Jaden Hossler

Jaden has always exerted a unique talent in channelling unguarded honesty and irrefutable strength into his music. From his candid exploration of his mental health to his ongoing journey through battles and growth, he’s built a standing for being fearless with his truth. When the Music Stops deepens that journey, magnetising listeners even closer as he balances turmoil with a resilience that’s palpable in every lyric. Jaden doesn’t just reveal his pain or triumphs - he discovers a prevailing centre ground, where he is both soft and indestructible, reminding fans that embracing vulnerability can be its own kind of strength.

Jaden crafts a cosmos where darkness and hope can coexist, alluring listeners to witness his struggle and determination in tandem. When I talk with him, I am struck by his genuine excitement for his life and all it will involve - becoming a music icon, having a wife, being a father, and connecting with people. In his music, each lyric feels like an inch deeper into his world, a place where he confronts his inner demons and transforms them into something ferociously beautiful. Here, Jaden reveals the complexities in his journey, offering insight into the trials, tribulations, and hard-won wisdom that shape his music and life - showing us all what he hears When the Music Stops.

What is the story behind JXDN and where it all began?
I used to share my whole life story a lot, and looking back, it’s kind of crazy to think, Wow, all that really happened. Growing up, I was super sheltered in a conservative, Southern family where my parents were pastors. I barely had any exposure to music besides church songs and some Justin Bieber, surprisingly. I think being deprived of music made me crave it even more. When I was nine, I watched Never Say Never, the Justin Bieber documentary film, and it hit me hard - I even cried, which totally confused my parents, but that was when my love for music really started.

Growing up in a small town, I didn’t feel like big dreams were possible. I didn’t know anything about music, money, or even mental health until high school when I first started struggling with it. One time, one of my friends was making money online, and when I saw him make $2,000 in a few hours, I was like, “I’ve got to try this.” It started just for the money, but it worked. I met people from all over and eventually went to my first concert - a Juice WRLD show in Dallas. Seeing 10,000 people singing “Empty” together was a huge moment for me. I knew right then that music was what I wanted to do.

After that, I moved to LA. I was technically homeless for six months but managed to crash at a Bel Air mansion through a close connection. Everything just felt like it was falling into place like there was a bigger plan guiding me. Looking back, a lot of my drive to be open and talk about vulnerability comes from my early life where everything felt so limited.

We’ll delve deeper into When the Music Stops but to start, at the end of your song “Lost Angel” you sing, Now everyone can see through / Cause they finally see the real you. These lyrics made me wonder, who is the real Jaden?
I used to be really caught up in figuring it out, but now I don't stress about it as much. It feels like I'm always looking forward to discovering who I am, and then when I look back, I realise I already knew all along. I’d say I don’t have fear anymore, and my ego is gone too. I don’t feel like I’m here because of me, or that I got here on my own. It’s more about the people who connect with my music. I also have a lot of faith that there's a higher purpose, like God put me here for a reason. So, that’s how I see myself.

Take us through your creative process, from the very first lyric to the final production.
It's funny man, because even though I've been making music for about six years now, I was just talking to my friend about how it still feels like I’m just getting started. People often think an artist’s prime is between nineteen and twenty-nine, but for me, this is a lifelong thing - I'm going to be doing this for as long as I live. So even though I’ve been at it for six years, that’s not much time in the bigger picture.

I’ve been writing more since coming back from tour. Before, music came so easily that it almost felt too simple. I used to create everything in the moment and rarely went back to change anything, except for one song on my latest album. That one came from a tough time I went through, and it was the only one I revisited and tweaked. But now, things are evolving for me. I’m about to do my first-ever writing camp, spending twelve days in Malibu working on my third project, which is exciting because I’m really trying to define my sound and create a full world around it. This is a new chapter where I’m pulling everything I’ve learned together, and it’s exciting to see where this takes me.

