Three years ago, Joey Valence & Brae were newcomers to Lollapalooza, tucked into a corner stage with a handful of live shows behind them and a sound that paid homage to hip-hop’s golden age. Now in 2025, Joseph Bertolino (Joey Valence) and Braedan Lugue (Brae) are back as one of the most buzzed-about acts of the weekend, this time commanding The Grove stage with the same DIY energy that launched them into the spotlight.
We caught up with the Pennsylvania duo backstage for a conversation that was equal parts chaotic and charming—much like their music. From reflections on their early days to hints about their upcoming album HYPERYOUTH, Joey and Brae offered a glimpse into the creative force behind their rapid rise. One thing’s clear: they haven’t lost the spirit that made them stand out in the first place.
“It’s crazy,” Brae reflects. “We drove past the BMI Stage and it’s like, wow. I can’t believe that was only three years ago. It feels like a couple days ago.” Joey adds with a grin, “Slowly getting the font size bigger, slowly going up in the time slots. Feeling good.”
Their rise has been nothing short of meteoric. With tracks like “PUNK TACTICS” and “HOOLIGANG,” JVB carved out a niche that bridges old-school hip-hop with Gen Z sensibilities. Their sound—equal parts nostalgic and rebellious—quickly earned them spots at major festivals and a devoted fanbase. And they’ve done it all independently, writing and recording from Joey’s bedroom studio.
That same bedroom setup remains their creative hub. “You don’t need a studio to produce,” Joey insists. “All you need is a laptop.” Brae echoes the sentiment: “It’s quite literally been the same process since we started.”
Their third album, HYPERYOUTH, drops August 15th, and it’s already generating buzz with singles like the title track and “LIVE RIGHT,” following their high-energy collaboration with JPEGMAFIA on “WASSUP.” The collab came together the JVB way—via Instagram DM. “JPEG is the coolest on the planet,” Brae says. “He followed us, we hit him up, and started working. He sent us his vocals, and we met up in LA to shoot the video.”
The album itself is a genre-blending celebration. Joey cites Daft Punk, MGMT, Empire of the Sun, The Prodigy, Skrillex, and Tyler, The Creator as production influences. “It’s a very club-centered album,” he says. “Lots of Lady Gaga influence. 2010s pop to its max.” Brae adds his own inspirations: “Timbaland, Ludacris, Jay Z, Pharrell… I was listening to a bunch of 2000s hip-hop while creating it.”
Despite their growing fame, the duo keeps things grounded. Their tour bus essentials? “Golden Oreos and ginger shots,” Brae laughs. Joey’s go-to? “Fruit snacks. Sour Patch Kids. Everywhere.”
When asked about dream collaborations, Joey doesn’t hesitate: “Lady Gaga. Just once.” Brae throws in Pharrell and Tyler, The Creator, but ultimately, “Anyone that’s cool can work with us.”
Live performances remain a highlight. “THE BADDEST” is a crowd favorite, but “WASSUP” is quickly gaining momentum. “We’ve got a new song off the album we’re doing live, and it’s going over super well,” Brae teases.
As for what’s on their playlists? Brae’s been spinning Tyler, The Creator’s DON’T TAP THE GLASS and Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist’s latest Alfredo 2. Joey’s deep into Japanese shoegaze, especially yuragi, and artists like Bickle, Frost Children, and Quadeca.
As they gear up to drop HYPERYOUTH, Joey Valence & Brae are more than just a nostalgic nod to hip-hop’s golden era—they’re a testament to what happens when raw talent meets relentless DIY spirit. With their infectious energy, genre-bending sound, and unwavering commitment to keeping things close to home, they’re not just riding the wave of success—they’re building it themselves, one beat at a time.
Portraits by Ann Storlie
Interview by Ann Storlie and Sarah Peter
