Exclusive Interview: Jonah Marais Talks “Slow Motion,” His Upcoming Debut Album, Going Independent, and Finding His Voice

Jonah Marais is hitting all the right notes as he steps into the spotlight with his solo career. A former member of the popular band Why Don’t We, Jonah is now charting his own course as an independent artist. Known for infusing vulnerability and rawness into his songwriting, he pairs emotionally resonant lyrics with upbeat tempos and melodies that strike a chord with listeners.

Set to release his highly anticipated debut album in 2025, Jonah is giving fans a glimpse of what’s ahead with “Slow Motion,” the first single off the project. The track not only reaffirms Jonah as a defining voice of his generation but also highlights his evolving artistry, blending emotional depth with surprising new elements that keep listeners hooked.

Pop Culturalist spoke with Jonah about “Slow Motion,” his upcoming debut album, his journey to finding his voice as an independent artist, and more.

PC: This is such an exciting time in your career, with so much exploration as a solo artist. The mixtape you released has so much variety. I know you dropped it to see what would resonate with your fans. How did the feedback from that project and your recent tour influence your upcoming debut solo album?
Jonah: It was incredibly helpful. In many ways, the mixtape that came out this summer was a way to get the ball rolling and gauge what people were interested in and what they wanted. Performing the songs live was especially helpful. I noticed a couple of songs really resonated more than others, even though a lot of people liked them all. But that feedback was valuable as I worked on the album. I’m really excited about my next single, “Slow Motion,” coming out on November 15th. I feel like it has a cool, mysterious energy. I’m also rapping on it a bit, which is new for me, but I’m really into it.

PC: I feel like all the music you’ve released as a solo artist has been so unexpected and refreshing. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind “Slow Motion” and how you knew you wanted it to be the introduction to this project?
Jonah: It was obvious to me that I wanted this to be the first song on the project because it really sets the tone energetically. I performed this one on tour along with a few other unreleased songs, and I actually ended each show with it. By the end of the night, it turned into a party every time. So many people were asking me for the song, saying, “We need this!” It was such a great way to close the show, so it just made sense as the opener for the project.

PC: What a fantastic way to wrap up the show and give fans a glimpse into what’s next. That’s so smart. You’re also releasing all this new music independently. After everything you’ve experienced in the industry, why was having that creative freedom so important to you? How does going independent allow you to experiment and deepen your connection with your fans in ways that might not have been possible otherwise?
Jonah: My mindset was that my top priority was working with people I genuinely enjoy being around, people who bring light into the process and make it more fun, less serious. Being independent has been a really positive experience. It’s great to sit with the few partners I have who are helping me and actually make big decisions together. We can look at 2025 and say, “When do we want to tour? When do we want to release these songs?” I have so much say in all of that. Even things like budget—how much we want to spend on projects—were decisions I had no control over before. In a big company, it’s like, “Here’s what we have for this,” or “Because the last single didn’t perform well, you don’t get as much budget.” Now, I have my own company, and I’m doing it myself. It was amazing to get on the road and see people’s excitement firsthand.

PC: You also had the chance to share the mixtape with fans before it was officially released—something you probably wouldn’t have been able to do with a label. Speaking of that special group of collaborators, you’re working with Ryan Lewis and Jason Koenig. How have you all created a space to experiment, explore, and push each other as artists, both with the mixtape and now with the upcoming debut album?
Jonah: I’m so grateful for Ryan and Jason. They have this amazing ability to keep things lighthearted and fun in the studio. We’re just experimenting, seeing what happens, and when something feels good, we chase it. They’ve been incredible at giving me the freedom to explore. If I come in with an idea, everyone’s genuinely excited to see where it goes. I haven’t always felt that level of openness in the studio, so this has been a really positive experience.

PC: What’s been so incredible about your solo music is the blend of lyricism and vulnerability paired with those upbeat pop-alt rhythms that capture universal themes and emotions you want to explore. Has it ever been daunting to be so raw in your craft? How have you managed to find that balance?
Jonah: It’s been a bit daunting, especially with the song “TWISTED LULLABY.” I think that’s the rawest I’ve ever been. I wasn’t even sure it would be released while I was writing it—it was almost like therapy. It really helped to put down all the things I was insecure about and what I was thinking at that point. Then, when I heard it back and heard what Ryan was doing with the production, I thought, “This feels really good.” I’m so proud of that one because it really captures my headspace at that time. It’s like a little snapshot of that period, and I think good art can do that sometimes.

PC: Good art can make others feel seen, which your music definitely does. On the flip side, in your song “HEAVEN,” you talk about bottling the perfect moment. If you could capture one defining moment from your career in a bottle, which would it be and why?
Jonah: I’ve had so many amazing moments in my career, but the first one that comes to mind is when I was in Why Don’t We, and we played a sold-out show at Radio City Music Hall in New York. That night was pretty magical, and being able to look at each other and say, “Look what we did together. This is so cool,” was unforgettable.

Similarly, I’d say these past few years of building my solo career, going on the road, and performing have been incredible. The L.A. show was probably the most magical moment—being able to look around at my band and team and say, “This is so cool that we’re building this together.” Having my former bandmates there was really special; they all came to the show. It was amazing to share that moment with so many friends in L.A. It felt truly special.

PC: I’m not sure how much you can share about the debut album, but if you had to pick a song from either the upcoming project or the mixtape that best represents who you are as an artist today, which would it be and why?
Jonah: There’s a song on the album called “Better Place.” I’m actually working on it this week here at the cabin in Washington—we just finished writing it two days ago and were still tweaking it yesterday. It feels incredibly special, like it’s going to do amazing things. You never know for sure, but it has all the signs. This song feels bigger than me; I feel like I’m just doing my part by putting it out there and seeing what happens. But I have a good feeling about this one.

PC: You can tell by the name of the track that it’s going to have a big impact. You’re also an artist who thrives on stage. After the album drops, is the plan to get back on the road? How much do you use that setting to test out this new material?
Jonah: This first tour was such a great reminder—it really centered my focus on touring. I feel like being on the road is a core part of who I am. Getting to see fans in person, hug them, hang out after the show, and have real conversations is incredible. Looking ahead to 2025, touring is a top priority along with getting this album out. We have some cool opportunities coming up that aren’t 100% locked in yet, but we’ll see. There will definitely be another headlining tour in 2025; I’m just not sure exactly when yet. Plus, we’re planning some other types of shows, pop-ups, and things like that.

PC: The way you connect with your fans is one of your superpowers.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jonah: I’d say I’m a big country music fan. I really like Bailey Zimmerman and Morgan Wallen. I’m also really into worship and Christian music.

PC: First album you bought?
Jonah: The Heist by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.

PC: That’s a full-circle moment. What about the first concert you ever attended?
Jonah: Jingle Ball in 2009 in Minneapolis. Justin Bieber had just released “One Time.” He performed on a broken foot, and I thought he was the coolest person.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Jonah: 8 Letters with Why Don’t We. It literally changed my life because I got to travel around the globe and go on a world tour. That was amazing. Outside of an album I’ve been part of creating, I’d say The Eagles Greatest Hits album. I think it’s one of the best pieces of music.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Jonah: I definitely want to headline the Target Center or Xcel Energy Center in Minneapolis because that’s where I grew up going to shows. I’ve played the Xcel Energy Center as part of Jingle Ball with the band, but I definitely have a dream of performing there one day as a solo artist. It’ll be amazing when it happens.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Jonah: Caffeine, whether it’s coffee, Celsius, or anything else. I need something to keep me going, for sure.

Make sure to follow Jonah on X, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Stream “Slow Motion” today.