Jake Victor first made his mark in 2018 as a DownBeat Magazine award-winning jazz composer, touring nationally with his group, the Jake Victor 5tet. Since then, he’s evolved into a dynamic producer and artist, known both for his electrifying live performances and for the depth and sophistication of his studio work—where his musicality translates into productions that carry the same richness, nuance, and emotional intensity as his live shows. Rooted in jazz tradition but shaped by modern-day hip-hop, rnb, rock, and other more experimental influences, JV’s music feels both grounded and refreshingly modern.
Based in Chicago, he has worked and performed with hip-hop artists like Vic Mensa, Jean Deaux, Peter Cottontale, Kaicrewsade, Mick Jenkins, and Femdot, rnb artists like Zyah Belle, Silas Short, and Sophia Galaté, and released pop records with major labels like Warner Music Group. He also co-leads the breakout Chicago band MANSA, which has quickly become a leading voice of the city. He has done this while continuing to develop his own artistic voice—rhythmically sharp, emotionally honest, and technically refined.
His latest project, The JV Experiment, brings together Jake’s frequent collaborators from both the stage and the studio in a setting that showcases top-tier musicality while remaining open in scope. Deeply rooted in the tradition of jazz yet boldly future-facing and innovative, the group thrives on improvisation, groove, and collective energy. Each performance is a one-of-a-kind experience—shaped by spontaneity, interaction, and often surprise guest appearances—that bridges the tradition and spirit of jazz with the immediacy of today’s sound.
