Josh Conway Unveils Solo Debut Album "plum" After Years with The Marias

Josh Conway, the drummer, producer and co‑writer for Los Angeles‑based indie‑pop band The Marías, released his first solo album, "plum", on 12 June 2026. The LP follows Conway’s long‑standing ambition to record a project that reflects his personal musical voice.

Conway has been a key creative force behind The Marías since the band’s formation. He handles percussion, production and songwriting on the group’s releases, including the 2024 studio album Submarine, which earned the band a first‑time Grammy nomination for Best New Artist at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. The Marías’ sound blends English and Spanish lyrics with jazz‑inspired percussion, guitar riffs and horn lines.

The announcement of plum came on 21 May 2026, when Conway released the single “Crumble” and revealed the album’s release date. The track, described as a “minimalist sequence dance break” with glitchy vocal chops, sets the tone for an LP that maintains a cohesive, dream‑pop aesthetic while exploring more intimate songwriting.

The album opens with “bully,” a light, airy track that builds slowly into a restrained climax. Conway’s production on the song is described as frugal, with sparse instrumentation that highlights his signature blend of bedroom‑pop textures and subtle psychedelic undertones. The second track, “breathless,” draws comparisons to early work by The 1975 and Bleachers, combining 1980s synth‑pop elements with modern indie polish.

Throughout plum, Conway keeps a consistent palette of warm synthesizers, tight drums and an intimate vocal delivery. The LP’s linear thread of gentle, tender indie pop is evident on tracks such as “wash‑out” and “dreaming,” which showcase his ability to create hypnotic, familiar soundscapes while still allowing space for whimsical, jam‑like passages.

A review in Clash Magazine praised the album’s “brightness” and noted that Conway’s production remains “tasteful and to the point” while leaving room for experimental moments. The critic awarded the LP an 8/10 rating.

Conway has spoken publicly about the importance of collaboration. In an interview with Stereogum, he said, “Making music with friends continues to be one of the greatest feelings in the world.” That sentiment echoes throughout the album, where many tracks feel like a group effort in a single room.

The release of plum comes at a time when Conway’s bandmates are also pursuing solo work. María Zardoya, the Marías’ lead vocalist, released her own project under the name Not For Radio earlier in 2026.

Plum is available on major streaming platforms and in physical formats through the label that released The Marías’ previous work. The album’s release has been covered by outlets such as Pie & Vinyl, AllMusic, and Stereogum, all of which highlight Conway’s distinct production style and the album’s cohesive, dream‑pop sound.

The album’s launch marks a significant milestone in Conway’s career, demonstrating his ability to translate the collaborative energy of The Marías into a solo context. While the record retains elements of his established sonic palette, it also offers a more personal, introspective perspective.

As of now, no further singles or touring plans have been announced for plum. The album’s reception will likely influence Conway’s future projects, both solo and within The Marías.