Artist Advent Calendar - Day 5: Jonah Marais
For Day 5, we’re spotlighting Jonah Marais, whose music consistently blends emotion with creativity in the most relatable way. Whether he’s crafting heartfelt tracks or finding inspiration in the most unexpected places, Jonah has a unique way of connecting with listeners and drawing them into his world.
Jonah’s artistry reflects a year of personal growth and gratitude, pouring those experiences into his sound. He’s all about capturing raw emotion while still keeping things fresh and uplifting. As the holidays roll in, Jonah’s love for festive vibes and all-out celebration shines, proving he’s not just a talented artist but also someone who knows how to embrace the season’s magic.
Catch the holiday spirit with Jonah, who’s all about decorating everything, a love for Elf, and imagining Christmas in the magical snow globe of Leavenworth, Washington. Keep this rising star on your radar because his next chapter is sure to be just as captivating as the last!
NW: What’s the weirdest thing that’s inspired a song?
Jonah: The NFL kicker named Younghoe Koo. wrote a whole song and his name is the title of it.
NW: Who’s an artist you’ve recently discovered?
Jonah: I’ve been listening to Bailey Zimmerman lately. his music is so raw and emotional—it hits in a really special way.
Photo via Jonah Marais
NW: What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself this year?
Jonah: I’ve learned that I’m a lot stronger than I thought I was. This year pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect, and I realized how much resilience I have. I’m feeling so happy and thankful for God’s love.
NW: What’s the strangest place you’ve ever written or recorded music?
Jonah: I once wrote a song in the back of a moving van while we were driving through the mountains. The acoustics weren’t great, but the vibe was unforgettable.
NW: If you could collab with any artist right now, who would it be?
Jonah: Ed Sheeran, hands down. His songwriting and guitar playing are unreal.
NW: What was your most-played song this year?
Jonah: Probably “Twenty Something” by Nightly. I love it so much it is such a vibe and gives me peace.
NW: What’s a lyric from another artist that hits you hard every time?
Jonah: “Just know that I will be here holding on” from ’Holding On’ by Gregory Alan Isakov. Simple, but it cuts deep.
NW: What song of yours do you feel most proud of?
Jonah: Right now, “Slow Motion.” It’s such a fun track, and hearing fans connect with it means the world.
NW: Who’s the most unexpected artist on your playlist right now?
Photo via Jonah Marais
Jonah: I have some Dolly Parton in there. “Jolene” is timeless!
NW: Do you have a favorite holiday movie?
Jonah: Elf. Will Ferrell absolutely kills it.
NW: Are you more of a ‘decorate everything’ or ‘less is more’ type of person?
Jonah: Definitely “decorate everything.” I’m all about the lights, the tree, the whole deal.
NW: What’s the coolest holiday decoration you’ve ever seen?
Jonah: I saw this house once with lights synced to music—it was like a whole show. It was insane.
NW: Is there a city you’d love to spend the holidays in?
Jonah: Leavenworth, Washington. It’s already magical, but during the holidays, it’s like stepping into a snow globe.
NW: If you could invite any musician to your holiday dinner, who would it be?
Jonah: Paul McCartney. Imagine hearing all those Beatles stories firsthand.
Find Jonah on social media below:
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok