Why Don't We, shortened to WDW, is an American boy band consisting of Jack Avery, Corbyn Besson, Zach Herron, Jonah Marais and Daniel Seavey. They were formed in 2016 and have released two studio albums and six extended plays. The group canceled tour dates and took a break in 2022.
Why Don't We | |
---|---|
![]() Why Don't We at the 2018 B96 Jingle Bash in Chicago. From left to right: Daniel Seavey, Corbyn Besson, Jonah Marais, Zach Herron, and Jack Avery. | |
Background information | |
Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Genres | |
Years active | 2016–2022[a] |
Labels | Signature Entertainment, LLC (TNL) Atlantic |
Members |
|
Website | whydontwemusic |
History
edit2016–2017: Career beginnings
editThe band originally formed on September 27, 2016,[1] after having all met in Los Angeles, California a year prior.[2][3][4] On October 20, 2016, the group released their debut single "Taking You", a track from their debut EP, Only the Beginning, which was released on November 25 of the same year.[5] They embarked on their first headlining tour, the "Taking You Tour", the next year. Their second EP, Something Different, was released on April 21, 2017.[6][7] Following the release of their second EP, they embarked on the Something Different Tour, their second headlining tour.[8] The group's third EP, Why Don't We Just, was released on June 2, 2017.[9] In September 2017, the band signed with Atlantic Records.[10] That same month, Invitation, their fourth EP, was released.[11] On November 23, 2017, they released their fifth EP, A Why Don't We Christmas.[12][13] In 2018, in support of the Invitation EP, they headlined the "Invitation Tour".[14] Additionally the band has appeared in several vlogs of YouTuber Logan Paul.[15]
2018–2019: 8 Letters and 12/12 era
editOn August 31, 2018, they released their first album, 8 Letters.[16] The record debuted at number nine on the US Billboard 200,[17] and was preceded by three singles: "Hooked", "Talk", and "8 Letters".[18][19][20] In March 2019, they embarked on the "8 Letters Tour".[21]
Why Don't We released a new song each month in 2019. On January 16, they released "Big Plans",[22] and a music video was released three days later.[23] The song received a gold certification from the RIAA in April 2020.[24] On Valentine's Day, the group released "Cold In LA",[25] along with a music video two days later.[26] On March 20, 2019, they released the humorous song "I Don't Belong in This Club" featuring American rapper Macklemore.[27] It was certified gold by the RIAA in August 2020.[28] On April 20, the group released "Don't Change", which was featured on the soundtrack album of the animated film UglyDolls.[29] In May, the group unveiled their fifth song of the year, "Unbelievable".[30] In June, they released "Come To Brazil", inspired by fans frequently asking them to visit the country.[31] On July 26, the band released the song "I Still Do".[32] On August 23, they released "What Am I", penned by Ed Sheeran, who previously wrote "Trust Fund Baby".[33] The song was certified gold by the RIAA in June of the following year.[34] On October 25, they released "Mad At You".[35] The following month, the group released the Christmas song "With You This Christmas".[36] On December 30, the group released their twelfth and final song of 2019, "Chills".[37] The group then took a nine-month break shortly after the music video release.[38]
2020–2022: The Good Times and the Bad Ones and hiatus
editOn September 29, 2020, the band released "Fallin' (Adrenaline)", the lead single from their second album, The Good Times and the Bad Ones.[39] It debuted at number 37 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, their first ever entry.[40] Their second single from the album, "Lotus Inn", was released on December 4, 2020.[41] They starred in a YouTube documentary titled 30 Days With, which showed the last stages of development and behind the scenes content of their then-upcoming album for 30 days.[42] Their third single from the album, "Slow Down", was released on December 17, 2020.[43] On January 15, 2021, The Good Times and The Bad Ones was released. The album is largely self-produced, although it also features the productions of Travis Barker, Skrillex, and Timbaland.[44] The album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, making this their highest entry on the chart.[45]
The band released the single "Love Back" on October 6, 2021. The band then release a cover of Justin Bieber's "Mistletoe" in December that same year. In January 2022, they released their next single in collaboration with Jonas Blue: "Don't Wake Me Up",[46] followed by "Let Me Down Easy (Lie)" in April,[47] “Just Friends” on May 13, and “How Do You Love Somebody” on May 31.
The band's North American tour, The Good Times Only Tour, was scheduled to commence in June 2022, but was canceled due to the litigation between Why Don't We current manager Randy Phillips and former manager David Loeffler.[48] The band rescheduled the tour with new dates beginning in July.[49] However, on July 6, the band announced that due to ongoing legal battles with their former management, they would be cancelling the tour and taking a hiatus.[50]
Musical influences
editThe band has cited Justin Bieber as their main musical inspiration, in addition to 5 Seconds of Summer, Boyz II Men, The Beatles, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Childish Gambino, Jon Bellion, Post Malone, Frank Ocean and CNCO.[51][52]
Band members
editJack Robert Avery
editJack Robert Avery (born July 1, 1999) was born in Burbank, California, but raised in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania.[53][54][55] Avery released a solo single called "Liar" in 2016 and was part of the meet-and-greet tour "Impact", which members Zach Herron and Corbyn Besson were also a part of.[56] He also starred in a short film called Fearless Five.[57] On April 22, 2019, Avery's former girlfriend, Gabriela Gonzalez, gave birth to their daughter.[58] He is currently single.
Corbyn Matthew Besson
editCorbyn Matthew Besson (born November 25, 1998) was born in Dallas, Texas,[59] but raised in Virginia. Besson went to high school in Centreville, Virginia.[60] Besson's cousins are Dutch girl group O'G3NE.[61] Before Why Don't We, he had a following on YouNow and released a solo single called "The Only One" to iTunes in 2014. His other acoustic single, "Marathon", was also released on the platform.[62] After Why Don't We went on hiatus, Besson released 2 singles on his own. ''Love Me Better'' on February 7, 2024, and ''Like That (feat. Armani White)'' on April 12, 2024. He dated Christina Marie Harris and is now dating model Valeria (Lera) Clark.
Zachary Dean Herron
editZachary Dean Herron (born May 27, 2001), the youngest member of the group, was raised in Dallas, Texas.[59] Growing up, he sang in the choir. Before Why Don't We, Herron covered songs on YouTube and also produced two singles himself, "Timelapse" and "Why".[63] He dated Kay Cook until 2019 and is now currently with Sierra Petrossi. Herron released his first solo single since Why Don't We went on hiatus called 'caroline' on July 26th, 2024.
Jonah Marais Roth Franzitch
editJonah Marais (born June 16, 1998), the eldest member of the group, grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota.[64][65] Before Why Don't We, Marais had a following on YouNow and released an album, When the Daylight's Gone, in 2016 and went on the 2014 DigiTour.[66] Alongside Seavey, Marais co-wrote "I Got You" for TWICE in 2024.[67] He previously dated Tatum Dahl and Natalie Ganzhorn but is currently single. On June 7, 2024, Marais released two solo songs called ''TWISTED LULLABY'' and ''Heaven''. Marais released a Mixtape titled 'The Jonah Marais Mixtape' that includes the songs 'TWISTED LULLABY' and 'Heaven' On June 28, 2024.
Daniel James Seavey
editDaniel James Seavey (born April 2, 1999), born in Vancouver, Washington. He grew up in Portland, Oregon.[68][69] A main producer of the band, he can play over 20 instruments by ear.[70] As a child, his father would take him to do street performances on the city's art walks.[71] Seavey competed on season 14 of American Idol and finished in ninth place. He also has released multiple songs on his own including his newest singles "Bleed on Me", "Can We Pretend That We're Good?", "Runaway" and "I Tried".[72] The songs were featured on his debut EP 'Dancing in the Dark' released August 11, 2023. Seavey released the single "The Older You Get" on May 9, 2024. The song is the first single from his upcoming debut album. He was previously in a relationship with Franny Arrieta but is now dating Katia Castellano. They have been together since November 2022.
Tours
editHeadlining
- Taking You Tour (2017)
- Something Different Tour (2017)
- Invitation Tour (2018)
- 8 Letters Tour (2019)
Discography
edit- 8 Letters (2018)
- The Good Times and the Bad Ones (2021)
Awards and nominations
editiHeartRadio MMVAs
editYear | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | Themselves | Fan Fave New Artist | Nominated | [73] |
iHeartRadio Music Awards
editYear | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | Themselves | Best Boy Band | Nominated | [74] |
2019 | Limelights | Best Fan Army | [75] | |
Zack Caspary | Favorite Tour Photographer | |||
2020 | Limelights | Best Fan Army | [76] | |
Zack Caspary | Favorite Tour Photographer | Won |
MTV Europe Music Awards
editYear | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | Themselves | Best Push | Nominated | [77] |
MTV Video Music Awards
editYear | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | Themselves | Push Artist of the Year | Nominated | [78] |
2019 | Themselves | Best Group | Nominated | [79] |
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
editYear | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | Themselves | Favorite Musical YouTube Creator | Nominated | [80] |
2019 | Favorite Social Music Star | [81] |
Radio Disney Music Awards
editYear | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | Themselves | Best New Artist | Nominated | [82] |
"These Girls" | Best Song to Lip Sync to |
Teen Choice Awards
editYear | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | Themselves | Choice Music Group | Nominated | [83] |
"Trust Fund Baby" | Choice Song: Group | |||
2019 | Themselves | Choice Music Group | Won | [84] |
Themselves | Choice Summer Group | Nominated | ||
"8 Letters" | Choice Song: Group |
Explanatory notes
edit- ^ On hiatus
References
edit- ^ "Why Don't We • Our First Day As A Band". YouTube. Why Don't We. September 28, 2016. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
- ^ Falcone, Dana Rose (December 15, 2017). "Why Don't We: What to Know About the Hot New Boy Band". PEOPLE.
- ^ Booth, Ali (August 16, 2018). "Why Don't We Shares the Story Behind Their Decision to Form a Band". Tiger Beat.
- ^ Locke, Ashely (October 26, 2016). "Boy Band Why Don't We Shares the Story Behind How They Formed Their Group". Sweety High.
- ^ Singh, Olivia (December 4, 2016). "Why Don't We Drops 'Only the Beginning' ;) EP". TigerBeat.
- ^ Campbell, Emily (April 21, 2017). "Why Don't We Releases "Something Different" EP". On Air with Ryan Seacrest.
- ^ Lee, Julia (April 21, 2017). "Why Don't We Drops New 'Something Different' EP". TigerBeat.
- ^ Weatherby, Taylor (May 8, 2017). "Why Don't We Announce Headlining Summer Tour: Exclusive". Billboard.
- ^ "Why Don't We Just - EP by Why Don't We on Apple Music". Apple Music. Apple Inc. June 2, 2017. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
- ^ Stewart, Allison (December 7, 2017). "Boy band Why Don't We enjoying phase one of global dominion". Chicago Tribune.
- ^ "Why Don't We New EP 'Invitation': Listen". Billboard. September 27, 2017.
- ^ "Why Don't We Release A Why Don't We Christmas EP". November 29, 2017.
- ^ Ellwood-Hughes, Pip (November 27, 2017). "Why Don't We Release A Why Don't We Christmas EP". Entertainment Focus. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- ^ Weatherby, Taylor (April 23, 2018). "Why Don't We's Live Show: How the Invitation Tour Proves They're Not Going Anywhere". Billboard.
- ^ "Logan Paul – Help Me Help You ft. Why Don't We [Official Video]". YouTube. TheOfficialLoganPaul. May 18, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
- ^ Rincón, Alessandra (August 9, 2018). "Why Don't We Announce Debut Album '8 Letters'". Billboard.
- ^ "Why Don't We Scores First Top 10 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With '8 Letters'". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
- ^ "Why Don't We Unveil Adventure-Filled Video For 'Hooked'". iHeartRadio. June 7, 2018. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
- ^ "Why Don't We 'Talk' Around the World in New Video: Watch". Billboard. July 9, 2018. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
- ^ Bowenbank, Starr (August 20, 2018). "Why Don't We Are Lost in Love in New '8 Letters' Video". Billboard. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
- ^ Booth, Ali (September 5, 2018). "Why Don't We Announces 2019 '8 Letters' Tour". Tiger Beat.
