Live: BoyWithUke Unmasks Emotions in NYC
Being an artist while retaining anonymity is almost impossible. Almost, because somehow BoyWithUke achieved just that.
Breaking through the music scene in 2021, BoyWithUke gained popularity without revealing his identity. The artist has over 7.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify and followers on TikTok, posting videos of his songs behind a glowing mask. With mask up and ukulele in hand, the singer soared to popularity on TikTok in 2021 with his breakout single “Toxic.” Since its release, it’s hit platinum status with over 1 billion streams and paved the way for his 2022 full-length album Serotonin Dreams.
The album is jam-packed with BoyWithUke’s DIY spirit. Combining his trademark ukulele playing with lo-fi instrumentals, the songs on the album are full of themes of longing and desire. Produced by himself, BoywithUke bares it all on 11 tracks.
Riding the momentum, 2023 will see BoyWithUke’s LP Lucid Dreams, out October 6th. Lucid Dreams sees BoyWithUke pull back his mask as he addresses tough topics like familial issues, bullying, and mental health. Uke worked on the album throughout 2023 - writing, recording, and producing the majority of the songs without collaborators in a short three-week period.
BoyWithUke brought his ukulele, mask, and heart on his sleeve to Webster Hall in NYC this past week with a massive turnout for the singer. Fans sported tour tees, beanies with Uke's iconic mask lights, and even masks to match the singer’s. Aside from apparel, instruments were also spotted in the crowd, with fans bringing their own ukuleles and one person even bringing their violin.
Naethan Apollo opened the night. Raised in Iowa, Apollo has been releasing music since 2016 with 2020 seeing his rise via TikTok and Instagram. Adorned in a Peter Pan-esque outfit, Apollo got the crowd fired up and yelling out huzzahs with him. Apollo played some fan favorites including “Pretty Boy,” “You’re Not Welcome,” and “Person In The Mirror,” which had the crowd screaming along.
“Dancing Queen” ushered in BoyWithUke’s arrival. As the song faded, the lights flashed and the LED sign on stage flickered to life, emblazoned with BoyWithUke’s name. A hush fell over the crowd as they waited for the masked singer to come onstage.
Not one to keep them waiting, BoyWithUke burst from the side door, launching into the first song of the night, “Rockstar.” Wearing an I <3 NYC cropped sweatshirt, BoyWithUke was aptly dressed for his show in the Big Apple.
With a set list full of singles and songs from his Serotonin Dreams and 2021 album Fever Dreams, the crowd sang along to every word. Not only did BoyWithUke put on a killer performance, but he also took time to connect with his fans. Pulling out a toy fishing rod, the singer “reeled” in two fans from the crowd to join him on stage and chat with them for a moment. From a look around the venue, it was evident that BoyWithUke inspires many young fans with their copycat masks and ukuleles. One fan managed to get his uke autographed and dedicated to him as his mom shouted that he was pursuing music as well.
BoyWithUke also treated us to two unreleased songs. Exploring themes of emotional struggles, “Migraine,” addresses the pressure to conform and the yearning for personal freedom and self-expression. The song is slated to drop on 9/22 ahead of the new album.
The singer noted that the other unreleased song, “Homesick,” was his favorite off his upcoming album, a personal track that encapsulates his feelings surrounding being on tour. “I miss my family, friends, and loved ones. My apartment and cats,” BoyWithUke explained. Bathed in the glow of hundreds of phone flashlights lighting up the venue, he sang about missing home.
Saying goodnight and leaving the stage, the crowd began chanting his name before BoyWithUke returned to oblige them and play two more songs. Giving a shout-out to the parents who brought their kids, BoyWithUke praised them for bringing children out to a show where the language wasn't the cleanest. With a grin in his voice, BoyWithUke announced, “But I don’t give a fuck,” as he led into his hit track “IDGAF,” which features Blackbear. It was amusing to see children in the audience sing along to the explosive chorus. “I don't give a fuck about you, you swore/You would never talk about me before, you lied/Looking filthy in your ugly jean shorts/You still kissed me, now shit's history.”
BoyWithUke’s latest release, “Trauma,” was the final song of the night. Starting acoustic on his ukulele, he returned to the backing track for the final chorus, ending the night with a bang.
