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In the dreamy, hypnotic world of The Marías, Josh Conway has long been the quiet architect—the rhythmic pulse, the meticulous producer, and the co-founder who helped craft one of the most enchanting indie-pop sounds of the past decade. While María Zardoya’s ethereal vocals often took center stage, Conway’s intricate beats, lush production, and songwriting were the invisible threads holding it all together. Now, with the band’s continued success, Conway is finally claiming his own space. His debut solo album, plum, arrives on June 12, 2026.
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Josh Conway’s journey in music reads like a love letter to creative persistence. A Los Angeles native and multi-instrumentalist, he’s worn many hats: drummer, producer, songwriter, and DJ. His work with The Marías earned the band critical acclaim, Billboard chart success, and a dedicated global fanbase.
That dream materialized after personal and creative shifts. Following the band’s Submarine era and amid his split with María (while keeping the professional partnership intact), Conway embarked on solo writing trips to Paris and Joshua Tree. These sessions infused plum with fresh energy—intimate, self-assured, and unapologetically personal.
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Released on April 28, 2026, “Forget Him” is the subtle introduction to Conway’s solo era. It’s light, airy, and gracefully melodic. The track explores the exhaustion of holding onto a connection that no longer serves you. Conway’s production shines here: clean, spacious electronica with hypnotic, icy vocals that feel both vulnerable and empowered.
Critics have praised its effortless confidence. It’s an evolve rather than a reinvention—gliding rather than pushing, rewarding repeated listens with subtle layers and earworm melodies.
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Just weeks later, Conway dropped “Crumble”—a rubbery, effervescent bedroom pop gem with hypnotic hooks. It reinforces the sonic identity of plum: playful yet introspective, blending electronic textures with organic warmth. Together, these singles paint a picture of an artist embracing freedom—post-breakup glow-up energy wrapped in irresistible grooves.
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While full details on the tracklist remain under wraps, plum promises a cohesive body of work born from those intentional writing trips. Expect a blend of Conway’s signature precision production with new flavors—perhaps more experimental electronic elements, personal storytelling, and emotional honesty.
The album title itself feels poetic. “Plum” evokes something ripe, juicy, and a bit indulgent—like the sweet payoff after seasons of growth.
Fans of The Marías will find familiar DNA here—the impeccable drumming instincts, the atmospheric layering, the emotional depth. But plum strips things back in places, allowing Conway’s voice and vision to lead.
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In an era where band members frequently spin off into solo projects, Josh Conway’s plum stands out because it feels earned. He’s not chasing trends or distancing himself from The Marías’ success—he’s building on the foundation he helped create.
For longtime supporters, this is an opportunity to see the wizard behind the curtain. For new listeners, plum offers an accessible entry point—catchy enough for playlists, deep enough for dedicated spins.
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Signed vinyl, standard editions, and merch are already available for pre-order. Conway has also been hitting DJ sets and solo shows, giving fans a taste of his live energy outside the band context.
If you’ve ever vibed with The Marías, loved bedroom pop with substance, or simply appreciate artists who evolve with shh confidence, add plum to your calendar. June 12 can’t arrive soon enough.
From the DRIFT archive: Central Cee’s “Booga” Pushes His Sound into a Sharper, More Self-Assured Era · Sam Gellaitry “On & On” — A Sonic Loop of Emotion and Motion
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