Live Review: Young & Sick - Fortune Sound Club, Vancouver 24/01/19

We caught LA-based artist, Young & Sick at Fortune Sound Club in Vancouver, for their first show as he set off on tour with The Knocks. 

Created by Nick van Hofwegen, a Dutch-born artist and musician, Young & Sick released his debut self-titled album in 2014. Last year he made his return with a duo of EPs, Ojai and No Static, released under B3SCI Records. His new releases have gained great recognition, with the single Ojai being featured in an Apple Watch ad as well as being added to Spotify’s playlists around the world.

In addition to his music, van Hofwegen has earned a great reputation for his illustration and design work, having created artwork for huge bands such as Foster The People (Torches), Maroon 5 (Overexposed), and Mikky Ekko (Kids). His Instagram feed and website are both full of incredible samples of his distinctive style like bright colours and repeating elements. Once you know his style, you’ll be able to spot his work from a mile away.

Despite only having a thirty-minute set, Young & Sick got Fortune Sound Club into a state of groove with his synthesized soul/R&B sound. Van Hofwegen’s musical talent was made clear as soon as he started singing and was reinforced even more when he picked up his guitar. The set was filled with passion as he sang and danced his way through the songs, including the previously mentioned Ojai and Sleepyhead. With a clear talent at getting a room into the right mood, he spent the set connecting with the crowd, including getting down onto the floor and singing to Instagram stories during the vibiest cover of Ariana Grande’s No Tears Left To Cry. There’s no doubt that the room wasn’t hyped up and ready to party by the time Young & Sick’s set was over, and there was a definite feeling of wanting more.

If you’re looking for some moody, soulful, and fun music then you should definitely check out Young & Sick on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube. He will be on tour throughout the US until February 23rd.

Words and Photography by Kelli Anne Lane

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