FKJ’s electric night at the Warfield

I will argue till the day I die that French house music is superior. There’s something that just seems real about it, something that hits you deeper and urges you to move along with it. FKJ, also known as French Kiwi Juice or Vincent Fenton, is the perfect example of superiority within the genre. On April 11th he brought his 2019 tour to the Warfield, delivering a non-stop performance of pure talent.

The night begins as three large screens lower to the ground, obscuring the instruments and stage from the audience as large projections light up the screens. Venton walks onto the stage before picking up a guitar and breaking into his groove. Throughout the night, the screens displayed various images ranging from Venton’s shadow to giant jellyfish. They add to the trippy soundtrack of the night and Venton did not allow it to alter his connection to the crowd as he humbly addressed the us and thanked us for supporting him.

Venton’s musicality is otherworldly. He acts as his own band as he switches between a piano, guitar, bass, saxophone, and percussion pad. He ebbs and flows as if the instruments are just extensions of himself.

The audience is an interesting mix of millenials, frat boys, and a large handful of 40-somethings. It seems an unlikely group, but as they left everyone smiled and conversed about how incredible the performance was. I admire FKJ’s ability to bring so many walks of life together, but maybe that’s just the mark of good music.

As the night winds down, Venton transitions to his international hit “Tadow.” Screens on either side of him display the outline of American musician Masego, as his sultry voice rings out through the theater. Slowly the screens lift and Masego sways onto stage blasting his own saxophone. Venton and Masego spend several minutes trading off saxophone solos, and Venton eventually allows Masego to take the mic and baptize us with his voice. Each player’s musicianship is incredible — they seamlessly mix a variety of instruments together and move as a cohesive unit. The audience gladly welcomes the surprise visitor, and the whole theater seems to bend and quake in order to fit the music.  

If you aren’t keen on EDM, FKJ offers the perfect alternative that blends elements of jazz, funk, and electronic. You will leave the venue feeling lighter, because once you hit the groove you’ll enter the spirit world. If you get the chance, see FKJ— he is not one to miss.  

Article and photos by Makaila Heifner