Why Don't We Explained

Why Don't We
Origin:Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Years Active:2016–2022
Label:Signature Entertainment, LLC (TNL) Atlantic
Current Members:
  • Jack Avery
  • Corbyn Besson
  • Zach Herron
  • Jonah Marais
  • Daniel Seavey

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.

History

2016–2017: Career beginnings

The band originally formed on September 27, 2016, after having all met in Los Angeles, California a year prior.[1] [2] [3] 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.[4] 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.[5] [6] Following the release of their second EP, they embarked on the Something Different Tour, their second headlining tour.[7] The group's third EP, Why Don't We Just, was released on June 2, 2017.[8] In September 2017, the band signed with Atlantic Records.[9] That same month, Invitation, their fourth EP, was released.[10] On November 23, 2017, they released their fifth EP, A Why Don't We Christmas.[11] [12] In 2018, in support of the Invitation EP, they headlined the "Invitation Tour".[13] Additionally the band has appeared in several vlogs of YouTuber Logan Paul.[14]

2018–2019: 8 Letters and 12/12 era

On August 31, 2018, they released their first album, 8 Letters.[15] The record debuted at number nine on the US Billboard 200,[16] and was preceded by three singles: "Hooked", "Talk", and "8 Letters".[17] [18] [19] In March 2019, they embarked on the "8 Letters Tour".[20]

Why Don't We released a new song each month in 2019. On January 16, they released "Big Plans",[21] and a music video was released three days later.[22] The song received a gold certification from the RIAA in April 2020.[23] On Valentine's Day, the group released "Cold In LA",[24] along with a music video two days later.[25] On March 20, 2019, they released the humorous song "I Don't Belong in This Club" featuring American rapper Macklemore.[26] It was certified gold by the RIAA in August 2020.[27] On April 20, the group released "Don't Change", which was featured on the soundtrack album of the animated film UglyDolls.[28] In May, the group unveiled their fifth song of the year, "Unbelievable".[29] In June, they released "Come To Brazil", inspired by fans frequently asking them to visit the country.[30] On July 26, the band released the song "I Still Do".[31] On August 23, they released "What Am I", penned by Ed Sheeran, who previously wrote "Trust Fund Baby".[32] The song was certified gold by the RIAA in June of the following year.[33] On October 25, they released "Mad At You".[34] The following month, the group released the Christmas song "With You This Christmas".[35] On December 30, the group released their twelfth and final song of 2019, "Chills".[36] The group then took a nine-month break shortly after the music video release.[37]

2020–2022: The Good Times and the Bad Ones and hiatus

On September 29, 2020, the band released "Fallin' (Adrenaline)", the lead single from their second album, The Good Times and the Bad Ones.[38] It debuted at number 37 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, their first ever entry.[39] Their second single from the album, "Lotus Inn", was released on December 4, 2020.[40] 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.[41] Their third single from the album, "Slow Down", was released on December 17, 2020.[42] 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.[43] The album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, making this their highest entry on the chart.[44]

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",[45] followed by "Let Me Down Easy (Lie)" in April,[46] “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.[47] The band rescheduled the tour with new dates beginning in July.[48] 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.[49]

Musical influences

The 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.[50] [51]

Band members

Jack Robert Avery

Jack Robert Avery (born July 1, 1999) was born in Burbank, California, but raised in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania.[52] [53] [54] 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.[55] He also starred in a short film called Fearless Five.[56] On April 22, 2019, Avery's former girlfriend, Gabriela Gonzalez, gave birth to their daughter.[57] He is currently single.

