JFT, the introspective singer-songwriter from Manchester, has returned with Maybe, a stirring indie-pop anthem released on March 13, 2025. Known for his emotionally charged lyrics and unmistakable Mancunian charm, JFT has crafted a song that captures the bittersweet weight of love, loss, and the passage of time.
For those familiar with Manchester’s rich musical history, JFT’s name sits comfortably alongside the city’s indie legends. Drawing inspiration from The Smiths, The Stone Roses, and Oasis, his work reflects the same sense of poetic melancholy, infused with the raw authenticity that defines northern songwriting. With Maybe, JFT delivers a track that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable, striking a delicate balance between nostalgia and forward momentum.
The song opens with a simple yet haunting guitar riff, setting the tone for a journey through introspection and longing. JFT’s warm, slightly weathered vocals carry the listener through a narrative of uncertainty—wondering whether a past love was ever meant to last, questioning whether moving on is truly possible, and wrestling with the ache of what-ifs. His ability to convey such profound emotions in a way that feels effortless is what sets him apart as a songwriter.
From a production standpoint, Maybe is an exercise in restraint and subtlety. The instrumentation builds gradually, mirroring the song’s emotional trajectory. Layers of reverb-soaked guitar and a steady rhythm section provide a cinematic backdrop, making it feel like a soundtrack to late-night drives or moments of quiet reflection. It’s a song that invites listeners to sit with their emotions rather than rush past them, a quality reminiscent of artists like Tom Grennan, Blossoms, and MGMT.
JFT’s journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. He first picked up a guitar as a child, mastering classical techniques before shifting towards the more melodic and expressive world of indie music. His path took an unexpected turn during a trip to Thailand, where he encountered a street musician using a loop pedal. Inspired by the raw, organic nature of the performance, JFT began incorporating live looping into his own shows, adding an immersive, dynamic element to his sound.
What followed was years of honing his craft, playing open mic nights across Manchester and London, building a following through honest, unfiltered performances. His music quickly caught the attention of blogs and curators, with comparisons being drawn to indie powerhouses like Cast and The Smiths. Each release has been a step forward, but Maybe feels like a defining moment—a song that encapsulates everything JFT has been working towards.
There’s an intimacy in Maybe that makes it feel like a conversation between old friends. The lyrics, though deeply personal, resonate on a universal level. Lines like “The journey is the thing, life is for the living” reflect a philosophy JFT has embraced throughout his career—a reminder that even in moments of doubt, life continues to unfold.
Beyond the studio, JFT’s live performances have become legendary in their own right. Armed with just his guitar and loop pedal, he has the ability to create lush, layered soundscapes in real time, captivating audiences with every strum and lyric. As he prepares to take Maybe on the road, fans can expect a live experience that is as emotionally raw as it is sonically rich.
For JFT, Maybe is more than just another single—it’s a statement of artistic growth, a testament to his ability to turn life’s uncertainties into something beautiful. Whether you’re nursing a heartbreak, reminiscing about the past, or simply looking for a song to accompany your next late-night walk, Maybe is the kind of track that lingers long after it ends.
So turn up the volume, let the music wash over you, and get lost in the magic of JFT’s Maybe.
