The Marías
Biography
The Marías are an American indie pop band from Los Angeles, California. They are known for their unique blend of genres, including psychedelic soul, dream pop, jazz, and funk, often infused with Latin influences. The band performs in both English and Spanish, which reflects the heritage of their lead singer.
Formation and Members
The band was formed in 2016. The core of the group is María Zardoya, the lead vocalist from Puerto Rico who was raised in Atlanta, and Josh Conway, a drummer and producer from Los Angeles. They met at a show at the Kibitz Room in Los Angeles, where Zardoya was performing and Conway was managing the sound. This meeting sparked a romantic and creative partnership. The lineup also includes Jesse Perlman on guitar and Edward James on keyboards. Former members include Carter Lee on bass, and for live performances, they are often joined by Gabe Steiner on trumpet and Doron Zounes on bass.
Musical Style and Influences
The Marías' sound is often described as a smooth and sensual fusion of different musical styles. Key elements include jazz percussion, hypnotic guitar riffs, and Zardoya's "smoke-velvet" vocals. Their music aims to create a dreamlike and cinematic atmosphere. Zardoya's influences include Selena, Norah Jones, Sade, and Erykah Badu, while Conway is influenced by artists like Tame Impala and Radiohead.
Career and Discography
The band first gained attention with their two EPs, "Superclean Vol. I" (2017) and "Superclean Vol. II" (2018). These releases established their signature sound and led to opportunities like touring with Albert Hammond Jr. and performing at Coachella.
Studio Albums
The Marías have released two studio albums to date.
Cinema (2021)
Their debut full-length album, "Cinema," was released in 2021 and received a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. The album was written and produced by Zardoya and Conway during the pandemic. The single "Hush" from this album became their first chart-topper, reaching number one on the Billboard Adult Alternative Airplay chart. The album itself peaked at number 176 on the Billboard 200.
Submarine (2024)
Their second album, "Submarine," was released in May 2024. This album saw the band returning to a more psychedelic indie rock sound. It was a commercial success, reaching number 17 on the Billboard 200, driven by the popular single "No One Noticed". The album explores themes of isolation and solitude, influenced by the breakup of Zardoya and Conway's romantic relationship.
Collaborations and Recognition
The Marías have collaborated with several prominent artists, significantly increasing their profile. A notable collaboration was with Bad Bunny on the song "Otro Atardecer" from his 2022 album "Un Verano Sin Ti". They have also worked with artists like Cuco, Tainy, and Young Miko. Their rising popularity has led to sold-out tours and performances at major venues and festivals.