Jonah Marais

Article by Abby Anderson

Though Jonah Marais may be a fresh name as a solo artist with his acoustic-pop ballad single ‘Heaven’ and introspective rocker ‘Twisted Lullaby,’ he’s no stranger to the music industry. Jonah is best known as singer and keyboardist of the American boy band Why Don’t We. Since the band’s indefinite hiatus in 2016, he’s back in the studio redefining himself as a singer-songwriter. Facing the challenge of writing his first songs in years, Jonah stated on Instagram he was “practicing and practicing” and leaned into the “spontaneity of creating something out of nothing with friends.” His first solo project and EP The Jonah Marais Mixtape, released via Young & Optimistic, showcases his personal growth with the perspective of an unrestrained solo voice while also holding his years in the band in high regard. 

The 24-year-old Minnesota native is an advocate for mental health awareness, documenting his own battles with anxiety, loss, and self-doubt across his solo work. His honesty and tangible vulnerability resonate with his maturing fanbase. He’s now quickly gaining his own following, and headlining venues he played with the band during their rise to the mainstream. Jonah is set to embark on The Young & Optimistic tour across the U.S. later this summer.