In 2022, former boy band Why Don’t We faced legal battles with their management, leading to complications that ultimately resulted in their breakup. The group had been on a promising trajectory to becoming the next big American boy band, but despite the setbacks, the members have remained close friends, proving that their bond outlasts any hardships.
Now, each member is embarking on their own solo career, bringing unique sounds to both longtime Why Don’t We fans and new listeners alike. Jonah Marais, in particular, has channeled his personal mental health struggles into a mixtape that showcases his eclectic sound and self-discovery journey. This project reveals a side of Marais that we didn’t see during his time on stage with the band, offering a more introspective look at his experiences.
In his lyrics, you can hear just how far he’s come in battling anxiety and imposter syndrome, which have been central to his journey. Writing this mixtape allowed Marais to explore who he is—not just as an artist, but as a person and a friend to his former bandmates. One standout track, “Twisted Lullaby,” dives deep into these feelings. The opening lyrics—”You can’t play instruments like Dan. Can’t sing like Jack, you wish you can. Can’t dress like Corbyn, can’t even dance. And we both know Zach was the face of the band”—express his internal struggle with finding his place within the group. Later, the line “I’m hearin’ voices in my head tonight, they sing a dark and twisted lullaby” highlights his ongoing battle to quiet the doubts in his mind.
Marais is currently on tour, promoting his EP and performing a few unreleased tracks. In an exclusive interview with ECHO’s Will Heffernan, Marais opened up about his self-discovery process and how creating this EP helped him find clarity. Read our full interview with Jonah below.
How has your solo tour been so far? Was it daunting knowing it was your first time touring solo?
Yeah, definitely! Going into this tour, I was anxious. I didn’t know what to expect, and it felt like a huge step. But, man, it’s been like a warm hug. It’s been incredible to see everyone again. We’re all growing up together, and I hadn’t seen a lot of these fans in five or more years. It’s felt like a family reunion. I love it—it’s been great!
What’s been the biggest family reunion city so far?
Either Salt Lake City or Chicago. Both of those shows were amazing. I’ve loved every show so far, but those two were the last ones, and the energy just kept building. It’s been great!
Do you have any standout “one-in-a-million” memories?
Absolutely. Stepping on stage as a solo artist for the first time after Why Don’t We is definitely a core memory. I was so nervous, but once the show started, it hit me—I’m doing this, it’s working! That was a surreal moment. Another one was in Salt Lake City, which was our first sold-out show on this run. The venue was tiny, but the energy was electric. It was awesome.
How does it feel performing in smaller venues this time around?
It’s been really special. While performing in massive rooms is incredible, it’s harder to connect with the crowd. This tour has allowed me to look at everyone and really connect. I’ve been hanging out after the shows, meeting every single person, and that’s my favorite part—just hanging out and talking.
Your mixtape focuses on mental health. How does it feel to tour knowing that your music is helping people?
That’s why I do music. It’s special to put something out into the world and hear how it affects people. I’ve met so many fans who’ve shared how certain songs, especially “Twisted Lullaby,” gave them words for feelings they couldn’t express. Writing that song was therapy for me, and hearing that it’s helping others is incredible.
The cover art for your mixtape is pretty unique. What’s the story behind it?
Yeah, that was an unexpected moment! My photographer Jason and I were up at 3 a.m. at the cabin where we recorded the mixtape. We were shooting for a different concept, but there was one still image from the session that really stood out. It was just my clothes lying on the ground, no body visible, and it looked so cool. We didn’t plan for that to be the cover, but when I saw it, I was like, “That’s it!”
Reflecting on your time with Why Don’t We, do you feel your solo music has elements from that era?
Definitely. Why Don’t We was such a special time, and I think some of the same ingredients from that period have made their way into my solo music, especially since I was heavily involved in writing towards the end of the band. But my solo music has taken on a new vibe. Working with my producer Ryan Lewis has pushed me to experiment with different sounds, which you can hear throughout the mixtape.
How are things with the rest of the guys from Why Don’t We?
Those guys are my bros for life. I’m a big fan of their solo work—Zach’s song “Caroline” is great, Corbyn’s “Panic” is amazing, and Daniel’s “Other People” is crushing it. Jack’s been sending me demos of what he’s working on too. It’s been fun watching everyone figure out their paths. We’re all doing our own thing, but the support is still there. There’s no competition—just love.
If you could set up a fan for them listen to your mixtape anywhere, where would it be?
Ideally, I’d love to listen to it in a studio overlooking a beach at sunset with great studio speakers. A beautiful view with amazing sound would be perfect.
Any final words for your fans?
I just want to say thank you. Thank you for sticking with me, for believing in me even when I wasn’t believing in myself. You guys got me through the hard times, and now we can all celebrate together. I can’t wait to see where this journey goes—it feels like we’re building something really special.
