The boy band dream is usually sold as a whirlwind of sold-out arenas, screaming fans, and matching outfits. For Corbyn Besson, that was reality. But then the music stopped. Literally.
If you've been following the saga of Corbyn Besson and Why Don't We, you know it wasn't just a simple "creative differences" split. It was a legal war that felt like it would never end. Honestly, it’s one of those industry cautionary tales that makes you want to read every line of a contract with a magnifying glass.
The Lawsuit That Changed Everything
Basically, the group hit a wall in 2022. They were supposed to go on the "Good Times Only" tour, but it got scrapped. Why? Because the guys were trapped in a brutal legal battle with their former management, Signature Entertainment.
They weren't just arguing about money. The allegations were heavy—mental and emotional abuse, financial weirdness, and what they called "extreme dominance." Imagine being one of the biggest stars in the world but feeling like you have zero control over your own life.
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The verdict finally came down in February 2025. It was... strange.
The court in Orlando ruled that the members—Corbyn, Jonah Marais, Jack Avery, and Zach Herron—owed a "symbolic" $1 each for breach of contract. That sounds like a win, right? Well, not exactly. The crushing blow was that they officially lost the rights to the name Why Don't We. The brand, the trademarks, the social media handles—all of it stayed with the management.
They walked away free, but they walked away without their identity.
Corbyn Besson's Solo Era: Head First
It’s now 2026, and Corbyn is finally finding his feet. He didn't just sit around and mope after the group disbanded. He went to work.
Earlier this month, on January 16, 2026, he dropped his debut solo EP, HEAD FIRST. It’s a six-track project that sounds nothing like the "manufactured" pop some people expected. It’s got this R&B-infused pop vibe that feels much more mature.
He’s doing it as an independent artist now, partnering with BMG.
What's on the new EP?
- "Blink" (feat. TZUYU): This is a massive collaboration with Tzuyu from the K-pop group TWICE. The music video was filmed in Seoul and has already racked up millions of views.
- "Summer": A smooth track featuring Jeremih.
- "Ruin Me": One of the standout solo tracks that fans have been obsessed with on TikTok.
- "Tied Up": This one has a bit of a 2000s throwback feel.
Corbyn even released a short film called HEAD FIRST on January 9 to accompany the music. It’s clear he’s trying to prove he’s more than just a "boy band guy." He’s a songwriter. A creator.
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Why a Reunion Isn't Happening (For Now)
People keep asking: "Will Why Don't We ever get back together?"
Right now? No way.
Since they don't own the name, they can't even perform as Why Don't We without legal headaches. Plus, the guys are all doing their own thing. Daniel Seavey—who actually managed to escape the contract earlier by filing for bankruptcy—is deep into his solo career. Jonah Marais has his own mixtape out.
It’s kinda bittersweet. They are all still friends, but the "band" as we knew it is dead. They even signed their final message to fans as "Formerly known as Why Don't We."
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What You Can Learn From the Drama
The whole Corbyn Besson and Why Don't We situation is a massive lesson in artist ownership. If you don't own your name, you don't own your future.
If you want to support Corbyn in this new chapter, here is what you should actually do:
- Stream the new music directly. Since they lost the rights to the old catalog's earnings in many ways, supporting his new solo work on Spotify or Apple Music is the best way to ensure the money actually goes to him.
- Watch "HEAD FIRST (The Film)" on YouTube. It gives a lot of context into his mental state over the last two years.
- Follow his solo handles. Don't keep waiting for updates on the old group accounts. They are basically ghost towns or controlled by the old management now.
Corbyn seems happier. In recent interviews, like on the Artist Friendly podcast with Joel Madden, he talked about how he finally feels like he can breathe. He’s 27 now. He’s not that teenager on YouNow or Xbox Live anymore. He’s an artist who had to fight for his right to make music, and honestly, that makes the new songs hit a little harder.
Check out the HEAD FIRST EP if you haven't yet. It’s the sound of someone finally taking the wheel.