In Laufey’s delicate, melancholic ballads, you’ll often hear an expressive violin accompanying in the background. That’s Junia Jónsdóttir — both literally and metaphorically. She’s integral to the harmony, but listeners rarely pay attention to her.

   Despite being referred to by fans as “the clone,” Jónsdóttir is much more than a famous doppelganger. As Laufey’s creative director, she is the co-creator of the whimsical, classical, and distinct style known as Laufeycore. From directing music videos to designing show outfits, Jónsdóttir co-authors the fantasy world millions of listeners tune in to. Yet, her name is often an afterthought.

   Jónsdóttir didn’t always plan to work behind the scenes for a pop star. In college, she studied international relations. But, as Laufey rose to fame, Jónsdóttir began helping her sister, ultimately setting her own ambitions aside to work full-time for Laufey.

   It hasn’t always been easy. Jónsdóttir confessed to initially feeling jealous of her sister’s success, but that was mostly caused by uncertainties in her own career. It’s a familiar problem for siblings, more so for identical twins: carving out your own identity in the shadow of a face that’s almost your own.

   Still, Jónsdóttir has found her voice. While she often lounges in nosebleed seats of sold-out concerts, her fingerprints cover the stage. Jónsdóttir deserves more recognition not just for supporting her sister, but creating the emotional, tearful, yet hopeful universe fans escape to.

   Her story is an excellent example of adaptability. While Jónsdóttir was foreign to directing, she overcame the hurdle by learning how to direct in real time while working on her first two music videos for Laufey. Accordingly, her openness to new perspectives and experiences fuels her creativity. As she told The Cut, “…how can I create [Laufey’s dreamy, romantic, and timeless world], without understanding what the opposite is?”