BoyWithUke
Biography
Charley Yang, known professionally as BoyWithUke, is a Korean-American singer, songwriter, and producer who gained initial fame on TikTok. Born on August 25, 2002, in Daegu, South Korea, he later moved to Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. He started his musical journey in 2020 by posting "minute-long songs" on TikTok, which quickly garnered significant attention. For a long time, he was known for performing with his face obscured by an LED mask.
Career Breakthrough
BoyWithUke's breakthrough came in 2021 with the release of his song "Toxic". The track went viral on TikTok, leading to hundreds of millions of streams and becoming a global hit. This success led to a record deal with Republic Records in late 2021. His music, which he produces himself on his iPad using GarageBand, is often described as alternative and indie-pop. In 2022, he released his major-label debut album, "Serotonin Dreams," which featured "Toxic" and the collaboration "IDGAF" with Blackbear. The album charted on the Billboard 200.
Musical Style and Albums
BoyWithUke's music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and mental health. His discography includes several projects that follow a "Dreams Saga," starting with "Melatonin Dreams" and "Fever Dreams" in 2021. In October 2023, he released his fourth studio album, "Lucid Dreams". Across his albums, he has developed a sound that blends ukulele-driven melodies with pop and rock influences.
Face Reveal and Future
In October 2023, BoyWithUke revealed his face for the first time in the music video for his song "Homesick". He explained that while the mask initially provided confidence, it had begun to negatively affect his well-being. He has since announced that his album "Burnout," released in 2024, will be his final project under the BoyWithUke moniker. He has also collaborated with artists like Oliver Tree.