Jonah Marais Talks Setlists, Surprises, and the Magic of "Slow Motion"
Written by: Keyali Mikaela
Ahead of his upcoming tour dates, we caught up with Jonah Marais for an in-depth conversation about his music, his creative process, and what fans can expect from his live shows and upcoming debut album. From setlist secrets to the evolution of his sound, Jonah opened up about balancing fan-favorites with deep cuts, the emotional connections forged through his music, and how "Slow Motion" has grown into a standout moment on tour.
Photo via Jonah Marais
Read on for insights into his writing process, reflections on meaningful fan interactions, and a sneak peek at the themes shaping his highly anticipated debut album.
Next Wave: How do you go about creating a setlist? Do you prioritize fan-favorites, or do you like to experiment and bring in some deep cuts?
Jonah: It’s a mix. I want to play the songs people love, but I also like surprising the crowd with something unexpected. It keeps things fresh for everyone, including me.
Next Wave: Some of your songs hit differently in a live setting. Is there one that surprised you with how it evolved on stage compared to in the studio?
Jonah: “Slow Motion” surprised me. In the studio, it’s intimate, but live, it takes on this bigger, almost anthemic energy when the crowd sings along.
Photo via Jonah Marais
Next Wave: Are you planning to switch up the setlist for the November shows, or do you have any surprises in mind for fans who might have seen you perform earlier this year?
Jonah: Definitely planning a few surprises. I love keeping things fresh for fans who come to multiple shows—maybe a new cover or a deep cut from the WDW days.
Next Wave: Any fan gifts or letters that have really stuck with you?
Jonah: Someone gave me a journal full of letters from fans all over the world. It’s incredible to see how my music has impacted so many people.
Next Wave: What’s something a fan has said to you on this tour that meant a lot?
Jonah: A fan told me my music helped them through a tough time with their mental health, and that she wouldn’t be here without me. That’s why I do what I do—to connect and make a difference.
Next Wave: How does seeing familiar faces at different stops on tour feel? Do you notice fans who come to multiple shows?
Jonah: It’s amazing! I definitely recognize familiar faces, and it feels like seeing old friends. It’s a special bond.
Next Wave: What was the creative process like for Slow Motion? Any unexpected challenges or surprises?
Jonah: The biggest challenge was capturing the feeling of slowing down in a fast-paced world. Once I found the right melody, everything clicked, but it took time to get there. Also just knowing when it was finished was tough. Glad we kept going.
Next Wave: How would you describe Slow Motion in three words?
Jonah: Party, Sexy, Fun.
Photo via Jonah Marais
Next Wave: Did you start with the lyrics or the melody for Slow Motion? How did each piece come together to shape the final vibe of the song?
Jonah: I started with the melody—it had this trancevibe. Then the lyrics came naturally, almost like a conversation.
Next Wave: Do you see Slow Motion as a crowd favorite on tour? Is it one of those songs where you feel the audience connects to the lyrics or the energy right away?
Jonah: Absolutely. It’s one of those songs where you can feel the energy instantly—it’s all about the shared moment.
Next Wave: What can you tell us about the overall theme or concept of your debut album?
Jonah: It’s about growth, self-discovery, and the journey of finding peace in the chaos. It’s personal, but I think it’s something everyone can relate to.
Next Wave: How has your sound evolved as you worked on this album compared to your previous releases?
Jonah: It’s more mature and intentional. I’ve been exploring new sounds and pushing myself creatively, but it still feels authentically me.
As Jonah gears up for an exciting chapter in his solo career, fans have so much to look forward to—from intimate performances of "Slow Motion" to fresh surprises in his setlist. And the best part? He’ll be hitting the road next spring, opening for Nightly on select USA dates.
Mark your calendars: tickets go on sale November 22nd! Don’t miss your chance to experience Jonah’s unforgettable live energy and maybe even hear some new tracks at these shows:
Headlining:
11/21/24 - Nashville, TN
11/22/24 - Columbia, MOOpening for Nightly
5/6/25 - Denver, CO
5/7/25 - Salt Lake City, UT
5/10/25 - Boise, ID
5/11/25 - Seattle, WA
5/13/25 - Sacramento, CA
5/14/25 - Los Angeles, CA
5/16/25 - Phoenix, AZ
5/19/25 - Tulsa, OK
5/20/25 - Dallas, TX
5/21/25 - Austin, TX
Find Jonah on social media below:
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok