Writing requires experience. Good writing is a garden of possibility – one where the writer understands that seeds, dirt, sun, and water can result in any number of outcomes. On her newest single, ‘Poisonous,’ Jessica Hottman emerges as a songwriter who understands the power of potential.

Hottman has explored the outer limits of genre for over a decade. Through bands The Hottman Sisters and Giveth, this Omaha, NE native has combined folk storytelling with goth textures to craft her own musical landscape. Her synth project Sun Cycles built upon years of experimentation and yielded some of her best work yet.

But now, Hottman has emerged as a writer without a pseudonym. With this newfound vulnerability, she has managed to combine storytelling and experimentation into a perfect blend of dark, entrancing pop. Inspired by the work of artists like Imogen Heap, Hottman’s melodies move with a grace and power that only comes with years of experience. ‘Poisonous’ tells the story of forbidden love, and the sonic palette of the song paints a vivid picture of longing and desire. Sustained notes, arpeggiated synth bass, and an intoxicating beat serve to remind us of love’s dark underbelly. Hottman makes music sound effortless: like breathing.

For the songwriter, life needs movement. Hottman is leaning into change and finding power in the uncertainty that follows. Her new record, ‘Exit Through the Trees,’ will be released in early 2026. By chasing the freedom of vulnerability, Hottman peels back the curtain and allows us a glimpse into her soul Perhaps, ‘Poisonous’ is just a taste of Hottman’s new world.

How did you decide that these new songs wouldn’t be released under the Sun Cycles moniker?

It was really a decision that unfolded as the songs unfolded. While the style of my writing still felt close to Sun Cycles, this truly marked a different era for me as an artist. My last Sun Cycles releases came out during the pandemic, which feels like a lifetime ago in many ways. I even considered creating a new moniker, but what ultimately felt most authentic (something I’m constantly striving for as an artist) was releasing this record under my full name. This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and the timing finally felt right.

What keeps songwriting fresh and engaging for you?

Songwriting for me is about gathering enough life experience to write something true to myself. I need time to travel and absorb my environment, as well as time to simply live in the mundane—going on daily exploratory walks, drinking coffee, and staring out at the sky. For me, it’s about reflection, letting life’s natural moments fuel the songwriting.

Talk about your work with producer Joel Martin. Does Martin bring a new perspective to your work?

Joel and I have been making music together in various projects since 2017, and he holds a special place in my musical world. We share a rare connection where we can almost read each other’s minds. Perhaps most importantly, we have a similar vision for how a finished song should sound—which I truly cherish. Joel is also what I call “left field” in the studio and he’ll often do wild or unexpected things that blow my mind. I like to call him Joel Merlin, because he’s a wizard.

While making this record, I was essentially crashing in Joel’s basement in Philadelphia, and it felt like we were working inside a kind of sensory deprivation portal…which is perhaps where we do our best work.

What can we expect from the rest of ‘Exit Through the Trees’?

‘Exit Through the Trees’ is a record about stepping into full alignment. While it sits under the umbrella of pop, it reaches into some darker depths—bright on the surface, with a deeper undertone beneath. Over the past few months, I’ve been traveling the country with my partner (and living out of a Honda Element) in order to film a larger video project that will coincide with the release.

Jessica Hottman Instagram

Jessica Hottman