Corbyn Matthew Besson

Corbyn Matthew Besson (born November 25, 1998) was born in Dallas, Texas,[58] but raised in Virginia. Besson went to high school in Centreville, Virginia.[59] Besson's cousins are Dutch girl group O'G3NE.[60] 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.[61] 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

Zachary Dean Herron (born May 27, 2001), the youngest member of the group, was raised in Dallas, Texas.[58] 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".[62] 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

Jonah Marais (born June 16, 1998), the eldest member of the group, grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota.[63] [64] 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.[65] Alongside Seavey, Marais co-wrote "I Got You" for TWICE in 2024.[66] 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

Daniel James Seavey (born April 2, 1999), born in Vancouver, Washington. He grew up in Portland, Oregon.[67] [68] A main producer of the band, he can play over 20 instruments by ear.[69] As a child, his father would take him to do street performances on the city's art walks.[70] 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".[71] 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

Headlining

Discography

See main article: Why Don't We discography.

Awards and nominations

iHeartRadio MMVAs

!|-| 2018| Themselves| Fan Fave New Artist| |[72] |}

iHeartRadio Music Awards

!|-| 2018| Themselves| Best Boy Band|rowspan="4" |[73] |-|rowspan="2"|2019| Limelights| Best Fan Army|rowspan="2" |[74] |-| Zack Caspary| Favorite Tour Photographer|-|rowspan="2"|2020| Limelights | Best Fan Army|rowspan="2" |[75] |-| Zack Caspary| Favorite Tour Photographer| |}

MTV Europe Music Awards

!|-| 2018| Themselves| Best Push| |[76] |}

MTV Video Music Awards

!|-| 2018| Themselves| Push Artist of the Year| |[77] |-|2019|Themselves| Best Group| |[78] |}

Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards

!|-| 2018|rowspan="2"|Themselves| Favorite Musical YouTube Creator|rowspan="2" |[79] |-| 2019| Favorite Social Music Star|[80] |}

Radio Disney Music Awards

!|-|rowspan="2"|2018| Themselves| Best New Artist|rowspan="2" |rowspan="2"|[81] |-| "These Girls"| Best Song to Lip Sync to|}

Teen Choice Awards

!|-|rowspan="2"|2018| Themselves| Choice Music Group|rowspan="2" |rowspan="2"|[82] |-| "Trust Fund Baby"| Choice Song: Group|-|rowspan="3"|2019| Themselves| Choice Music Group| |rowspan="3"|[83] |-| Themselves| Choice Summer Group|rowspan="2" |-| "8 Letters"| Choice Song: Group|}

