The Marías is an alternative indie pop band active since 2016 and based in Los Angeles, California. The band consists of lead vocalist María Zardoya, drummer Josh Conway, keyboardist Edward James, and guitarist Jesse Perlman. Named after its lead singer, The Marías is known for performing songs in both English and Spanish, blending enchanting musical elements.
To date, the band has released four albums: Submarine, CINEMA, Superclean (Vol. II), and Superclean (Vol. I). Lately, The Marías has been trending amongst listeners, with some of their greatest hits including “No One Noticed”, “Cariño”, and “Heavy.”
The band’s music is considered unique, having a dreamy and ethereal aura with soothing harmonies. Their lyrics resonate with audiences such as hopeless romantics or lovers, as they talk about love, relationships, and past experiences. Combined with jazz-like melodies and gorgeous chord progressions, The Marías have been called “the perfect LA band.”
“The Marías have beautiful music; I’ve never heard anything like them,” said freshman Miyana Turk. “They really stand out to me when it comes to music because their melodies just feel so different compared to other artists, like unreal, it’s almost like I’m floating—I feel like I’m on cloud nine whenever I listen to them, especially ‘Cariño.’”
“No One Noticed” was one of their first songs to have made it onto the Billboard Hot 100. It has been described as having “sighing production, murmured harmonies, and somber lyrical tone as Zardoya pleads with a lover for attention and reassurance.” This viral breakthrough solidified the band’s aesthetic, perfectly capturing the slow, emotional vibe of The Marías’ music. It’s the kind of song that “makes you cry.”
As for how the band gained their signature sound, it was really the special chemistry between Zardoya and Conway. Zardoya grew up listening to Latin music and R&B, while Conway was heavily influenced by The Beatles. Together, they merged these musical elements into a heavenly vintage mix. Their songs create a sound that “transports listeners across genres, decades, languages, cultures, and moods, often within one single track.”
“We each have different musical influences and grew up listening to different types of music. For us, those differences complemented each other,” said Zardoya during an interview about their “Over The Moon” premiere.
Alongside dreamlike vibes, The Marías incorporate both English and Spanish lyrics, allowing for a greater audience to enjoy their bilingual music. Zardoya’s vocals are often soft and slow, creating a tranquil sensation—almost like drifting off to sleep. Unlike other artists in the music industry, they have an exquisite aesthetic that is rare among indie/alternative pop bands. Their distinct take on vintage music blends modern anti-pop with a strong hint of ‘90s classical jazz.
“I love The Marías more than anything in the world,” said Turk. “Everytime they come on in my playlist, I feel like I can just start bawling my eyes out.”
The Marías continue to grow in popularity, evoking the feeling of having one’s head in the clouds. Their music allows listeners to feel the indistinct yet emotional love behind the lyrics.
Photo Courtesy of WIKIMEDIACOMMONS.COM
