Jake Ortiz's 'Maniac': A Dark Pop Anthem Just in Time for Halloween

Hey y’all, it’s time to dive into something that’s both timely and thrilling—Jake Ortiz’s brand-new single, “Maniac.” With a vibe that’s equal parts dark and danceable, Jake has crafted a pop anthem that speaks to anyone who’s ever been driven a little crazy by someone in their life.

From the first note, “Maniac” sets a tone that’s hard to ignore. The bass line alone is enough to keep you hooked—it’s smooth, heavy, and unforgettable, much like something you’d expect from The Weeknd. As the high hats sneak in during the first verse, you’re already hooked, and it’s clear that Jake’s in full command of this track. The first verse is light on harmonies, but don’t worry—when the breakdown hits, you’re greeted with a flood of rich, layered vocals that elevate the hook to another level.

Jake’s vocal style throughout the track stays grounded in his chest voice, with the occasional growl and rasp that add just the right amount of edge. It’s that kind of vocal performance that draws you in without overwhelming you. And speaking of restraint, I have to give Jake props for how sparingly he uses riffs and runs—it’s refreshing and perfectly suited to the pop style of “Maniac.”

What inspired the creation of “Maniac,” and how did you approach capturing that dark, pop vibe?

The first thing I heard for “Maniac” was this little synth sample that had me hooked right away. I didn’t plan on taking it in a dark The Weeknd direction, but once I added a few more layers—like the drums and guitar—it practically put itself together. I pieced together the chorus melody in about an hour after listening to the samples, which is faster than any other song I’ve written! Right after, the words “better watch your back ‘cause he’s a maniac” came out. I remember yelling at how good that sounded and then just dove into writing a story about an ego maniac obsessed with attention and playing with people’s hearts. Usually, I write from experience, but this time I wanted to turn a story into a song. So I built out some characteristics and pieced together a storyline that helped shape the lyrics. As for production, I do everything at home in my room—vocals, music, everything! I experiment with a lot of samples since I don’t have all the instruments, so I take a lot of pride when I’m able to construct a solid song that people love. My room is my happy place, where creativity flows with no one’s judgment but my own. All in all, it took about 2–3 weeks to polish “Maniac,” and as long as my mom and a few friends love it, it’s “signed, sealed, delivered!”

As the song builds, so does the intensity. The bridge is where things get really exciting—the kick drum creates a slow-building tension that peaks when Jake hits a powerful high note, leading straight into the final hook. And those ad-libs? Whew. Jake absolutely nails it, adding just the right amount of flavor without going overboard.

This song feels timely, especially dropping around Halloween. Was that intentional?

It actually was not! It definitely has that dark undertone now that you mention it, but it was merely a coincidence that it has released just in time!! You better add it to your spooky playlist!

At its core, “Maniac” is pop perfection. With its memorable bass line, smart vocal choices, and relatable lyrics, it’s the kind of track that could easily become a crowd favorite. Whether you’ve been driven crazy by someone in the past or you’re just vibing to the music, Jake’s got a hit on his hands. Trust me, y’all will be singing this one at the top of your lungs before you know it.

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