How the Challenges of 2020 Inspired JVKE to Write His TikTok Smash Hit ‘Upside Down’
If you spend any amount of time on TikTok, chances are that you've heard JVKE's dancey viral hit "Upside Down" and completely fell in love with it.
More than 13 million videos have been created with "Upside Down" as their backing track, and JVKE is really only getting started. He's a serious talent with so much to share, and we can't wait to see him ascend even further.
We had to get to know the story behind "Upside Down," and what it's been like to thrive and succeeded musically, in spite of the quarantine keeping us all inside, and we got the chance to ask him all about it. Keep reading to find out what he had to say.
(Photo credit: Gianni Verduchi)
Sweety High: What was the songwriting process behind "Upside Down"?
JVKE: Honestly, the way "Upside Down" came about was not my typical process. I usually take a lot of time to make sure everything is just right, but every piece in the song just felt right as I was writing it. My brother and I wrote the chorus in about 10 minutes.
SH: What inspired the song, and why is it meaningful to you?
JVKE: With everything that's happened in 2020, I think people are down. My goal with "Upside Down" was to make something upbeat, warm and positive to counteract the current challenges we're all facing. In a way, I guess you could say that all the bad that's happened inspired me to write this song.
SH: Do you have any advice for getting over someone who's no longer in your life?
JVKE: Resist the urge to rebound into another relationship. Use the frustration as motivation to work on yourself and make changes for the better.
SH: Who are your biggest musical influences?
JVKE: I grew up in church and I listened to a lot of contemporary Christian pop, but I'd often sneak onto my brothers iPod to listen to rappers like Kanye West and Drake. My greatest influences are pop and hip-hop. I love finding a balance between the two.
SH: What has it been like to make such a huge name for yourself on TikTok?
JVKE: It's been a dream come true. I truly didn't expect any of this to happen. To me, success isn't measured by the numbers or data. I've promised myself I'll put 110% into every project I work on. That's success in my eyes.
SH:What do you think it is about TikTok that's allowed you to succeed in such an impactful way, even beyond the platform?
JVKE: TikTok's algorithm rewards creativity and innovation. It opens the door for anyone to take their shot. There's no more industry politics that will prevent true talent from being recognized. That's what I love. It's what gave me a chance to show the world what I have to offer, and has allowed me to expand my reach in ways I never imagined.
SH: What are the biggest ways your life has changed since that song blew up?
JVKE: I've gotten opportunities to work with amazing people in the music industry and influencer world. I love meeting new people and coming together to collaborate and make amazing content. But more than that, I now have a fan base that supports me, and in return I can make a difference in their life for the better.
SH: What do you think sets you apart from the other musical artists out there today?
JVKE: I've been playing piano, drums and guitar, and sang, since I was 3 years old. I've been writing songs for five years now. I love the art of being creative and making great music. I currently have over 350 songs I've recorded but haven't released yet. I'm only getting started—I know this is only the beginning. I produce, write and mix all my own songs. That's very rare nowadays.
SH: What's next?
JVKE: We're figuring out the next single release, then following that up with an EP! All the while, I'm continuing to be active on TikTok and other socials. Safe to say, lots of content is on the way including the official music video for "Upside Down."
Love discovering new music on TikTok? Click HERE to find out all about Priscilla Block and her own unique brand of TikTok fame.