Cates, who is known for her unique style and emotional songwriting. The relationship eventually ended, with Lauf choosing to focus on his personal growth and creative endeavors.
Currently, Lauf is not publicly linked to any romantic partners and does not have any children. He has spoken candidly about his struggles with mental health, often incorporating his personal experiences into his music rather than focusing on his personal life.
discography
- None of all 4
- All 4 Nothing (I’m So In Love)
- ~How do I feel~
- Children are born to be stars
- By request, vol. 174
net worth
Lauv’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million. This wealth is mainly due to his successful career as a singer, songwriter and record producer.
His income comes from hit singles like “I Like Me Better,” extensive streaming on platforms like Spotify, album sales and live performances.
