Who Is John Maus? Age, Biography and Wiki
John Maus, born on February 23, 1980, is a notable American musician known for his unique blend of synth-pop, lo-fi sounds, and philosophical lyrics. With roots in Minnesota, Maus has carved a niche for himself in the indie music scene. As of 2025, he is 45 years old. His musical career took off in the early 2000s, and he has since released several critically acclaimed albums. His work often reflects a mix of personal and political themes, making him a significant figure in modern music.
| Occupation | Philosophers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 23, 1980 |
| Age | 45 Years |
| Birth Place | Austin, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
John Maus's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, John Maus stands approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and weighs around 175 pounds (79 kg). His physique is described as average, fitting a laid-back musician lifestyle. While exact measurements can fluctuate, he is often seen with an approachable and artistically eccentric appearance that complements his musical persona.
On stage, Maus is known for his intense displays of emotion while performing. The Guardian noted him as a "ferocious theoretician" who "pogos, head-bangs and gives vent to a succession of feral howls as he jack-knifes at the waist." Until 2017, he only performed one-man "karaoke shows" in which he sang over prerecorded music.
He is also characterized "as much a professional existentialist as he is a synth-pop musician" and that "reading his interviews can make your cerebral cortex pulse with befuddlement." The BBC's Charles Ubaghs distinguished Maus as "a serious believer in pop music. ...
Behind these retro overtones is a desire to explore our modern relationships with pop, and its impact on our wider philosophical and cultural lives." The review also remarked that on Maus' self-referential tendencies: "Couple this with lyrics like The Fear’s surprisingly frank 'What’s wrong with me, ‘cause I’ve tried everything,' and you’
ve an accessibly rich portrait of Maus' ever-questioning mind."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
John Maus tends to keep his personal life private, but he has been known to have had relationships throughout his career. As of 2025, there hasn't been any confirmed news regarding a boyfriend or girlfriend. His focus appears to be primarily on his music and creative endeavors rather than public romantic relationships. While he maintains a level of secrecy about his family life, it’s known that he shares a close bond with his family, which occasionally influences his artistic expressions.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, John Maus's estimated net worth is reported to be around $2 million. His earnings come from various sources, including album sales, live performances, and merchandise. Maus's unique approach to music has garnered a dedicated fan base, allowing him to maintain a steady income through tours and music festivals.
Since then, Maus has played occasional gigs, including a November 2021 performance at the music festival Substance in Los Angeles. Maus had invited Ariel Pink to be his sound engineer for this performance, however, one of the festival promoters recommended against this out of fear of controversy.
According to Pink, Maus, who would have protested out of principle, went ahead with the performance due to financial troubles. Pink recalled, "I said, I’ll pay you the money. I know they’re not paying you that much." He and Maus have not spoken since.
Career, Business and Investments
Throughout his career, Maus has released multiple albums, each showcasing his experimental approach to music. His notable works include "Songs" (2006), "We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves" (2011), and "Addendum" (2017). His business acumen has also begun to shine through as he navigates the music industry, leveraging streaming platforms and independent production. Moreover, Maus has expressed interest in art and activism, often integrating his business ventures with his personal beliefs.
Maus envisioned that after he completed his PhD dissertation, he would return to teaching, stating in 2011 that he could not foresee a career in music. At the same time, he started experimenting with recreational drugs for the first time in his life, "going into sensory deprivation tanks and just trying any trick I could think of.
I became solely obsessed with this at the expense of anything else." From 2012 to 2016, he did not release any new music, and spent the majority of the time in isolation. Two years were devoted to finishing his dissertation, while another two were spent learning how to build modular synthesizers.
Completed and submitted in 2014, the 338-page thesis "Communication and Control" discussed the influence of technology on social control, and he was thereby awarded his PhD in political science from the University of Hawaii, where his thesis advisor was Michael J. Shapiro.
He immediately started building the instruments that were ultimately used for the recording of his next album. At least two albums' worth of tracks were finished shortly before the end of 2016.
Social Network
John Maus is quite active on social media, frequently engaging with fans and promoting his music. You can find him on platforms such as:
- Instagram: @johnmaus
- Twitter: @johnmaus
- Facebook: John Maus Music
The earliest songs he could recall hearing was "Chariots of Fire" by Vangelis, and after that, early MTV hits such as Starship's "We Built This City" (1985). As a teenager, he listened mainly to Nirvana and Syd Barrett, performed in punk bands, and created music with his computer.
He said that he began playing an instrument "around 12 or 13" and remembered that "the [only] culture I was exposed to was what was coming through MTV, Top 40 radio and maybe a classic rock station or something like that. ...
I lived out in a very small town, with no boutique record stores and no college kids." Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" created "a fascination for musical details" for him, and when he got his first bass guitar, "I didn’t take any lessons or learn how to play it.
I’d just kind of pluck on the bass and scream my heart out." Afterward, he became fascinated with the life and music of Syd Barrett, and recorded his own version of Barrett's 1970 song "Feel" from The Madcap Laughs.
Education
John Maus holds a degree in music from the University of Minnesota, where he studied under the guidance of renowned musicians and theorists. His educational background significantly influences his music style and lyrical content, showcasing a blend of academic insight and artistic expression.
John Maus (born February 23, 1980) is an American musician, composer, singer, and songwriter known for his baritone singing style and his use of vintage synthesizer sounds and Medieval church modes, a combination that often draws comparisons to 1980s goth-pop.
His early lo-fi recordings anticipated and inspired the late 2000s hypnagogic pop movement. On stage, he is characterized for his intense displays of emotion while performing. He is also a former teacher of philosophy at the University of Hawaii, where he later earned his PhD in political science.