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Falcone. Dana Rose. 2017-12-15. Why Don't We: What to Know About the Hot New Boy Band. PEOPLE.
  2. Web site: Booth. Ali. 2018-08-16. Why Don't We Shares the Story Behind Their Decision to Form a Band. Tiger Beat.
  3. Web site: Locke. Ashely. 2016-10-26. Boy Band Why Don't We Shares the Story Behind How They Formed Their Group. Sweety High.
  4. Web site: Singh. Olivia. December 4, 2016. Why Don't We Drops 'Only the Beginning' ;) EP. TigerBeat.
  5. Web site: Campbell. Emily. 2017-04-21. Why Don't We Releases "Something Different" EP. On Air with Ryan Seacrest.
  6. Web site: Lee. Julia. April 21, 2017. Why Don't We Drops New 'Something Different' EP. TigerBeat.
  7. Weatherby. Taylor. May 8, 2017. Why Don't We Announce Headlining Summer Tour: Exclusive. Billboard.
  8. Web site: Why Don't We Just - EP by Why Don't We on Apple Music . . June 2, 2017 . . 15 November 2018.
  9. Web site: Stewart. Allison. 2017-12-07. Boy band Why Don't We enjoying phase one of global dominion. Chicago Tribune.
  10. Why Don't We New EP 'Invitation': Listen. September 27, 2017. Billboard.
  11. Web site: Why Don't We Release A Why Don't We Christmas EP. November 29, 2017.
  12. Web site: Ellwood-Hughes. Pip. 2017-11-27. Why Don't We Release A Why Don't We Christmas EP. 2020-12-01. Entertainment Focus. en-US.
  13. Weatherby. Taylor. April 23, 2018. Why Don't We's Live Show: How the Invitation Tour Proves They're Not Going Anywhere. Billboard.
  14. Web site: 2017-05-18. Logan Paul – Help Me Help You ft. Why Don't We [Official Video]]. May 18, 2017. YouTube. TheOfficialLoganPaul.
  15. Rincón. Alessandra. August 9, 2018. Why Don't We Announce Debut Album '8 Letters'. Billboard.
  16. Why Don't We Scores First Top 10 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With '8 Letters'. 2021-10-10. Billboard. en.
  17. Web site: Why Don't We Unveil Adventure-Filled Video For 'Hooked'. iHeartRadio. June 7, 2018. October 28, 2020.
  18. Web site: Why Don't We 'Talk' Around the World in New Video: Watch. Billboard. July 9, 2018. October 29, 2020.
  19. Web site: Bowenbank. Starr. August 20, 2018. Why Don't We Are Lost in Love in New '8 Letters' Video. October 29, 2020. Billboard.
  20. Web site: Booth. Ali. September 5, 2018. Why Don't We Announces 2019 '8 Letters' Tour. Tiger Beat.
  21. Web site: Klonowski. Lauren. 2019-01-17. Why Don't We Drops "Big Plans". 2020-11-18. Beyond The Stage Magazine. en-US.
  22. Web site: 2019-01-19. BIG PLANS - Why Don't We [Official Music Video]]. 2020-11-18. YouTube. Why Don't We.
  23. Web site: American single certifications – Why Don't We – Big Plans. 2020-11-18. Recording Industry Association of America. en-US.
  24. Web site: Stivale. Shelby. 2019-02-14. Why Don't We Releases Meaningful New Song 'Cold in LA'. 2020-11-18. Tiger Beat. en-US.
  25. Web site: 2019-02-16. Why Don't We - Cold In LA [Official Music Video] - YouTube]. 2020-11-18. YouTube. Why Don't We.
  26. 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. November 2, 2020. Billboard.
  27. Web site: American single certifications – Why Don't We – I Don't Belong in This Club (feat. Macklemore). 2020-11-18. RIAA. en-US.
  28. Web site: Stivale. Shelby. 2019-04-17. Why Don't We Announces New Single 'Don't Change'. 2020-11-18. Tiger Beat. en-US.
  29. Shaffer. Claire. 2019-05-28. Watch Why Don't We Bring Life to the Desert in New 'Unbelievable' Video. 2020-11-18. Rolling Stone. en-US.
  30. Weatherby. Taylor. 2019-06-28. Why Don't We Break Down Their Flirty New Single 'Come to Brazil': Exclusive. 2020-11-18. Billboard. en.
  31. Web site: Cantor. Brian. 2019-07-26. Why Don't We's 'I Still Do,' Chainsmokers, Illenium & Lennon Stella's 'Takeaway' Reach Top 10 On US iTunes Sales Chart. 2020-12-01. Headline Planet. en-US.
  32. Shaffer. Claire. 2019-08-23. Why Don't We Unveil Video for Ed Sheeran-Penned New Song 'What Am I'. 2020-11-18. Rolling Stone. en-US.
  33. Web site: American single certifications – Why Don't We – What Am I. 2020-11-18. RIAA. en-US.
