Josh Conway Talks Grief, The Marías, And New Solo Album ‘Plum’

Why It Matters

Conway’s solo venture showcases the growing trend of established indie artists branching out, expanding his personal brand and offering fans fresh content without pausing The Marías. It signals potential new revenue streams and creative diversification in the indie‑pop market.

Key Takeaways

• Conway releases debut solo album 'plum' after ten years with The Marías
• Album recorded in Joshua Tree with Solomon and Cherry, emphasizing vocal focus
• Conway adopts 'Morning Pages' writing method, completing lyrics in a week
• Free three‑night LA residency introduces Conway as frontman, featuring Wallows members

Pulse Analysis

Josh Conway’s transition from behind‑the‑mix desk of The Marías to front‑stage soloist reflects a broader shift in indie music, where band members leverage personal projects to deepen audience engagement. *plum* arrives at a moment when listeners crave authentic, genre‑bending experiences, and Conway delivers a mellow, hypnotic record that deliberately avoids the band’s signature underwater soundscapes. By recording in a makeshift Joshua Tree studio with collaborators Jared Solomon and Paul Cherry, he captured a raw, collaborative energy that underscores his new vocal‑centric approach.

The creative process behind *plum* is as unconventional as its sound. Conway adopted Julia Cameron’s "Morning Pages" technique, writing all lyrics in a single week while meditating at dawn, a stark contrast to The Marías’ later‑day studio habits. This disciplined routine, combined with a stripped‑down vocal mic setup, forced him to trust his voice and let his friends fill the instrumental space. The result is a collection of tracks that feel both intimate and expansive, showcasing his growth as a lyricist and frontman.

From a business perspective, Conway’s solo launch expands his market footprint without cannibalizing The Marías’ brand. The free three‑night Los Angeles residency, featuring Wallows’ rhythm section, creates buzz and drives ticket‑less exposure, while the album’s streaming rollout taps into both existing fans and new listeners attracted to his distinct aesthetic. With another solo album slated for summer and The Marías’ next record already 70‑80% complete, Conway is positioning himself as a prolific creator, a model that could inspire other indie acts to pursue parallel solo ventures while maintaining group momentum.