Friday, February 20th, finally brought Charlotte, North Carolina a warm and sunny day, and I made sure to end it at a sold out Joey Valence & Brae show at The Underground. They’re currently on their Hyperyouth 2026 Tour after playing a series of shows in 2025. The US leg of this tour is a part of the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour, which highlights new and popular names in the music industry each year!

The night started off with Joshua Raw. He brought an insane energy that got the crowd jumping as soon as he ran on stage. Donned in a fur-like suit, Joshua performed some of his songs like “SUBURBIA” and “SASQUATCH.” He charmed the crowd instantly, with his incredible sound, joyous energy, and witty personality. He is a Charlotte native and recently graduated from UNC Charlotte this past December! He is also a part of the NC alternative hip-hop group, Biking With Francis, that formed during his time at UNCC. When JVB announced their tour, I knew I was going to try my hardest to attend, but I was very excited to hear who their openers would be! After seeing Joshua’s performance, I couldn’t think of a better opener for them! I can’t wait to hear more from him, as well as see him come through Charlotte again! He has two EP’s, SASQUATCH and DOGFOOD demos, out currently, so be sure to check them out!

Before JVB came on stage, DJ EWOOK played a brief set to get the crowd ready again. He played a range of hits from Kesha, Lady Gaga, Avicii, and so many more. But JVB didn’t give the crowd a second to breathe after the dj set, they ran out on stage and immediately jumped into playing a 19 song setlist, including some of their hit songs like “HOOLIGANG,” “STARTAFIGHT,” and “OK.” At one point a group of boys at the barricade were so animated that I had to move out of their way while I was shooting! The energy that Joey Valance & Brae have the entire show is unreal! They were jumping, running, and thrashing around on stage with only a couple of pauses to interact with the crowd! I went into their show only familiar with a handful of their more popular songs, like their most streamed song, “PUNK TACTICS,” (off their 2023 album of the same name) but I left a photo of their setlist and a mission to add more of their music to my playlists! I have been to many shows at The Underground here in Charlotte, but I have NEVER been to one where the walls were vibrating like JVB had them!

JVB’s tour continues on with stops in cities across America throughout March, before they head over to Australia in April and all over Europe into the summer! Unfortunately, Joshua Raw was only set to open for select dates, but they will have others like Chase USA, Detahjae, and Sha Crow opening for the rest of the US leg. Be sure to check them out and get tickets if available!