JVKE

Singer, songwriter, and producer JVKE first gained widespread notice as a social media sensation whose bright, soul-infused pop connected quickly with listeners. His breakthrough arrived via the 2020 single “Upside Down,” which later received a remix from Charlie Puth. The following year he unveiled his debut full-length project, this is what ____ feels like, Vol. 1-4. Fresh euphoric tracks continued to appear, among them the 2023 Galantis collaboration “Fool 4 U” featuring Enisa and the 2024 Pink Sweat$ duet “Lavender.”

Born Jake Pierrelee in 2001, he was raised by a mother who taught music and a father who served as a pastor. Early training on piano and drums gave way to guitar once he reached elementary school. He soon joined his church band and, during his teenage years, began composing original material inspired by Drake and Jason Derulo. After graduation he enrolled briefly at music school but withdrew to devote himself fully to his career. During the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown he started posting mash-ups and remixes created with his mother; the clips spread rapidly online, as did several of his own songs, most notably “Upside Down.” The activity drew the attention of Charlie Puth, who shared his own remix of the track.

Additional singles followed, including the seasonal “Ho Ho Ho,” 2021’s “This Is What Falling in Love Feels Like,” and 2022’s “Charger.” That same year he issued this is what ____ feels like, Vol. 1-4. Recorded at his Rhode Island residence with his brother Zac Lawson, known as ZVC, the album traces four emotional phases of a relationship: falling in love, heartbreak, sadness, and falling out of love. Standalone releases kept coming, such as the 2023 Galantis track “Fool 4 U” featuring Enisa. He also completed a trilogy of thematic songs—“This Is What Autumn Feels Like,” “This Is What Space Feels Like,” and “This Is What Winter Feels Like”—before the close of 2023. “Lavender,” his collaboration with Pink Sweat$, appeared in February 2024.