  34. Web site: Cantor. Brian. 2019-10-25. Why Don't We's 'Mad At You,' Lizzo & Ariana Grande's 'Good As Hell' Enter Top 5 On US iTunes Sales Chart. 2020-12-01. Headline Planet. en-US.
  35. Web site: 2019-12-16. Why Don't We Spills Embarrassing Christmas Memories. 2020-12-01. PAPER. en.
  36. Weatherby. Taylor. 2020-01-06. Why Don't We Will Give You 'Chills' With Romantic Winter Wonderland Video: Watch. 2020-12-01. Billboard. en.
  37. Web site: Mier. Tomás. 2020-09-29. Why Don't We Says They're 'Now the Band We've Dreamed of Being' as They Start 'Most Exciting' Era. 2020-11-18. People. EN.
  38. Web site: Matozzo. Marissa. 2020-09-29. On Set of Why Don't We's Comeback Video. 2020-11-18. PAPER. en.
  39. Web site: Cantor. Brian. 2020-10-12. Why Don't We Celebrates Self-Written, Self-Produced "Fallin'" Making the Top 40 On Billboard Hot 100 Chart. 2020-11-18. Headline Planet. en-US.
  40. Web site: Phillips. Hedy. 2020-12-07. Why Don't We — Lotus Inn. 2021-01-30. EUPHORIA. Magazine. en-US.
  41. Aniftos. Rania. 2020-12-09. Why Don't We Put Their 'Heart Out on the Table' in Emotional '30 Days With' Docuseries: Exclusive Trailer. 2021-01-30. Billboard. en.
  42. Web site: Deville. Chris. 2020-12-18. Boy Band Why Don't We Sample Smashing Pumpkins' On New Single. 2021-01-30. Stereogum. en.
  43. Web site: Whyte. Woodrow. 14 January 2021. Why Don't We breakdown their transformative new album featuring Heath Ledger and Percy Jackson. 2021-01-30. PopBuzz. en.
  44. Caulfield. Keith. 2021-01-24. Morgan Wallen's 'Dangerous: The Double Album' No. 1 for Second Week on Billboard 200. 2021-01-30. Billboard. en.
  45. Jonas Blue & Why Don't We Debut on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs Chart With 'Don't Wake Me Up'. 2022-04-19. Billboard. en.
  46. Web site: Why Don't We Return With New Single Let Me Down Easy (Lie). 2022-04-19. StoreBoard. en.
  47. Boy Band Why Don't We Asks Labor Commission for Help Dropping Manager. 2021-10-26. Billboard. en.
  48. Web site: Why Don't We Shares New Dates for Canadian Shows .
  49. Why Don't We Amid Legal Battle with Former Management . . July 6, 2022 .
  50. Weatherby. Taylor. 2017-07-10. Pop Quintet Why Don't We Explain Why They're Not Just Another Boy Band & How Justin Bieber Inspired Them. 2020-05-23. Billboard.
  51. Web site: 2017-08-18. Why Don't We Influences & Tour Meet Series. 2023-11-18. YouTube. iHeartRadio.
  52. Web site: Cassi. Sarah. February 22, 2019. Boy band Why Don't We coming to the Great Allentown Fair. lehighvalleylive.
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  57. Web site: Swaim. Stephanie. 2019-05-12. Why Don't We Singer Jack Avery Welcomes First Child With Gabriela Gonzalez. 2020-11-18. Access. en.
  58. Web site: Why Don't We Proves That Boy Bands Aren't Such a Bad Thing, After All. Garrett. Gravley. April 1, 2019. Dallas Observer.
  59. Web site: Why Don't We Is the Next Generation's All-American Boy Band. May 23, 2018. PAPER.
  60. https://www.instagram.com/p/BjqGSfTnBxB/ "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..."
  61. http://tigerbeat.com/2018/07/corbyn-besson-fun-facts/ "10 Things You Didn't Know About Corbyn Besson"
  62. http://tigerbeat.com/2018/07/zach-herron-fun-facts/ "10 Things You Didn't Know About Ryan Shan"
  63. Web site: From fan to boy band: Stillwater native Jonah Marais to play KDWB Jingle Ball. November 30, 2017.
  64. Web site: Stillwater teen is an online star in the making. Star Tribune.
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  66. Web site: 'I GOT YOU' Writers Producers; Daniel Seavey, David Wilson, Jake Torrey, Jonah Marais, Lexxi Saal, dwilly . X (formerly known as Twitter) . February 2, 2024 . February 2, 2024.
  67. Web site: Vancouver's Daniel Seavey talks about leaving 'American Idol' -- and his 16th birthday. Kristi Turnquist | The. Oregonian/OregonLive. April 3, 2015. oregonlive.
  68. Web site: 'American Idol': Daniel Seavey, 15-year-old from Vancouver, talks about making it to Hollywood Week. Kristi Turnquist | The. Oregonian/OregonLive. January 31, 2015. oregonlive.
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