Joe Jonas looks sexy and sharp in a Neil Barrett tuxedo, shirt, and bow tie for the summer music issue of Paper Mag. The 21-year-old heartthrob talks to the magazine about his fascination with the work of Banksy and Mr. Brainwash, his first solo album titled ‘Fastlife’ and the inspiration behind it, leaving the Jonas Brothers, but also being compared to Justin Timberlake, and the night Joe almost fell into a life of crime when he and his friends almost stole an Invader piece from its perch outside of a Melrose Avenue building. “We didn’t take it, though, since we figured if we got caught the cops might think we were the ones who put it up,” Joe told Paper Mag.
On embarking on a solo career and leaving behind the Jonas Brothers, Joe said in the interview with the magazine that Nick and Kevin’s support is a great thing that keeps him optimistic. “My brothers and I, we’re like each other’s best friends, and I think it’s that foundation that makes me feel like I can really do this on my own for a second.”
His younger brother, Nick, who went solo last year, said that, “I think it’s good that he tried out a few things to see what felt best. As Joe has grown as a man, it’s been really interesting to see how that’s influenced his sound. And now he’s landed in a real sweet spot. When we all heard the music, right away it was like, ‘This is where you need to be.’”
Joe debuted his highly anticipated first single ‘See No More’ earlier this month and the full solo album, ‘Fastlife’, is scheduled to be released in September. Speaking about the inspiration behind this album, the middle Jonas brother told Paper Mag that, “I don’t mean to name-drop, but about a year-and-a-half ago I met Bono, and he told me to write music that was really honest, to not be afraid to go there.” Therefore, Jonas created lyrics that reflect more of himself and gave a club-ready dance vibe to his music.
Since Joe’s solo career has been compared to that of Justin Timberlake, he talks about the former ‘N Sync star and says that, “He’s absolutely an inspiration. I look up to Justin so much. He pretty much created his own lane.”
Photos courtesy of Paper Mag