Jonah Marais is no stranger to the spotlight. As one-fifth of the chart-topping boy band Why Don’t We, he spent years captivating fans with his smooth vocals, undeniable charm, and infectious energy. But after months of anticipation and teasing on social media, Jonah took this year to step out on his own, carving a new path as a solo artist with the release of original music.
The transition from group member to independent musician is a big leap, but the 26-year-old seems more than ready for this new chapter.
“There was never a thought of ‘should I keep doing this’ because I love music so much,” Jonah tells Celeb Secrets host Juliet Schroder in an exclusive interview. “I love to write and I love to just make music, so as the band was coming to an end, I just kept on creating.”
Enlisting in help from Jason Koenig (Ed Sheeran, Imagine Dragons, and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis), Marias reconnected with the esteemed music video director after working with him during his time in Why Don’t We. Koenig then introduced the 26-year-old to Ryan Lewis, and the trio began putting together songs that would introduce the world to his next chapter.
“It was a great next step in a time where I was kind of unsure of where things were headed, and Ryan was so sweet to open up his studio doors to me,” he shares.
So what does this next phase look like for him? And how does it feel to not have the comfort of a group dynamic and embrace the thrill of creating music on his own terms?
“I don’t know if I’ve fully had that moment of knowing who I want to be just yet. I think the most or the closest I’ve had to that is just being on stage again and feeling like, ‘ok, this is what it’s about. And these fans are what it’s about,'” Jonah reveals. “The fact that I can just go out on tour and make music — and I’m seeing firsthand the impact that it’s making on people’s lives — is a beautiful thing.”
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After the band’s hiatus in 2022, a decision that, while bittersweet, gave Jonah the space he needed to rediscover his love for music. The solo journey allowed him to reflect on his experiences, his personal growth, and the kind of music he wanted to create going forward, which resulted in the release of The Jonah Marais Mixtape earlier this summer.
Describing the project to Celeb Secrets as “a good representation of the amount of different types of music [he] can do,” The Jonah Marais Mixtape features a wide variety of honest, fun and romantic tracks that were created in a “safe space” provided by Lewis.
“Ryan [Lewis] was really helpful in terms of just making a safe, easy space to create in. We were just having fun and messing around and seeing what happened, and honestly, it was sort of like whatever the songs wanted to be, we were able to kind of make that,” Jonah shares. “It was just kind of like going with the flow and making whatever we wanted to that day, and I think you can feel that in the music. It’s so cool.”
Giving fans the first taste of the new chapter post-Why Don’t We by sharing the track “Twisted Lullaby,” Jonah reveals to Celeb Secrets that the track deeply personal, guitar-driven track is one of his most personal as it reflects all of his emotions his was feeling towards the end of the band and right after their indefinite hiatus.
“That one was the first song that I wrote for my solo project and it was the lowest point that I’ve been at in the last few years. I was really wondering where my life was going and questioning a lot of things,” he shares. “I had imposter syndrome and was comparing myself to people, so that song was almost therapy for me. I didn’t even know if it would come out at that time, but it just felt good to write.”
“It ended up being really good, but [‘Twisted Lullaby’] specifically was the most prevalent, but there are other parts of my life in all of the songs.”
Back in November, the 26-year-old shared his new single “Slow Motion” with frequent collaborator Ryan Lewis, and the upbeat track — which he imagines being played in a club or at a house party — explores a different side to the Stillwater, Minnesota native’s creativity.
“Right from when we started writing it, it just felt like a party song. I could imagine it being played in a club or in a house party setting where people vibe to it,” Marais says of the song’s early beginnings. “I was able to show a little bit more of a side of me — I’m almost like rapping in it — which is so fun. I’m also talking about more personal things, which is great.”
Jonah was able to take “Slow Motion” as well as his other songs on the road when he embarked on a 15-city headline tour this year, which he said was a “really special” moment to connect with his fans again in a different light.
“It feels really good,” Jonah tells Celeb Secrets of being back on tour. “I feel like the most purpose of any time in my life is when I’m on stage. It is different than being on stage with four other guys, but this is my show now. I’m having a good time out there.”
Currently, Jonah is busy honing his solo sound while focusing on staying grounded. The whirlwind of the music industry can often feel overwhelming, but the 26-year-old shares with Celeb Secrets that his well-being and his connection to his fans are keeping him on the path towards solo success.
I’m working on an album that’s coming out sometime next summer, and ‘Slow Motion’ is the first song that’ll be on the album that’s out. It’s got a wide range and it’s definitely not all in the same vein. But we have a lot of it done — with probably a little bit of work still to do — but it’s sounding really good. I’m excited,” he says of his upcoming full-length project.
“I’m in my more grown up era. I feel like everyone knows me from being in the band and that was very ~boy band~ stuff. I’m 26 now and I want to write about being 26. I think that will come across in the album for sure,” he continues.
“I just want to make a positive impact in the world in the largest way that I can and talk about mental health, the connection with people, reaching out to people… I think that’s the biggest thing for me; leaving a good impact on the world.”
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Jonah’s transition from Why Don’t We to solo artist is more than just a career move; it’s a journey of self-expression, growth, and discovery. With his undeniable talent and unwavering commitment to his craft, Jonah Marais is well on his way to becoming a standout solo artist in his own right.
The road ahead may be unpredictable, but if Jonah’s past is any indication, this solo adventure is one that needs to be watched very closely. And as he continues to evolve, one thing is certain — his fans will be right there with him every step of the way.
For more on Jonah’s music, make sure to watch our full interview below — and don’t forget to let us know what you think of “Slow Motion” by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
LISTEN TO “THE JONAH MARAIS MIXTAPE” HERE:
