Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with JVKE

Singer-songwriter JVKE’s world has turned upside down thanks to his viral TikTok hit. With over six billion plays on the platform, JVKE has become an overnight sensation, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of chatting with this fast-rising star about the song, how he discovered his passion for music, and what’s ahead.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
JVKE: I started playing guitar, drums, and keys at three. My mom is a public school music teacher and thought it was important that I learn to play an instrument. I also grew up in church and led my church’s music team at seven. But the moment that I realized music was it for me was at fourteen when I was at a buddy’s house. He had a Logic setup and we started making beats together. That’s when it clicked. I was like, “Oh, man. I can take all the knowledge that I have from each instrument I play and put it together to create something of my own. I was sold for life.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
JVKE: God and the church. I grew up playing and singing on stage. I felt called to be a songwriter from day one.

PC: Tell us about your debut single, “Upside Down.” What was the inspiration behind the song?
JVKE: Honestly, the “Hood Baby” face trend, where everybody looks up and down and to the side. I took that and turned it into the lyrics “Up down, right down, looking for your love right now” and built from there.

PC: “Upside Down” has become a viral hit. Was there a moment in the writing or recording process when you realized you were creating something special?
JVKE: Believe it or not, I did not think this was going to be the one that blew up. I never could’ve guessed.

PC: You have over three hundred songs written and recorded. What was the process like deciding what would be your debut?
JVKE: I didn’t really decide. The world decided for me when I posted it on TikTok. The audio currently has over six billion plays on TikTok. When it started to blow up, I got on the phone with my manager Ethan and he was like, “We need to release this song yesterday. Can you finish it by tomorrow?” And I was like, “Yeah! I finished the song in twenty-four hours, and Ethan and my other manager Aton set up the whole release within forty-eight hours. It was a wild ride.

PC: What message do you hope to get across with your music?
JVKE: I’m just trying to make people happy. It’s such a hard time right now. People need to feel good.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, what does the year hold for you?
JVKE: More music. Music videos. Amazing collaborations. Livestream performances. You name it, I’m going to bring it.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
JVKE: Playboi Carti.

PC: First album you bought?
JVKE: I’m nineteen. I’ve never bought an album. [laughs]

PC: First concert you attended?
JVKE: Travis Scott.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
JVKE: 808s & Heartbreak by Kanye because it took over my life. It was like my first love. I couldn’t get her out of my mind. It was innovative and fresh. Never heard anything like it.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
JVKE: Madison Square Garden.

PC: A must-have on the road?
JVKE: My noise-cancelling headphones. They bang.

To keep up with JVKE, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “Upside Down” today.