Nick Jonas gets serious in 'Who I Am' video, covers Owl City in concert [UPDATED]

There are many ways for a pop star to be more adult. The easiest -- and perhaps quickest -- is to suddenly get a little more risque. Another option is show off some black and  white earnestness.

Jonas Brother Nick goes for the latter in the video release today of his "Who I Am," the first single with his new band, the Administration. His John Mayer-spiced grown-up pop is graced with a dash of soul keyboards, and the video, like Michael Jackson's "Black or White," comes complete with a multi-cultural cast designed to toy with and destroy stereotypes.

Teenage Nick goes for some vocal grit, and his Administration features some of the best studio musicians money can buy, containing a number of veterans from Prince's New Power Generation. Nick Jonas and the Administration will release their debut, of which the single is the title track, on Feb. 2.

The band has four consecutive dates set for the Wiltern beginning Jan. 26, with vintage soul newcomer Diane Birch as the opener. Balcony seats are still available for the dates

The tour began over the weekend in Texas, and fan-recorded videos from the concert have made their way online. In one, Nick covers Owl City's hit "Fireflies" and manages to improve on the lyrics by forgetting most of them and improvising. Watch the clip, in which he also tackles Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody," below.

--Todd Martens

RELATED:

Diane Birch, a rebellious spirit with a soulful bent

UPDATED: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated that the Wiltern dates began on Jan. 16.

Comments

[valerie singer]

Anyone looking for real talent under a bushel should check out this video for the "goth girl". She is unusually adept at her role--albiet small. A true talent of the small smile--and an unusually lovely face. Directors, take your cue from this Audrey-type who sparks color into this B/W video.

[Levinson Axelrod]

Nick Jonas is a talented young man. Glad he's stepping out of the group and doing independent things. He's got a great head on his shoulders.

[Christine]

I'm pretty sure his set at the Wiltern doesn't start until the 26th not the 16th

[Fanna]

This is pretty neat. I hope this helps people appreciate what great chops the Jonases & their backing band have always had as a group also, they have a wonderful dynamic and a great sound & energy.