JVKE BRINGS THE HOUSE DOWN IN NYC
BY LIAM GILLIN (HE/HIM)On January 25, 2023, TikTok sensation and singer-songwriter JVKE performed his first live show at Irving Plaza in NYC. Over a thousand fans waited in line for hours in the cold, pouring rain for the sold out show eager to get a spot as close to the stage as possible.
The night kicked off with Nicky Youre; who rose to fame for his 2021 hit “Sunroof.” Nicky had an incredible amount of energy on stage and knew exactly how to keep the crowd on their feet. He performed singles such as “Eyes on You” and “Never Go Wrong.” Nicky even came out after his set and before JVKE’s to take pictures with fans which was nice to see.
Irving Plaza, while a big music venue, is also small in a lot of ways. I have been to shows there in the past and typically there is a very brief period between the opener and the main act but not this time. The timing between Nicky and JVKE was longer than usual and it was all for good reason. Fans screaming “We want JVKE.” over and over as they were continuing to dry off from the rain.
9 PM the curtain drops. We see a bedroom, a desk, and an LED panel showcasing a sunrise. I had never seen an elaborate set at Irving Plaza before considering how small the venue can be. This was worth the wait. A faint voice projects out “Welcome to JVKE’s Bedroom.” The announcer lets us know that we will be taking a journey with JVKE tonight; as we go through the motions of his creative, musical process.
The lights flash so bright, then suddenly JVKE is on stage in a black hoodie and red pajama pants. JVKE is singing all the hits, “golden hour,” “this is what falling in love feels like,” “moon and back,” and many more. A venue that was once cold from the soaking wet fans now was warm. It was safe to say everyone in that venue was mesmerized as the atmosphere became golden.
JVKE is more than a singer-songwriter, he truly is an artist. His music, performing abilities, and immersive storytelling is an incredible combination that most musicians strive to have. Last night was more than a concert, it was the first chapter of JVKE’s successful live music career and it was an honor to witness that.
