Soulful pop singer and pianist Albert Stanaj joins Jessie J on her UK & EU tour.

Well, that’s hell of a job to be opening for Jessie J.

Last week I headed to Camden’s KOKO to check out a young New York-based musician, Stanaj. Highly charismatic and confident, he eagerly took to the stage not entirely sure what to expect. The venue was completely packed, with Jessie J’s most dedicated fans clinging to the barriers, awaiting their favourite artist.

Inspired by major influences like Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake, Stanaj‘s repertoire encapsulates a huge dose of pop sensibility, with a danceable R&B twist masterfully injected into the mix.

Drifting around love-themed songs, the set elicits a somewhat melancholic mood. Romantic is a piano ballad that balances the delicate melody effortlessly, focusing on Stanaj‘s sleek vocal range whilst serving some beautiful falsetto moments. No doubt, his 2016’s The Preview EP shines the brightest. Built upon sultry beat, Ain’t Love Strange allures with its tempo variations and emotive relatable lyrics whereas Sleep Alone strikes with a richer and upbeat soundscape.

Stanaj surely knows how to engage with the crowd, its female part specifically. With a tad cocky attitude and a youthful charm, he finds some time to chat a bit in-between songs. Humble and grateful all throughout, he slips in the information about his height and marital status (single – for all those interested), he even dares to stage dive and he also boldly goes for a cover of Shape Of You by Ed Sheeran. Bringing forth the massive hit, the entire KOKO sings along putting everyone in a party mood.

Although his newest material, From A Distance EP released earlier this year, follows similar instrumental patterns, the production serves a more bombastic and detailed flare. Stanaj‘s catalogue might fall flat and monotone at times, but undoubtedly he’s a great performer. With a gleaming stage persona and dazzling honesty, he clearly hits the right demographics. Bearing in mind, he delivered only a short set of a supporting performance.

Having toured with Jojo and Jessie J, and been publicly endorsed by musical superstars, including Justin Timberlake, Drake, and Chris Brown as well as Kim Kardashian West, Stanaj is on the path that only goes up. Hopefully, we’ll catch him again a few times before he reaches the top.

Photos: Kasia Osowiecka