Who Are The Marías? A Deep Dive into the Genre-Defying Band Redefining Modern Music
The Marías are not just a band—they’re a sonic and cultural phenomenon. Blurring the lines between psychedelic soul, jazz-pop, and Latin-inspired indie, this Los Angeles-based collective has captivated global audiences with bilingual lyricism, sultry vocals, and retro-futuristic soundscapes. But who are The Marías, and how did they become one of the most innovative acts in today’s music scene? This article unpacks their origins, creative vision, and the magic behind their meteoric rise.
The Marías: Origins and Core Members
At its heart, The Marías are a creative partnership between two visionary artists:
- María Zardoya (Vocals, Guitar):
- Born in Puerto Rico, raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and later Madrid, Spain, María’s multicultural upbringing shaped her bilingual artistry. Her smoky, emotive vocals and poetic lyricism—often weaving between English and Spanish—reflect her deep connection to Latin heritage and indie sensibilities.
- Josh Conway (Drums, Production):
- A Los Angeles native, Josh brings a cinematic flair to the band, honed from years of composing music for film and TV. His production style blends analog warmth with modern beats, creating the band’s signature dreamlike sound.
The duo met serendipitously in 2016 at a mutual friend’s loft in LA, where a casual jam session sparked an unstoppable creative synergy. Joined by touring members Edward James (keys), Jesse Perlman (guitar), and Carter Lee (bass), The Marías evolved into a full-band experience that merges live instrumentation with lush electronic textures.
Musical Style: A Genre-Bending Fusion
The Marías defy categorization, merging influences from:
- Psychedelic Soul: Think swirling guitars and reverb-drenched vocals reminiscent of Lana Del Rey or Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
- Latin Jazz and Bolero: María’s Spanish-language verses and Latin rhythms nod to legends like Natalia Lafourcade.
- Indie-Pop and R&B: Smooth grooves and minimalist production evoke comparisons to Men I Trust or Cigarettes After Sex.
Tracks like “Cariño” (a love letter in Spanish) and “Ruthless” (a brooding English ballad) showcase their ability to toggle between languages and moods without losing cohesion. Their music feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh, like “a vintage film scored for the 21st century.”
Breakthrough Moments and Career Highlights
- 2017–2018: The Superclean Era
Their debut EPs, Superclean Vol. I and II, became indie anthems. Tracks like “I Don’t Know You” and “Over the Moon” established their reputation for moody, cinematic soundscapes. - 2021: Debut Album Cinema
A concept album exploring love, illusion, and identity, Cinema debuted to critical acclaim. Standouts like “Hush” (featured on HBO’s Euphoria) and “Little by Little” cemented their mainstream appeal. - Collaborations and Crossovers
- Teamed up with Bad Bunny for his historic Un Verano Sin Ti stadium tour (2022).
- Collaborated with Cuco on “Un Millón” and Benny Sings on “Moonlight.”
- Their music has soundtracked Netflix series and global ad campaigns.
- Global Tours and Festivals
From Coachella to Lollapalooza, The Marías’ live shows are renowned for their intimacy and visual storytelling. Their 2023 Cinema World Tour sold out venues across three continents.
Cultural Impact: Redefining Latinx Representation
The Marías are pioneers in the Latin alternative movement, proving that bilingual artistry can thrive in mainstream spaces. María Zardoya’s unapologetic use of Spanish—paired with her role as a frontwoman in a male-dominated industry—has inspired a new generation of Latinx artists. Meanwhile, their cross-genre appeal bridges gaps between indie, Latin, and pop audiences.
Behind the Name: Why “The Marías”?
The band’s name is a playful nod to María Zardoya’s first name, pluralized to reflect the collaborative spirit of the group. “It’s not just about me,” María explains. “It’s about the collective—the band, the fans, the stories we tell together.”
Discography: Essential Tracks and Albums
- EPs:
- Superclean, Vol. I (2017)
- Superclean, Vol. II (2018)
- Studio Albums:
- Cinema (2021)
- Must-Listen Singles:
- “Cariño” (2018)
- “Ruthless” (2021)
- “Hush” (2021)
- “Un Millón” with Cuco (2020)
The Marías’ Aesthetic: Visual Storytelling
Their music is inseparable from their striking visuals. Retro-inspired music videos (e.g., “Basta Ya”) and album art evoke 1970s arthouse cinema, while stage designs feature moody lighting and vintage props. This attention to detail creates a multisensory experience that transports listeners into their “cinematic” universe.
What’s Next for The Marías?
Fresh off their global tour, the band has hinted at new music in 2024, teasing experimental directions while staying true to their psychedelic-soul roots. As they continue to collaborate and evolve, The Marías remain committed to breaking barriers—linguistic, cultural, and musical.
Why The Marías Matter
In a fragmented music industry, The Marías stand out by embracing duality: English and Spanish, analog and digital, intimacy and grandeur. They’re not just a band for the streaming age—they’re a testament to the power of cultural fusion and artistic fearlessness.
Explore The Marías’ World
- Stream their music: Spotify | Apple Music
- Follow their journey: Instagram | TikTok
- Catch them live: Check their website for tour updates.