- ^ Klonowski, Lauren (January 17, 2019). "Why Don't We Drops "Big Plans"". Beyond The Stage Magazine. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ "BIG PLANS - Why Don't We [Official Music Video]". YouTube. Why Don't We. January 19, 2019. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ "American single certifications – Why Don't We – Big Plans". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ Stivale, Shelby (February 14, 2019). "Why Don't We Releases Meaningful New Song 'Cold in LA'". Tiger Beat. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ "Why Don't We - Cold In LA [Official Music Video] - YouTube". YouTube. Why Don't We. February 16, 2019. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ Rowley, Glenn (March 20, 2019). "Why Don't We & Macklemore Would Rather Be Home in Video For 'I Don't Belong In This Club': Watch". Billboard. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
- ^ "American single certifications – Why Don't We – I Don't Belong in This Club (feat. Macklemore)". RIAA. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ Stivale, Shelby (April 17, 2019). "Why Don't We Announces New Single 'Don't Change'". Tiger Beat. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ Shaffer, Claire (May 28, 2019). "Watch Why Don't We Bring Life to the Desert in New 'Unbelievable' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ Weatherby, Taylor (June 28, 2019). "Why Don't We Break Down Their Flirty New Single 'Come to Brazil': Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ Cantor, Brian (July 26, 2019). "Why Don't We's 'I Still Do,' Chainsmokers, Illenium & Lennon Stella's 'Takeaway' Reach Top 10 On US iTunes Sales Chart". Headline Planet. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- ^ Shaffer, Claire (August 23, 2019). "Why Don't We Unveil Video for Ed Sheeran-Penned New Song 'What Am I'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ "American single certifications – Why Don't We – What Am I". RIAA. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ Cantor, Brian (October 25, 2019). "Why Don't We's 'Mad At You,' Lizzo & Ariana Grande's 'Good As Hell' Enter Top 5 On US iTunes Sales Chart". Headline Planet. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- ^ "Why Don't We Spills Embarrassing Christmas Memories". PAPER. December 16, 2019. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- ^ Weatherby, Taylor (January 6, 2020). "Why Don't We Will Give You 'Chills' With Romantic Winter Wonderland Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- ^ Mier, Tomás (September 29, 2020). "Why Don't We Says They're 'Now the Band We've Dreamed of Being' as They Start 'Most Exciting' Era". People. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ Matozzo, Marissa (September 29, 2020). "On Set of Why Don't We's Comeback Video". PAPER. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ Cantor, Brian (October 12, 2020). "Why Don't We Celebrates Self-Written, Self-Produced "Fallin'" Making the Top 40 On Billboard Hot 100 Chart". Headline Planet. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ Phillips, Hedy (December 7, 2020). "Why Don't We — Lotus Inn". EUPHORIA. Magazine. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
- ^ Aniftos, Rania (December 9, 2020). "Why Don't We Put Their 'Heart Out on the Table' in Emotional '30 Days With' Docuseries: Exclusive Trailer". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
- ^ Deville, Chris (December 18, 2020). "Boy Band Why Don't We Sample Smashing Pumpkins' On New Single". Stereogum. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
- ^ Whyte, Woodrow (January 14, 2021). "Why Don't We breakdown their transformative new album featuring Heath Ledger and Percy Jackson". PopBuzz. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
- ^ Caulfield, Keith (January 24, 2021). "Morgan Wallen's 'Dangerous: The Double Album' No. 1 for Second Week on Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
- ^ "Jonas Blue & Why Don't We Debut on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs Chart With 'Don't Wake Me Up'". Billboard. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
- ^ "Why Don't We Return With New Single Let Me Down Easy (Lie)". StoreBoard. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
- ^ "Boy Band Why Don't We Asks Labor Commission for Help Dropping Manager". Billboard. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
- ^ "Why Don't We Shares New Dates for Canadian Shows".
- ^ "Why Don't We Amid Legal Battle with Former Management". Rolling Stone. July 6, 2022.
