In Focus: JVKE Stops at the Rooftop at Pier 17

Rhode Island born pop-artist JVKE took the scenic stage at the Rooftop at Pier 17 this past Wednesday, August 30th. Fans from all over – and many of them younger kids with their parents – flocked to see the “golden hour” singer put on his This is What Tour Feels Like show. 

JVKE, photographed by Sarah Hyun

JVKE, blowing up in part on TikTok for songs like “this is what falling in love feels like” and “this is what sadness feels like,” previously played at Irving Plaza on January 25th. Crafting songs with his producer-brother Zac truly transformed JVKE’s music into the masterpieces they are today. The body-shaking beats, powerful vocals, and intricate piano accompaniments have created a sound so uniquely him. Aside from the beautiful melodies and productions of each song, JVKE’s lyrics touch on heavy subjects like love, heartbreak, sadness, and acceptance in the most unfiltered and gut-wrenching way. 

JVKE, photographed by Sarah Hyun

Before the show began, a robotic-like female voice came on and introduced itself as JVKE’s emotional intelligence. The stage was set up like his bedroom, with JVKE even sporting a pair of plaid pajama pants and a black oversized hoodie. As he journeyed through his this is what ____ feels like album—which is divided into four groups of three songs—he made a point to give a small anecdote for each by detailing his experiences with certain people and emotions. For example, during “this is what heartbreak feels like,” “i’m not okay,” and “ghost town,” JVKE described the betrayal and utter hopelessness he felt after his first breakup. Before singing songs “this is what falling out of love feels like,” “catch me,” and “i can’t help it,” he described his initial struggle but ultimate success in moving on from that past relationship. JVKE is truly a talented storyteller, as emotions were at an all-time high throughout the whole show. 

JVKE, photographed by Sarah Hyun

During “golden hour,” JVKE sat down at his bedroom desk and began playing the iconic opening notes on a keyboard that laid there. Children eagerly climbed onto their parents tall shoulders, tweens stood on their tippy-toes with poster in hand, and couples slow-danced in the back of the crowd as golden lights lit up with venue. The performance of this song was truly breathtaking. Fans passionately reached out their hands as they belted lyrics like, “I don’t need no light to see you shine” // “It’s your golden hour” // “You slow down time” // “In your golden hour.”

JVKE ended the night at Rooftop at Pier 17 with an incredible encore and promised to return for another show. He has two more scheduled dates for this run of tour, one in Philadelphia and another in Boston.

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