You’re going through a constant evolution, but how would you define your style as an artist?
Yeah, totally. I'd say right now, my music reflects exactly where I’m at in life. When I was nineteen, I was angsty and heartbroken, so my pop-punk album was all I could create at the time. My latest album was more introspective and melancholic, with songs like "Sad October" and "Just Let Go" really capturing where I was emotionally. Some tracks, like "Wreck Me" and "You Needed Someone I Just Happened to be There," were more like bridges to show where I’d been, but I don’t play them live anymore because they don't fit where I am now.

Lately, I’ve been leaning towards a classic rock and Brit rock sound, which I’m obsessed with. But the difference is that instead of just replicating my influences, I feel like I’m stumbling on something new, something groundbreaking that isn’t really being done right now. I’ve got a great team who gets the vision, and I’m excited to lock in this new sound. When people think of rock and roll and pop, I want to be the artist that comes to mind, like how Queen and Freddie Mercury were both rock stars and pop icons. I think there’s a huge wave coming for rock music, and I want to be at the forefront. It’s a long-term goal, not something that happens overnight, but I’m doing everything I can right now to make it part of my journey.

Let's talk about When The Music Stops, how would you describe the flavour of your album?
This album has something for everyone, which I love, but that’s because I didn’t make it for anyone in particular. The first album was all about promo and getting as many listeners as possible, but this time I didn’t really promote it much. My label probably wasn’t thrilled about that, especially since I didn’t push it on TikTok or other platforms. I just did an in-person promo tour, and even though I was a bit nervous about not following the usual music marketing strategies, the tour went really well, which was a great feeling.

As for the album itself, it’s kind of like a book - each time you listen, you might catch something new, depending on your perspective. You hear one thing the first time, but if you go back, you always pick up something new. It’s a really personal project for me. When I think of it, I picture the colour blue - blue can be beautiful, but it also has a hint of sadness, it sits right in the middle, kind of like grey. I also describe my career as a slingshot. My first album is the handle and the base, while this album is the rubber band pulling everything back. The project I’m working on now is what I believe will launch me forward. When the Music Stops was made purely for me, but I think it connected with people even more than the first one because of the vulnerability in it. I feel like people, especially now, are craving that openness.

How did the journey to creating When the Music Stops differ from your debut album?
With my first album, I wasn’t trying to achieve anything specific. I had songs like "Pray" and "Tell Me About Tomorrow" that were meant to help people and create a safe space, but overall, I was just excited to release music - it reflected where I was at the time. But When the Music Stops was more spiritual and literal for me. The "music" in my life had stopped, and I was genuinely asking, "What do you hear when the music stops?" People often think music is just sound, but it’s so much more than that.

This album was a self-discovery journey for me. I didn’t have all the answers when I made it, but after the tour, I realised that when the music stops, the world keeps singing. The album was about showing that my music is meant to impact the world, and if I didn’t make it, I don’t think I could have moved forward. Honestly, I might’ve quit the industry altogether. I had almost lost my connection to music, the thing that saved me. This project was my way of reminding myself what music really is. Even at my shows, I didn’t have my name in the backdrop - I had "You Are Music" instead. I truly believe music isn’t just sound, it’s about the connection between people, and that’s been an important realisation for me.

You’ve endured some pretty immense hardships in your life, how do you channel these battles in your music?
It’s funny how there's this idea that when you're hurting, you make your best music, and that has to say something not just about us as humans, but about music itself. Why is it that when we experience the worst things, we can create something so beautiful? It makes me think that there’s always more going on behind the scenes - something deeper that we don’t always see.

Right now, there’s a lot of music that doesn’t tap into that deeper level. People say art can be anything, and while that’s true to some extent, I believe real artistry involves sacrifice. Not everyone should be an artist, even though anyone can be. For me, being an artist is about carrying the weight of a generation, and while I’m happy to see more focus on artists' mental health, I think some of that urgency and pain that used to come with true artistry is missing. I’ve been through a lot at just twenty-three, and I want to channel that into my music. I want to connect with people on that deeper level, not just make party music, because that’s not who I am as an artist. I’m more interested in creating something that speaks to the shared struggles we all go through.