- ^ Weatherby, Taylor (July 10, 2017). "Pop Quintet Why Don't We Explain Why They're Not Just Another Boy Band & How Justin Bieber Inspired Them". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
- ^ "Why Don't We Influences & Tour | Meet Series". YouTube. iHeartRadio. August 18, 2017. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
- ^ Cassi, Sarah (February 22, 2019). "Boy band Why Don't We coming to the Great Allentown Fair". lehighvalleylive.
- ^ Carter, Brooke (February 7, 2018). "Jack Avery Net Worth 2018". Gazette Review.
- ^ "Teen Hit Sensation: Jack Avery | Raider Reader Online News". Raider Reader. March 5, 2015. Archived from the original on September 24, 2017.
- ^ "10 Things You Didn't Know About Jack Avery" Tiger Beat
- ^ "Why Don't We Boys: A Guide to the Band Members" J-14
- ^ Swaim, Stephanie (May 12, 2019). "Why Don't We Singer Jack Avery Welcomes First Child With Gabriela Gonzalez". Access. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ a b Gravley, Garrett (April 1, 2019). "Why Don't We Proves That Boy Bands Aren't Such a Bad Thing, After All". Dallas Observer.
- ^ "Why Don't We Is the Next Generation's All-American Boy Band". PAPER. May 23, 2018.
- ^ "Corbyn • WHY DON’T WE on Instagram: "met my cousins @og3ne for the first time tonight! they are the most talented girls on this planet. my whole dutch fam came out to the show..." Instagram
- ^ "10 Things You Didn't Know About Corbyn Besson" Tiger Beat| iHeartRadio"] iHeartRadio
- ^ "10 Things You Didn't Know About Ryan Shan" Tiger Beat
- ^ "From fan to boy band: Stillwater native Jonah Marais to play KDWB Jingle Ball". November 30, 2017.
- ^ "Stillwater teen is an online star in the making". Star Tribune.
- ^ "10 Things You Didn't Know About Jonah Marais" Tiger Beat
- ^ "'I GOT YOU' Writers Producers; Daniel Seavey, David Wilson, Jake Torrey, Jonah Marais, Lexxi Saal, dwilly". X (formerly known as Twitter). February 2, 2024. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- ^ Oregonian/OregonLive, Kristi Turnquist | The (April 3, 2015). "Vancouver's Daniel Seavey talks about leaving 'American Idol' -- and his 16th birthday". oregonlive.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Oregonian/OregonLive, Kristi Turnquist | The (January 31, 2015). "'American Idol': Daniel Seavey, 15-year-old from Vancouver, talks about making it to Hollywood Week". oregonlive.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Why Don't We: What to Know About the Hot New Boy Band" People
- ^ "10 Things You Didn't Know About Daniel Seavey" Tiger Beat
- ^ "Who Are "Why Don't We"? Age, Names, Girlfriends, Net Worth And More - Capital" Capital FM
- ^ "iHeartRadio MMVAs 2018 Winners: The Complete List". E!. August 27, 2018.
- ^ "2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards: The Complete Winners List". Entertainment Tonight. March 11, 2018.
- ^ "2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards: See the Full List of Winners". Us Weekly. March 15, 2019.
- ^ Fields, Taylor (September 8, 2020). "2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards Winners: See The Full List". iHeartRadio. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ "Here are all the winners from the MTV EMAs 2018". NME. November 5, 2018.
- ^ "MTV VMAs 2018 Complete Winners List". Billboard.
- ^ Warner, Denise (August 26, 2019). "Here Are All the Winners from the 2019 MTV VMAs". Billboard. United States. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
- ^ "Kids' Choice Awards: Complete List of Winners". The Hollywood Reporter. March 24, 2018.
- ^ "Kids' Choice Awards 2019: Complete Winners List". TheWrap. March 23, 2019.
- ^ "2018 RDMA Winners". Radio Disney. Archived from the original on June 25, 2018. Retrieved July 20, 2019.
- ^ "Teen Choice Awards 2018: The winners' list". USA Today.
- ^ "Teen Choice Awards 2019: See the Full List of Winners". People.