Golden Hour is the best time to snap some selfies for your Instagram but it’s also one of the tunes that made the talented Rhode Island native, JVKE (pronounced “Jake”), shine in the music industry. Starting in his room back at his parents’ house, JVKE has been chasing his dreams and creating magic in the comfort of his own room. Growing his presence on social media via TikTok, the pop singer quickly rounded up over a million of supporters and fans, coming to NYC’s fabulous Irving Plaza to perform for those who’ve traveled by train, car and even planes, to see the singer hit the stage.
JVKE was accompanied by Nicky Youre, famously known for the song that screams summer anthem, “Sunroof,” featuring artist, dazy. The singer brought all of his energy onto the stage, captivating many ears (and hearts). His stage presence was incredibly strong, fun and overall vibrant, walking from end to end of the stage and interacting with the crowd. He moved very fluidly, letting the music give him that performer’s high. Being a super kind soul, Youre left the stage after finishing his performance and came to thank the fans that were crowded up against the barricade for dancing and singing along with him. He even snapped a few pics with a couple fans. This excited the crowd, and when time kept rolling, chants screaming “JAKE” started filling every square inch of the venue.
The chants continued, becoming more powerful every time. As the stage was being set, fans were wondering how the stage was going to be set up. This was one of JVKE’s first performances that was more intimate and small (compared to his New Year’s Eve performance in Times Square!) All of a sudden, the curtains open and a bright screen lights up, pictured as a wall and a door. The stage was set up like his old room back at his parents’ home; bringing back the roots, I see! JVKE’s music is very big on painting out the feelings of feeling, and I suppose the stage being set up in a cozy manner was him showing the crowd in NYC how it feels to be happy and creating!
Opening up the night with his song “this is what falling in love feels like,” JVKE walked out in red plaid pajama bottoms. This was so fitting with the theme of the night of seeing JVKE’s world through our own eyes. Singing hit songs like “this is what heartbreak feels like,” covering “Lucid Dreams” by Juice WRLD, and, of course, bringing the 340 million streamed song, “golden hour,” on stage, JVKE really knows how to keep a crowd entertained. He even mixed his song with Galantis, “Dandelion,” live on stage from his “desk!” The screen behind him changed up with every song he performed, fitting the mood, and again, showcasing how he visually sees each song he performed. It was truly so incredible to see so much variety on stage, with a whole lot of his different talents. His stage presence was powerful and affirmative, reading signs from the crowd and even letters fans brought to him.
Seeing an artist so vibrant and present in the moment is a special thing, especially if you have traveled to see the performance live. He’s an incredible talent fit for appreciation and love. You can feel great energy from miles away, and when it’s right in front of you, it’s an overwhelming, and delightful feeling. JVKE will be performing one more show in Los Angeles, California on January 31st, but it’s no question that the singer will be touring the country, and even the world, very soon. Keep an eye out and catch JVKE on tour (hopefully) very soon.