What are some of the ways you’ve learned to protect yourself and your mental health?
It’s really about who you surround yourself with and the environment you’re in. I used to be around a lot of famous people, doing wild things, but I’d look around and feel so small and empty. When I stepped out of that and found a space where I felt whole, the difference was huge. That’s part of the journey - figuring out what makes you feel complete. I’ve had to make tough decisions, especially with relationships. Romantic relationships are always tough for me because all I want in life is to be a husband and father. But I know that will come once I figure out who I really am, and that’s part of my current journey.

Music is a big part of that for me. It’s not just my job - it’s my life, my guide, and my compass. When I’m connected to my music and the people at my shows, I know I’m in a good place. Gratitude is my indicator that I’m doing well. When you lose that, you get greedy, insecure, and resentful. So I protect myself by focusing on what makes me feel good, literally and emotionally, like working out or even rearranging my room. Life and music are connected. When things don’t feel right, sometimes all it takes is moving things around to make yourself feel safe again.

Lyrically many of your songs describe intimate feelings that aren’t always mutual. Would you describe yourself as a hopeless romantic?
Dude, I think it's funny how I approach love because I’ve mostly known tragic love, especially from my parents and in my own life. I’m only twenty-three, but I've put myself in serious situations when it comes to love. Honestly, I’m just a lover at heart. Everything I do revolves around love, which can seem odd, especially since I’ve always craved it. But I’ve found that the more love I give, the more I feel.

Even so, I still don’t know much about love. I know it’s patient, kind, forgiving, and involves sacrifice. But I feel like the love people talk about today isn’t the real deal. People say they love someone, but would they really let that person go? We hear a lot about fighting for love, but what if true love means letting go? That’s the kind of love I’m searching for - the kind that doesn’t benefit me and might even hurt, but you know it’s the right thing to do.

I recently went through that with my last relationship, and it was heartbreaking. Choosing to be selfless and let something go, even when you could keep it for yourself, is what I think love is all about. It’s tough, but if that falls under the category of a hopeless romantic, then yeah, I’m all in.

How was your experience touring in Europe and the UK compared to your previous tours in the US?
Oh man, touring Europe and the UK was a totally different vibe for me! This was my first time doing it, and honestly, I didn’t really know what to expect. I’ve done some touring in South America, so I was already aware that outside of the U.S., there’s a different level of appreciation for artists. In America, it often feels like music has just become part of this huge capitalist machine, right? It’s all about the numbers, the sales, and the charts.

So after doing four tours in the States, I owe a ton to my fans, of course, but the minute I landed in Europe, I felt this electric energy in the air. It was like a light switch flipped. People were genuinely excited about the music and the artistry behind it. I had some nerves since I’d cancelled a couple of tours before this one, and I figured that might have put some people off. But nope! Every venue was packed, and that was a huge relief.

To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of touring - I’m a bit of a homebody. I love doing shows, don’t get me wrong, but the touring life can be exhausting. What made this tour so special was that I had more time in between shows. Usually, I cram three shows in a row before getting a day off, but this time it was more like show, off day, show, off day. I really took advantage of that! I got to explore each city and soak it all in, which was a big deal for me.

I realised how important it is to experience life outside of my usual bubble, especially with everyone glued to their phones nowadays. Like, we might be in a cool place, but we’re living it all through our screens instead of experiencing it. For example, we stayed in Bordeaux, which felt a bit isolated at first. But then we hopped on a quick train into the city, and it turned out to be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen! That kind of stuff opened my eyes to just how closed off we can be. So, all in all, this tour was more than just about music; it was a personal journey for me, reminding me to break out of my shell and really live in the moment.

What moments stood out to you during your tour in the UK?
Dude, so many moments stood out during my time in the UK! I was just in awe of the rich musical history there. When I got to London, I could really feel the roots of rock and roll all around me. I was performing at venues where legends like Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones played! That’s wild to me. I had this one venue where, even though I didn’t sell out, the owner came up to me and said they wanted to take my photo and hang it up in the green room. I was like, “Wait, are you serious?” That was a first for me!

