Joji @ Schottenstein Center (10/25/23)
Joji performed at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio last night, and delivered one of the most memorable and best shows I’ve ever been to. On his Pandemonium Tour, Joji creates a rich atmosphere of creativity and interactivity, of fearlessness and fun, and of relativity and vulnerability. The night was an adventure that allowed oneself to be free, to be themselves. Joji’s music and showmanship invites one to truly let go of any burdens and weights that hold them down, and to just feel vulnerable yet liberated. My younger brother, Steven, also joined the audience in celebrating the night of fun. He described Joji’s show as “life changing”. As a more reserved and introverted person, he said the music and the unity of the crowd allowed him to come out of his shell, sing with the newly made friends around him, and taught an important life lesson: to be himself, unafraid and free. That’s why Joji’s one of the best performers today. He is an excellent storyteller.
Performing songs from his three albums, BALLADS 1, Nectar, and Smithereens, Joji crafted a night that explored emotions of longing, sadness, pain, but also silliness and playfulness. There would be people raising their phones’ flashlights when singing the heart wrenching songs “Glimpses of Us”, “Die for You”, and the iconic “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK”. Of course, a disco ball was there to sweeten the sentiment. And when faster and more up-beat songs like “Yeah Right” and “Gimme Love” are played by the amazing live band, the energy goes off the roof. These songs take you on a journey, each one with their own story with a beginning, middle, and end. With the crowd singing with heart, you’d see camera operators capturing their live reactions and displaying them on stage. His DJ, Savage Realm, who also opened, has excellent chemistry with Joji. The two often banter between songs and even do bits on stage. At one point, they were playing Super Smash Bros which was displayed on stage! The awesome production lit up the arena with fantastic images that evoke the emotions from Joji’s songs. The stage had these intricate light cubes that shifted light and video on them, and it added dimensions and depth to the aesthetic. When the more sad songs on Joji’s discography play, it’ll reflect with abstract imagery that exudes interesting color tones and shapes. Joji also brought out his DJ crew, Yebi Labs, to hype up the night as Joji launched gifts and signed records with his fans during the show. Joji is a beautiful artist. He brings out his best on stage and it is reflected by the synergy he has with his audience. He appreciated the welcoming hospitality that Columbus gave him. Joji is a unique star, one that has the uncanny ability to unite people to go on emotional piano ballads to uplifting highs. The Pandemonium tour is an excellent craft from Joji that allows one to feel all of the human experience. He gives you a reason to feel complete.
Review and photos by Kevin Ng
Kenny Beats
Lil Toe
Savage Realm
Joji
