Interview with Ian Maman
Ian Maman is a pop artist inspired by the energy of funk, R&B, and soul. Influenced by The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, and Justin Bieber, Ian blends timeless melody with modern rhythm and emotion. He began vocal training at age 11 and released his band’s first EP at 15. He dropped his debut solo single at 18. After recently opening a show at the Buckhead Theatre and also performing at Eddie’s Attic, Ian continues to build momentum with more performances ahead. With a growing catalog of unreleased music and a live show that balances dance-floor excitement with heartfelt moments, Ian continues to use his music to start honest conversations, especially around mental health. His new single, “White Butterfly,” honors his friend Manny Pargman, whom he lost to suicide, and with his debut EP on the way, Ian hopes every listener walks away knowing they are not alone.
Listen to “White Butterfly” here.
Nuçi’s Space chatted with Ian about the song’s release, the inspirations behind his work, and the importance of Mental Health awareness and support.
Ian Maman, Atlanta based independent artist.
When did you first hear about Nuçi's Space? What made you want to reach out?
My manager pointed me toward Nuçi’s Space. After reading about their work in suicide prevention and supporting musicians, it made sense to work with them. My upcoming release, White Butterfly, is such a personal song for me that I wasn’t sure for a long time if I’d release it, so working with Nuçi’s Space felt like finding that one friend who just gets it without you needing to explain everything. I respect the work they do for Athens and musicians, and I'm excited to team up with them.
I understand you lost someone to suicide, which has informed your work–specifically, the song you mentioned above, White Butterfly. Would you like to tell us about your loved one, and the inspiration behind the song?
Manny was such a special soul that words could never even describe. At first, it was raw; I didn’t know what to think or how to process it. And then about 2 weeks later, one day I was out in the middle of the ocean and saw a white butterfly circling around me. I didn’t even know how to respond. I felt so moved by what I had seen and felt, so the first thing I did was write down the words, “White Butterfly.” About ten days later, I finished the song but wasn't sure I ever wanted to release it. After some time passed, I realized how much this song means to me, and how much it could mean to other people dealing with similar pain, so I decided to share it and release it now. I want people to know that WE ARE NOT ALONE.
So many of us have been touched by suicide. Art, specifically music, seems like such a good way to express our grief and work through those difficult emotions.
How do you think songwriting has helped you on your healing journey?
Creating something from the soul. Whether it’s music or not, everyone needs an outlet to let their struggles and emotions out. For me, it’s songwriting, and that’s what keeps me going every day and gives me the will to create. Chasing that feeling of writing songs that come from the heart, whether it’s happy or sad songs. Being able to write into words how we feel is a feeling like no other. As a musician, it is about creating what makes me feel love, then sharing it with my community and letting them have their own experience with it. And for me, that is the best feeling in the world.
What does your songwriting process look like? Do all of your songs come from such a personal place?
The process is that there is no process. Some songs inspire me while I'm watching a movie, and I put myself into the character's mind, trying to write from their perspective. A lot of times it’s personal experiences that I’ve been through, or I’ve seen people around me go through and struggle. I want to write music that moves people, whether that’s in their hearts or in their feet.
Tell us a little about your background as a musician, and what you've got coming up.
I’ve loved music since I was a kid; I was always either singing or dancing. I wrote my first song when I was 9 years old, dedicated to my family, called Why I Love You. My first real touch with music came around age 11, when I began taking vocal lessons, and then piano when I was 15. I started songwriting around 15 during the COVID pandemic and took it more seriously at 17. I released my first song in high school and have been releasing more music ever since. Right now, I've been working on more songs to add to my catalog that feel true to me and my artistic voice. I'll also be playing shows around the Atlanta area, including The Buckhead Theater for the Manny’s Band Foundation in November and, hopefully, another show at Eddie's Attic sometime after. I am also excited to announce that I plan on releasing my first-ever EP this summer.
Congratulations on that release! Our Camp Amped program equips young people with self-advocacy skills in mental health, important tools to navigate the often-difficult music industry, and refines the musical talent and social development of young people in our community.
As a young musician yourself, do you think you would have benefitted from a program like Camp Amped?
Absolutely. The music business can be difficult to navigate, especially when you’re young and still learning how everything works. A program like Camp Amped would have helped me understand how to advocate for myself, take care of my mental health, and grow as a musician. Those skills are just as important as developing your talent. I also admire that Camp Amped gives young musicians a supportive community where they can grow creatively and support one another through whatever hardships they face.
What message would you like to convey to your audience, fans and fellow members of the community regarding mental health and the creative process? Any words of wisdom?
Mental Health deserves the same honesty and attention as physical health. People shouldn’t have to hide what they’re going through or worry that they’ll be treated differently for asking for help. For me, writing White Butterfly was a way to put my grief into music. I hope it encourages people to talk more openly, check in on each other, and take those conversations seriously. If I could ask for one impact of this song, it would be for people to take mental health more seriously and check in on those who seem to have everything going for them, because those are the ones we need to look out for most. You never know what someone may be carrying, so what’s the harm in talking about it and just having a conversation. One string of words does save lives if we make the choice to use our mouths and say it. We need to be there for each other before we lose another person we love.
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Listen to Ian’s latest single, “White Butterfly” here. The song honors his friend Manny Pargman, whom he lost to suicide. With his debut EP on the way, Ian hopes every listener walks away knowing they are not alone.