Maman and Botnick Light Up Eddie’s Attic

“You’re coming to watch a show that’s loud and funky — get ready to dance,” said Ian Maman.

Any artist performing at the legendary Atlanta venue Eddie’s Attic has big shoes to fill. Past performers include John Mayer and Justin Bieber, who launched their careers on that very stage. Known for its intimate atmosphere, Eddie’s Attic has long been a space that highlights original music, storytelling, and a close artist-audience connection on stage.

On Feb. 5, Atlanta-based Jewish artists, Ian Maman and Jacob Botnick, performed at Eddie’s Attic, bringing a mix of R&B, pop, rock, and funk. Botnick described the night as an opportunity for both him and Maman to shine, saying their goal was to “come out with a bang and make sure we do [the venue] justice.”

While both artists have performed in the past — including opening for Waka Flocka at the University of Georgia — this show was special. Maman explained that Eddie’s Attic gave them the chance to perform original music rather than covers. He said the venue allowed them to be “most intimate with the crowd,” giving them the ability to share stories behind each song instead of rushing through a setlist. Botnick referred to the experience as “kind of a little master class” for attendees.

More than 120 tickets were sold, filling the venue and creating a packed yet intimate atmosphere. The size of the space allowed audience members to remain close to the stage, reinforcing the personal nature of the performance.

The audience’s energy remained lively throughout the night. Both Maman and Botnick’s performances showcased a wide range of moods, shifting from more relaxed moments to high-energy sets that brought the full band on stage. The crowd clapped along and stood on their feet during standout performances, including Botnick’s song, “Fantasy,” and Maman’s, “Back to Life,” which noticeably raised the energy in the room.

The performance unfolded smoothly, with transitions between songs feeling intentional and well-paced throughout the night.

Both artists’ musical journeys began early. Maman discovered his love for music around age 11 or 12 while watching a music documentary. Inspired by the singing and dancing he saw, he began taking vocal and piano lessons and, later, joined a high school band called Leapf. That experience led to his first studio recording session at age 18. His debut song gained attention among his peers, and he even performed it at his prom. Since then, Maman has continued building his career as an artist.

Botnick’s interest in music began at Weber High School through musical theater. He described music as “therapeutic,” explaining that it allowed him to express feelings he otherwise kept inside. Theater also helped him build confidence and stage presence, often playing lead roles. Today, Botnick continues performing professionally and has worked with 14-time Grammy Award-winning producer Ron St. Germain.

Although Maman and Botnick had known each other for years after attending the same Jewish school, their collaboration did not begin until April 2024. Botnick ran into Maman’s mother at an event, where she mentioned Ian’s music. That interaction led the two to reconnect and eventually begin working together.

Both artists credit their Jewish roots with shaping their creativity. Maman said listening to melodies sung by rabbis in school helped him better understand musical expression in Jewish tradition. Botnick noted that the Jewish community has been incredibly supportive, adding that some of their biggest fans come from that network.

Musically, each artist brings a distinct style to the stage. Maman focuses on high-energy rock, pop, and funk, while Botnick leans toward acoustic R&B that blends into rock when performing with a full band. Despite their different approaches, both artists aim to deliver dynamic, engaging performances with no “bland” moments. Maman even compared their energy to Post Malone.

Love plays a major role in their songwriting. Maman draws inspiration from his personal life as well as characters he sees in movies, while Botnick writes about love, heartbreak, and relationships with lyrics that resonate. On stage, Maman brings high energy, while Botnick describes himself as “the calm before the storm,” performing acoustic pieces alongside piano, guitar, and a full band — all original material.

Maman said his hope for the night was that guests would feel they got everything they paid for and fully experienced his craft. “It feels the best when you are creating and showing your audience your craft,” he said.

To listen to Ian Maman or learn about upcoming concerts, visit instagram.com/ian.maman.

To listen to Jacob Botnick or learn more, visit jacobbotnick.com or instagram.com/jacobbotnick.