How a DIY Piano Track Took Over TikTok and the Billboard Charts
If you’ve been on TikTok recently—and I mean, even for just five minutes—you’ve probably come across JVKE’s Golden Hour.
It’s the song that makes you think about sunsets, love, and maybe, just maybe, that one person who got away.
But what’s the real story behind this viral hit, and how did it manage to dominate both TikTok trends and the Billboard charts without a marketing budget that could rival Beyoncé’s tour?
Let’s dive into how a 22-year-old bedroom musician with a penchant for DIY music production ended up in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and why Golden Hour is a lot more than just a pretty piano track.
Who is JVKE, and Why Should You Care?
JVKE (Jacob Lawson, but no one’s calling him that) is a Rhode Island native who, like most breakout stars these days, shot to fame thanks to TikTok.
He didn’t just wake up famous, though.
He started out as a songwriter for other artists, including Jason Derulo and EXO.
But in 2020, while the rest of us were doomscrolling through quarantine, JVKE flipped his life Upside Down—literally—when his song of the same name went viral, used by TikTok powerhouses like Charli D’Amelio.
Now, JVKE is not your typical “TikTok musician” (cue the eye rolls). His music blends classical piano influences with modern pop production.
This guy grew up playing Franz Liszt for crying out loud. And if you thought Golden Hour was just a one-off romantic ballad, think again. JVKE has range, talent, and a deep love for all things DIY.
The Story Behind Golden Hour
The Birth of Golden Hour: A Masterpiece from a Laptop
Released on July 15, 2022, Golden Hour was the third single from JVKE’s debut album This Is What ____ Feels Like.
The song’s origin story? Picture JVKE sitting in a car with his girlfriend, listening to Frank Ocean’s Blonde, while the sky turns pink and orange.
That simple, beautiful moment inspired JVKE to sit down at his piano and record the melody that would become Golden Hour.
JVKE and his brother Zac Lawson, the dynamic duo behind the track, spent four months tweaking the song.
They took their sweet time because, in JVKE’s own words, Golden Hour wasn’t initially seen as a “single.” It wasn’t a super-hooky, radio-ready banger like some of his earlier work.
But the brothers believed in the song’s emotional weight and decided to market it as a piece of art.
And the best part? JVKE and his team didn’t splurge on some over-the-top marketing campaign.
Aside from a few bucks spent on radio promotion, Golden Hour went viral purely thanks to TikTok and some well-timed emotional content.
No expensive PR stunts, just genuine artistry and a bit of social media magic.
TikTok: The Real MVP
@jvke this song is out now. thank you everyone for making golden hour what it is. ily all. vid inspo: @Mockudrames ♬ this is what autumn feels like – JVKE
If TikTok were a person, it’d be sitting pretty on JVKE’s Christmas card list.
The platform played a massive role in turning Golden Hour into the viral hit we know today.
The pivotal moment came when JVKE posted a video of himself performing the song for his childhood piano teacher—cue the heartstring tugging.
The video blew up, and the rest, as they say, is TikTok history.
But it wasn’t just the video that made Golden Hour pop. The song’s intricate piano arrangement became a challenge on TikTok, with users attempting to learn and play the piece.
This not only boosted the song’s visibility but also cemented JVKE as more than just another TikTok singer.
The Lyrics: Glitter, Solar Power, and Love That Slows Time
Let’s talk lyrics. If you haven’t already sung along in your head, Golden Hour is packed with poetic imagery that hits harder than an unexpected call from your ex.
JVKE describes his girlfriend as having “glitter for skin” and being a “radiant beam in the night.”
The whole song captures that fleeting, golden moment of falling in love—the kind of love that makes time slow down.
One of the standout lines? “Missed call from my mother, like where you at tonight?”
It’s a reference to JVKE’s rebellious teenage years, driving around with his first girlfriend when he definitely wasn’t supposed to be dating.
It’s these small, personal touches that elevate Golden Hour from just another love song to something that feels incredibly intimate.
From TikTok to Billboard: The Chart Climb
Golden Hour didn’t just live and die on TikTok—it made the leap to mainstream success.
After its release on July 15, 2022, it steadily climbed the Billboard Hot 100, cracking the Top 10 on January 30, 2023, after 12 weeks on the charts.
Aside from TikTok virality, pop radio started picking up the track, and soon enough, JVKE was performing on The Tonight Show and landing on major Spotify playlists like Today’s Top Hits.
What’s wild is that JVKE pulled this off while staying independent. No major label push, no multimillion-dollar marketing budget.
His team worked smart, leveraging TikTok trends and emotional storytelling to bring the song to the masses.
Why Golden Hour Is More Than Just a TikTok Song
Golden Hour is a lot of things, but most of all, it’s a testament to JVKE’s ability to blend classical and modern influences into something fresh and deeply relatable.
This isn’t just a song that blew up because of TikTok; it’s a song that blew up because it resonates with people.
It’s about love, beauty, and those rare moments when life feels perfect.
And it doesn’t hurt that the song’s piano riff is ridiculously catchy, making it a favourite for aspiring pianists all over TikTok.
Final Thoughts: JVKE Isn’t Going Anywhere
JVKE’s rise with Golden Hour is a case study in how the music industry is evolving.
You don’t need a major label deal to make a hit. You don’t need a traditional album cycle to be relevant.
You just need talent, timing, and maybe a viral TikTok video or two.
As for what’s next? JVKE’s only just getting started. Whether he’s collaborating with Charlie Puth or continuing to explore his classical roots, one thing is clear: JVKE’s golden hour isn’t over yet.
JVKE Golden Hour Lyrics
Verse 1
It was just two lovers
Sittin’ in the car, listenin’ to Blonde
Fallin’ for each other
Pink and orange skies, feelin’ super childish
No Donald Glover
Missed call from my mother
Like, “Where you at tonight?”
Got no alibi
Pre-Chorus
I was all alone with the love of my life
She’s got glitter for skin
My radiant beam in the night
I don’t need no light to see you
Chorus
Shine
It’s your golden hour (Oh-oh-oh)
You slow down time
In your golden hour (Oh-oh-oh)
Verse 2
We were just two lovers
Feet up on the dash, drivin’ nowhere fast
Burnin’ through the summer
Radio on blast, make the moment last, she got solar power
Minutes feel like hours
She knew she was the baddest
Can you even imagine fallin’ like I did?
Pre-Chorus
For the love of my life
She’s got glow on her face
A glorious look in her eyes
My angel of light
I was all alone with the love of my life
She’s got glitter for skin
My radiant beam in the night
I don’t need no light to see you
Chorus
Shine
It’s your golden hour (Oh-oh-oh)
You slow down time
In your golden hour (Oh-oh-oh)