I mean, it was just insane to think that my picture would be up there alongside artists like Amy Winehouse and Tyler, the Creator. That kind of recognition from the venue staff felt really special, especially since it was something I hadn’t experienced back in the States. They were giving me my flowers, even when I felt like I hadn’t earned them yet. And let’s talk about my favourite show - I think it’s hilarious that everyone expected me to say Manchester, but honestly, London just blew me away. I loved that show! Madrid and Hamburg were also amazing, but London had that extra magic for me. There were so many moments where I found myself thinking, Wow, I’m actually part of this history. It was a perfect confirmation of what I want to do with my music. I’m inspired by classic rock sounds, but I also want to mix that with who I am as an artist. This tour really helped me see the path forward.

Your music often balances vulnerability and strength. How do you strike that balance when you're creating?
You know what's funny? I feel like I chat way too much in life and not enough in my music. Like, I'm a super verbal person, and I just love expressing myself. I can talk for ages, and it's not because I have to, but because I genuinely enjoy it! I love connecting with people and trying to find the right words, whether they sound beautiful or totally goofy. It’s just fun for me.

But I’ve realised I often end up saying too much without really getting to the core of what I want to express in my songs. That’s a big focus for me right now with this project. I posted something on Instagram recently, and while I had a lot to say, I decided, “You know what? I’m just going to pour it all into my music.” That’s become my main thing - putting my thoughts into my songs and not over-explaining them.

I think we’ve kind of messed up in the way we share music today. It feels like we have to convince people to like a song even before it’s out, which is wild! I mean, I know you have to play the game a bit, but my goal is to get into the game so I can flip it on its head. I want people to be stoked about an album even if they haven’t heard a single note. That’s the kind of excitement I want to create, especially since I’m aiming for my music to be both vulnerable and powerful.

What themes are you exploring in your new music, and how do you want it to resonate with people?
For this new project, I’m diving into some pretty big themes. I wouldn’t necessarily call it political in the traditional sense, but I definitely want to address the state of the world and the stuff that’s going on globally. I’ve got this song in the works called "We the People," which is all about the collective human experience. I want to write songs that connect with people on a deeper level, no matter where they’re from.

I’m all about creating timeless music that feels liberating, you know? Like, when you listen to classics like Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” it’s just one of those tracks that resonate across generations. Right now, I think we need music to be that force for liberation and revolution again. There’s so much division in the world, and I really believe music can help bridge those gaps. Of course, I’ll write about my personal relationships and internal struggles - that stuff will always be part of my music. But I want to be bold and unfiltered in what I create. That means I need to tone down my talking and focus more on translating those thoughts into music. I don’t worry about saying too much; I’m more concerned about not saying enough. So this project is about harnessing all that energy and feeling to create something that feels truly valuable and impactful!

How do you stay grounded and connected to your fans while managing the demands of being in the public eye?
I really vibe with people like Chappell Roan right now because she’s super clear about not owing anyone anything, and I totally agree. But for me, knowing I don’t owe anyone doesn’t mean I don’t want to give everything I can. After all that I’ve been through, I want to connect with people and share what I have.

After my shows, there are always fans waiting outside, which is honestly wild. I try to make it a point to go out and chat or at least snap a pic with everyone who’s there. It can get tiring sometimes, especially when some fans act a bit entitled, but I really want to stay true to who I am as an artist. I don’t want to be the biggest artist in the world right now; I’m aiming for a timeless legacy.

I know I’m going to be one of the biggest artists of all time, and that’s not just me being cocky - that’s my goal. To get there, I need to do things differently. There are plenty of reasons I could just back off, but there are way more reasons to keep pushing forward. My connection with my fans is super important, and I want to navigate this industry without getting caught up in negativity. Imagine if the world turned against you, but you still managed to be cool about it - that’s my mindset. Everything I’m sharing with you today is real, but I also recognise that I’m evolving. My main focus right now is being in tune with myself, my spirit, and God. I truly believe that to get people to open up to you, you have to show them your own heart. That’s what I’m all about right now - just showing people my heart.