Jonah Vella aka JONAH - was born and raised in Malta, Europe. He grew up in a musical family, playing a wide range of musical instruments. After leaving law school, Jonah travelled the world producing content for major events & artists in music, esports, and poker. In 2020 Jonah began DJing private events in Las Vegas. It quickly escalated when Jonah started performing at shows with his friend Ookay, including at Marquee NY. Jonah began producing his own music, releasing his first single ‘I found love’. Jonah made his Las Vegas debut on New Year’s Eve with Zedd at Zouk Nightclub. The first half of 2022 saw Jonah performing at several shows across the US at Zouk Las Vegas, Exchange LA, Nightingale LA, etc. Jonah headlined Lavo NYC in June 2022 to celebrate the release of his remix of Faouzia’s record ‘Anybody Else’ on Atlantic Records. Jonah made his festival debut in September 2022 at Ultra Korea in Seoul, South Korea. He is known for his high-energy sets featuring a wide range of house music. His latest release “shakes” on STMPD RCRDS is being celebrated by music fans around the world after having been played at some of the biggest festivals around the world by Martin Garrix; as well as on top of the Empire State Building for a live stream to celebrate being voted #1 DJ in the world.
THE INTERVIEW
CR: Hello Jonah, glad to have you on Canadianravers again, how are you doing and where are you chatting with us currently?
JV: So happy to be chatting with you again! I’m doing great. Right now, I’m in Las Vegas.
CR: 2023 is a year for new beginnings and new accomplishments, your first accomplishment for this year is the track ‘Shakes’, how was that inspired what made you connect with STMPD RCRDS for the release?
JV: I’m so excited to finally release my song SHAKES on STMPD RCRDS - my debut release with STMPD. I made the first rough idea of the track in May 2021. Deep down, it was one of my favourite tracks that I was working on, so I was extra patient with it because I wanted to find the right time and place to release it.
I wanted to make something that would be played at the biggest festivals in the world, combining elements of bass house and electro house, but also something that could set the tone and define what the JONAH sound would be. I feel like the final version is a fair representation of just that.
In late 2022, I talked to Martin Garrix about all sorts of stuff, including music. After we chatted, I sent him some tracks I was working on. He ended up calling me and said that he was filming a set on top of the empire state building to celebrate being voted #1 DJ and that he wanted to use shakes as the second song in the set. He gave me some excellent tips, I made some last-minute changes, and then it was done! When he sent me the video of him playing it on top of the empire state building, it was very surreal!
CR: In your recent travels, you went to South Korea for Ultra Music Festival, which looked terrific. How was the whole experience and what was a culture shock for you?
JV: Going to Seoul and playing Ultra Korea was one of the best moments of my life. It marked a lot of firsts for me. It was my first time in South Korea, it was my first show outside of the US, and it was my first music festival show. It was so much fun. I was there for four days, so I had time to explore the city with my friends who live in Seoul. My favourite part was trying all the excellent Korean food at the local market. I am so grateful for all the people that came to my show. It was one of the wildest crowds I’ve had. Everyone was partying so hard. It was amazing.
Not a culture shock, but I was impressed by how organized Seoul is and how safe I felt over there.
CR: We saw your recent post with Martin Garrix. How was it meeting him? Did he give you any personal or professional advice?
JV: I’ve known Martin for four years now! We initially met in Vegas at one of his shows. We’ve become great friends over the last few years. That photo was taken in Korea. We were both there playing Ultra. I’ve learned a lot from Martin - even by just being at his shows; his ability to control the energy during his sets is incredible…, especially in Vegas, where you’re dealing with very diverse crowds. I appreciate how much respect he shows every single fan of his that he meets. I can tell that he doesn’t take any of it for granted.
CR: You have played many different venues. Which stands out the most for you in production and hospitality?
JV: Marquee & Lavo in New York City were both amazing shows for me. TAO Group is always next level when it comes to hospitality. I love playing in New York; the energy is very different there. It feels like a big fun night out with my friends; except I’m DJing in front of a packed club :) I thank Jonathan Schwartz and Michael St Pierre for making those nights special.
My Vegas shows were all fantastic. Zouk is probably the biggest club I’ve played at, and the production there makes it feel like an indoor music festival.
CR: Who has been your biggest supporter since you started this journey?
JV: I’m going to group many people for this one and say, my friends and family. The past five years since dropping out of law school have been crazy. I’ve taken on some huge challenges and set out to accomplish many significant things that seemed impossible at times, but throughout all of it, my friends and family have been so supportive. Seeing how much they believe in me has given me the confidence to accomplish many incredible things. Whenever I start to doubt myself, I know I can count on them to help me get back in the zone. I love them all.
CR: Tell us a little bit more about your musical taste. What are your favourite genre and some artists?
JV: I listen to almost every genre out there, depending on the mood I’m in; or the mood I’m trying to be in. Music is so powerful when it comes to setting the mood. For example, if I want to relax at the spa after a workout, I usually listen to jazz. My most listened-to album is “Change Of Scenery II” by Quin XCII. I listen to it every other day, mostly when I’m driving.
CR: Aside from DJing and Producing music, what makes you happy?
JV: I’m the happiest when travelling to new countries and exploring new cities with the people I love. I love being exposed to different cultures. I learn something new every time, and I believe it’s what has shaped my perspective the most. I also LOVE playing tennis. But no feeling (so far) beats what I feel when I’m on stage DJing.
CR: How is Rocket doing, and what track is his favourite to jam to?
JV: Rocket is sleeping next to me as we speak. He’s doing great. I never thought I’d be so obsessed with a dog, but he makes me so happy! He loves to cuddle and he’s like a real-life teddy bear, so it’s perfect. Honestly, he’s heard me play SHAKES so many times over the last few months that whenever the intro starts, he always reacts to it haha.
BUT, I think his favorite song is “My Wife & 2 Dogs” by Quinn XCII because he sample a dog bark in the track, so Rocket always reacts to that haha.
CR: Since it is the New Year, what is your New Year Resolution personally and professionally, also, What are you looking forward to the most in 2023?
JV: This year, I want to prioritize my overall health. I even gave myself a head start and started a few months before the new year - I’m not big into New Year's Resolutions. I’m constantly trying to improve in everything I’m doing. My biggest realization is how prioritizing my health significantly enhances my performance in everything else I do - be it business, music, or even playing tennis. The healthier I am, the better I can function, the more energy I have, and the better I can perform. So this year, health comes first!
I’ve been working hard on music this past year, so I’m excited to double down on that this year, release a lot more music, and play many more shows.
LIGHTNING ROUND
1. Favourite Fast Food?
Shake Shack
2. Go to meal when you’re sick?
Soup with a lot of bread
3. Favourite drink to order?
Freshly Squeezed Apple Juice
4. First Rave as an attendee?
Creamfields Malta in 2011. I believe Afrojack, Underworld and Dash Berlin were performing.
5. First celebrity crush?
Selena Gomez
6. Favourite comic book character?
Iron Man
7. All-time favourite song?
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
8. Go to vacation spot?
Bali, Indonesia
9. What is your guilty pleasure?
Watching a TV Show on my laptop with headphones on while eating a bowl of cereal late at night
10. What is your hidden talent?
I’m decent at tennis!
Be sure to follow JONAH!!