54 Ultra’s Live In North America (Round 2) sold-out show at The Atlantis was a hit right from the start. The room was packed, the crowd was excited, and the atmosphere matched the warmth and nostalgia that define John Anthony Rodriguez’s (aka Johnny) music.
The name 54 Ultra gives a clear window into Johnny’s artistry. He is a multifaceted artist — a talented singer, songwriter, and musician — who blends creativity across performance, production, and instrumentation. His stage persona and music reflect a fusion of Studio 54, the legendary New York disco landmark, and Frank Ocean’s Nostalgia, Ultra — two influences that continue to shape both his sound and aesthetic. Studio 54 represents inclusivity, and the freedom of New York nightlife, and that influence is evident in Johnny’s music and the way he connects with the audience.
Born in 2000 and raised in New Jersey by a Puerto Rican father and Dominican mother, Johnny brings a bicultural perspective to his work. He moves seamlessly between English and Spanish, inspired by New York–born Puerto Rican salsa artists like Joe Bataan, Ralfi Pagán, and Héctor Lavoe, who sang in Spanish but spoke to audiences in English. This background gives his music an authenticity that comes through both in his lyrics and how he engages the crowd.
On Jan. 18, the audience at The Atlantis responded immediately. Many were Latino, and the energy in the room was constant — people sang along, swayed, and laughed with him between songs. Tracks like “Heaven Knows” felt shared, and at one point someone shouted, “That’s my wedding song!”, showing just how personal his music has become to his fans.
Watch the official music video for “Heaven Knows” by 54 Ultra on YouTube:
Musically, the set blends retro soul, R&B, indie rock, and light disco elements into a sound that felt both nostalgic and current. Several moments between songs highlighted his musicianship: he lingered onstage improvising on his guitar before moving into the next track, creating spontaneous, intimate moments. His band matched that energy, flirting with the crowd and slipping into a Dominican bachata groove, which had the room moving and dancing on the spot.
Johnny’s stage presence is as strong as his music, and he’s also a natural communicator. Between songs, he spoke directly to the audience with warmth and humor, making the set feel personal. It was clear he appreciated every moment of his performance. This tour is the largest of his career so far and the most consecutive shows he has ever played.
Halfway through the night, Johnny asked for the lights to be turned off. The audience responded by lighting up the venue with their phones, creating a soft, almost ethereal moment that emphasized the connection between him and the crowd.
Visually, Johnny’s retro, Studio 54–inspired style complemented the music perfectly. He wore a white shirt, fitted pants, vintage sunglasses, and styled his hair to match the vibe. A chain with Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic charms highlighted his heritage, adding a subtle but personal touch.
Johnny’s journey to this moment has been steady and self-made. He began making beats at 15, collaborating with rappers and R&B artists by 17, and worked as a sound engineer at 19. In his early 20’s, during the pandemic, he started blending R&B with indie rock, releasing EPs on SoundCloud and performing at small shows across New Jersey and New York before building momentum.
Watch the official music video for “Sierra” by 54 Ultra on YouTube:
Recent releases like Heaven Knows (2024) and First Works (2025) show an artist confident in his sound. His creative reach extends beyond his solo work: on “All I Can Say,” his collaboration with Kali Uchis, Johnny co-produced the track alongside Kali Uchis and Vince Chiarito, played multiple instruments — including piano, vibraphone, organ, and guitar — and contributed background vocals.
The show flowed smoothly from start to finish, and even after the expected finale, the audience kept calling for more. It was clear that everyone in the room felt a personal connection to what he was doing onstage. With this momentum and a growing audience, 54 Ultra’s sold-out night at The Atlantis was another step forward. The performance highlighted what makes his music connect so strongly: honesty, warmth, cultural resonance, and a live presence that draws the listener in.
Setlist (Obtained from setlist.fm):
No Tengo Valor
What More Can I Do
I Won’t Go
Halo
Talk 2 Me
Should I Let This Go
Find Your Love
Upside Down
Where Are You
Heaven Knows
Sierra
Here are some photos of 54 Ultra performing live at The Atlantis on Jan. 18, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Marisol Yanguas.
