We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jayden Manis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jayden thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Ever since 5th grade, I knew I was meant to be a music artist. Music has always been a part of my life, shaping the way I see the world and express myself. I remember watching artists perform, feeling something deeper than just admiration—something that told me I was going to be one of them someday. It wasn’t just a dream; it was a feeling I couldn’t shake, like it was already written. Every song I listened to, every melody that stuck with me, only fueled that vision. Music wasn’t just something I loved—it was who I was meant to be.

Jayden, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Jayden Manis, a 18-year-old pop artist from Syracuse, NY. My journey with music started back in 5th grade when I first knew deep down that I was meant to be an artist. Music has always been more than just sound to me—it’s been a way to connect, to express, and to tell stories that people can feel. Over the years, I’ve blended pop, R&B, and soul into my own unique style, crafting songs that are raw, emotional, and relatable.

Beyond my own music, I’ve expanded into the creative and business side of the industry. I run Elevate, a brand focused on helping musicians and content creators grow through strategic marketing, branding, and one-on-one mentorship. I also launched MANIS GLOBAL, a community built to support independent artists with services like achievement plaques, professional branding, content planning, and artist interviews—all at affordable costs.

What sets me apart is my ability to make things move. I’ve built a reputation for creative marketing strategies that have helped my content and music reach millions of views, and I’m passionate about sharing that knowledge with others. I don’t just make music—I create moments, stories, and movements that people can connect with.

One of my proudest achievements is the success of my song Fake Love, a collaboration with my sister, Katelyn Manis. The song gained traction fast, hitting 1,000+ plays on the first day and sparking engagement across platforms. Seeing people connect with something so personal made me realize just how powerful music can be.

For anyone discovering my work for the first time, I want them to know that everything I do is built on authenticity. Whether it’s my music, my content, or the services I provide, my goal is to help people feel something real. Whether you’re an artist looking for guidance or a listener looking for a song that truly speaks to you, I’m here to create and connect.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the connection I build with people through my music. There’s nothing like seeing someone resonate with a song I wrote, knowing that something I created made them feel understood, inspired, or even just less alone. Music has always been that escape and emotional outlet for me, so being able to provide that for others is what makes it all worth it.

Beyond that, I love the creative process—the challenge of turning emotions and experiences into something tangible. Whether it’s writing lyrics, crafting melodies, or coming up with innovative ways to market my music, I thrive on the journey of bringing ideas to life. Seeing how far a song or a project can go, from just a thought in my head to something people worldwide can connect with, is an incredible feeling.

At the end of the day, it’s all about impact. If my music or my work can inspire someone, help them through something, or even push them to chase their own dreams, then I know I’m doing what I was meant to do.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think society can best support artists and creatives by valuing creativity as more than just entertainment—by recognizing it as a vital part of culture, expression, and even mental well-being. Too often, artists are expected to work for free or struggle just to be seen, when in reality, creativity fuels industries, shapes trends, and brings people together in ways nothing else can.

One of the biggest things society can do is create more opportunities for independent artists to thrive. This means funding for arts programs, grants for emerging creatives, and platforms that prioritize independent work over just mainstream, corporate-backed content. Brands, businesses, and even local communities should invest in artists the same way they invest in any other industry—by paying fairly, offering exposure that actually benefits the artist, and providing resources for growth.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jaydenmanis
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaydenmanis
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jay2breezyy
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5zwcRKulINNjc5P8BxC6hx