Artists in today’s industry have the opportunity to reinvent themselves in an instant. Whether it is due to a genre switch or a change in aesthetic, the ability to shapeshift can feel liberating. Today, singer-songwriter Jaden Hossler is removing the varnish of his alias, jxdn, and releasing “Chrome Hearted” under his real name. Dropping via DTA Records, the track shows a new side of Hossler following his journey to sobriety. This deeply-personal topic is one he is proud to continue exploring in this new era.
Combining trap beats with a smooth, pop-infused vocal delivery, Jaden Hossler taps into a sound reminiscent of today’s modern pop royalty. From the lyrical cadence of blackbear to the palpable angst of Machine Gun Kelly, “Chrome Hearted” is about co-dependent love. He describes the woman he loves as having a heart made of metal. Yet, her cold edges leave him wanting more.
The music video for the track shows a mix of black-and-white and full-color footage showcasing the song’s themes. From stoic models to Hossler drenched in the spotlight, the dynamic visual allows the song’s imagery to come to life.
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Hossler spoke to Billboard about his journey into the pop world. Experimenting with his sound for the last year, he discusses the inspiration behind the new single. “I’ve been playing with pop for about a year, but I could never find the right sound,” he says. “It was either too bubble gummy or just didn’t feel like me—I really wanted to find a sound of my own. I’ve always leaned towards ballads, but then I was like, ‘I want to make [a song] that is uplifting and could go on radio.’ I kind of got obsessed with [luxury brand] Chrome Hearts at the time, so it came into my mind to use it as an adjective. I had this melody, and as soon as I sang it, I was like, ‘This is gonna be one of my biggest songs.’”
And in 15 minutes, the chorus hook of “Chome Hearted” was written. The writing process allowed Hossler to trust his instincts and write within the genre that he had been searching for all along. “I’ve really struggled with trusting my instincts over the past two-three years,” Hossler adds. “And this was the first time where I trusted myself, so that was the start of this whole new process for me.”
