The Marías

The Marías is an American psychedelic soul band. They are known for their dreamy blend of jazz, soul, and bilingual lyrics, often incorporating elements of reggaeton and Caribbean bolero. Their success includes releasing the US Top 20 album Submarine, which peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard 200, and performing at major festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza. The band's distinctive sound and visual aesthetic, often featuring the color red and drawing inspiration from film, resonate deeply with their fans. The Marías continues to evolve their musical style, exploring new influences while maintaining their signature atmospheric quality.[edit]

The Marías came into being in Los Angeles, California, in 2016, following a serendipitous encounter that laid the groundwork for their distinctive sound. The group's genesis traces back to the Kibitz Room, an intimate music venue nestled within Canter's Deli. One fateful night, lead vocalist María Zardoya was performing her own original songs on stage when Josh Conway, a drummer by trade, found himself unexpectedly tasked with running the mixing board for the very first time. There was an immediate connection between them, a spark that ignited both creative and personal chemistry. Almost immediately, Zardoya and Conway began writing music together, quickly realizing the depth of their collaborative potential. This creative partnership deepened further as they soon fell into a romantic relationship.

Their burgeoning musical connection was soon tested when a peer sent them various scenes and film synopses to score. Though none of the tracks created for these early projects were ever officially released, the experience solidified their creative bond and direction. To complete their lineup, Zardoya and Conway recruited two close friends from the vibrant Los Angeles music scene: guitarist Jesse Perlman and keyboardist Edward James. With the core quartet established, the band adopted the name The Marías, a direct nod to Zardoya's first name, a choice that fans often find distinctive and intriguing. The group swiftly moved from formation to their public debut, releasing their first offering, the EP Superclean Vol. I, in 2017. This initial release immediately showcased their signature blend of dreamy jazz, soulful melodies, and evocative bilingual lyrics. The following year, in 2018, they built on this foundation with Superclean Vol. II, further establishing their unique sonic identity and garnering a growing following.[edit]

The Marías craft a sound that floats between dream pop, psychedelic rock, jazz, and Latin music. Zardoya's voice sits at the center, smoky and unhurried, singing in both English and Spanish. Conway's drumming leans on jazz percussion, while Perlman's guitar work ranges from hypnotic riffs to warm, textured chords. Edward James adds keys that often drift into hazy, cinematic territory. Horn solos, especially trumpet from live member Gabe Steiner, appear regularly, giving the music a nostalgic, late-night feel. Their early EPs Superclean Vol. I and Superclean Vol. II established this blend, and Cinema expanded it with reggaeton rhythms on "Un Millón" and bolero-inspired arrangements on "Just a Feeling." The band's visual aesthetic is just as deliberate, drawing inspiration from Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, with the color red appearing consistently across album art and music videos. [edit]

The Marías have carved a space where bilingual indie music reaches mainstream audiences without compromising its texture. They perform in English and Spanish naturally, bridging Latin and alternative rock listeners. Collaborations with Bad Bunny on his Grammy-nominated Un Verano Sin Ti and with Tainy brought their sound to massive Latin pop audiences. They co-wrote "Ojos Tristes" with Selena Gomez and benny blanco, which topped Billboard's Latin Airplay chart. Their music has been used in film and TV, and their aesthetic of red-tinted, cinematic visuals has influenced a wave of dreamy indie pop. Tours with Billie Eilish and Halsey exposed them to arena crowds, while their own headlining shows sold out quickly. Zardoya's presence as a Puerto Rican frontwoman in indie rock has been noted as a rare and important representation. [edit]

The Marías don't have an official fandom name, lightstick, or fan colors, but their audience is fiercely loyal. Fans often describe their music as soundtracking late-night drives or quiet moments of introspection. The color red has become an unofficial symbol, appearing on fan-made art and at concerts. Online communities share setlists, discuss the emotional weight of Submarine, and analyze the band's bilingual lyrics. The band's dog Lucy has her own small following among dedicated fans. [edit]

Zardoya was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in Snellville, Georgia, while Conway is a Los Angeles native. The band's early work included scoring film synopses that were never released. Zardoya practices cold plunges and saunas to cope with discomfort. The band's post-breakup creative dynamic has drawn comparisons to No Doubt's Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal. Their visual aesthetic consistently uses the color red, from album covers to music videos. [edit]