Written by: Whitney Brielle
Photographer: Krissy
MUA: Christina Spina
Agency: Crowd Surf

A, B, C, ,D, E, F, G—Girl life is wild at 15 years old. Add living in Los Angeles and a very public facing personal life into the mix? You should have a recipe for a hot disaster, however not with Jayden Bartels. Recently, we linked with the YouTube turned up and coming Indie star, for a quick chat. Read below, for all the deets on what this super cool teen is up to in 2020.

EYES & EDGE: You’re 15. Live in CA. What’s the hardest thing about being a teen today?

JAYDEN BARTELS: “The hardest thing about being young in this day and age, is that people don’t take us seriously. We know a lot, and have a lot of valuable information. Have a lot to say. It’s getting people to listen.”

E&E: “What’s the best part?

JB: “Growing up today, everything is so advanced. It’s a blessing. We can connect in more advanced ways.”

E&E: How long have you been making music?

JB: "I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. Writing music for the past 3 years. Releasing music for about a year or two. It’s so exciting.”

E&E: With your transition into music, you’ve been staying busy with singles, as well as a full project—What Really Matters. Recently you dropped a couple of new singles, Alphabet and Gameboy. We’re still talking about Alphabet. It’s really clever.

E&E: What was the inspiration for that song?

JB: “It’s about how much your perspective changes from when you’re younger to older. Each letter is connected to something super positive, like life hallmarks. Wanted to make it onto something meaningful.”

E&E: Which letters in the song, were the most fun to come up with?

JB: “Z—in my zone, so leave me the **** alone.,” contradicts “R—I’m a role model, so I can never swear.” It’s fun because it’s a little edgy. And represents the whole meaning of the song. Growing up. The contrasting explanations of the letters show that transition.”

E&E: You mention being a role model and how you can’t even swear. You have a lot of power to inspire, but that also must have its stressors. Thoughts on that?

JB: “Definitely limits what I can do, but I want to set precedence as a good role model. A lot of people watch. I see some peers doing very negative things on line. Want to come from a place of honesty, but still positivity.”

You just headed out on tour a few days ago with Echosmith. Is this your first time touring?

“This is my first major tour. I did a smaller tour with Max & Harvey in Europe that was 4 shows over the course of a week”

What was your favorite city while touring with Max & Harvey in Europe?

“London. The city was fun, and the theater was huge. It was a very surreal experience.”

Have you worked with Ecosmith before?

“Not previously, but we had met. I love their music and have been a huge fan for a long time. That’s why this tour is such an incredible experience and opportunity.”

Will you be opening for the group?

“Yes.”

How long will you be on tour with Echosmith?

“A whole month. I’m so excited!”

How do you juggle the daily teen responsibilities like school with tours, and media appearances?

"All my education is online."

What regions will you be hitting on tour this time?

“All over America and a bit of Canada.”

Any other exciting highlights in the pipeline? Things you want to share?

“Something pretty big, that I can’t wait to share. It’s theatrical, a show--but that’s all we can say for now.”

Closing words?

“To everyone out there who has ever been kind of to show me even the tiniest ounce of support... thank you so much. I am your biggest fan and admire you more than you will ever know!”