Jonah Marks isn’t just making music — he’s documenting a city in transition.

Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Jonah is stepping into a defining moment in his career with the release of his latest single, “Jimi City” featuring Rell Be Free. The record marks the third single off his debut album, set to drop in April — and it signals more than just momentum. It signals evolution.

The title “Jimi City” is a deliberate nod to Seattle’s own Jimi Hendrix — a legendary guitarist whose global influence began in the Pacific Northwest. But Jonah’s tribute goes deeper than homage. This isn’t nostalgia for tourism brochures. It’s a raw, unfiltered snapshot of Seattle that many don’t hear about.

Inspired by the way Black Thought of The Roots painted Philadelphia in “Good Morning,” Jonah wanted to speak about his city with honesty — the beauty and the tension. The culture before the tech boom. The character of neighborhoods before cranes filled the skyline. The ongoing gentrification reshaping communities. It’s both reflection and commentary.

And the timing couldn’t be more fitting.

“This is a huge season of change for me,” Jonah shares — and that transition bleeds into the music. Growth. Movement. Transformation. You can hear it in the tone and texture of the record.

“Jimi City” is part of a much bigger milestone: Jonah’s debut solo album. His first fully realized project under his own name. And he didn’t take the journey alone.

The album was mixed — and largely produced — by Grammy-winning platinum musician and producer Elan Wright. That partnership elevated the sonic depth of the entire body of work. For Jonah, the collaboration wasn’t just professional — it was meaningful. It sharpened the vision and brought polish to something deeply personal.

The creation story of “Jimi City” itself speaks to community.

His friend since third grade, Damon O., started the instrumental in Jonah’s apartment. Jonah wrote to it organically. Elan Wright later co-produced the track, layering intricate details and crafting the B-side. Rell Be Free contributed a powerful verse, while drums by Sababababa brought rhythmic life to the record.

One standout lyric from Rell hits especially hard:

“I’m from the home of the Salish.”

That line grounds the song historically — acknowledging the Indigenous roots of the land before it became what it is today. It takes the narrative back to the beginning, adding depth beyond surface-level storytelling.

Sonically, “Jimi City” carries dual energy. It moves. You can vibe to it. Nod your head to it. But for those who want to sit back and really listen — there are hidden gems woven into the lyrics. Subtle commentary. Personal layers. Cultural nuance.

That balance reflects Jonah Marks as an artist: thoughtful yet rhythmic. Reflective yet grounded.

With the album release approaching, Jonah is preparing to bring that energy to the stage. Seattle fans can catch his album release show at Sunset Tavern on Friday, May 15. It’s not just a concert — it’s a hometown celebration of a debut era.

For those outside Seattle, the journey continues with his next single dropping March 15.

Jonah Marks isn’t chasing trends. He’s archiving change. Honoring history. And carving his own lane in the city that raised him.

You can stream “Jimi City” and all of Jonah’s music on every major platform.