Who Is The Marías? Full Biography of the Dream-Pop Band Behind “Cariño” and Cinema

Introduction

Who is The Marías? The Marías are a Los Angeles–based indie pop band known for their dreamy soundscapes, bilingual lyrics, and cinematic production style. Blending English and Spanish effortlessly, the group has become one of the most recognizable names in modern dream pop and alternative music.

Led by Puerto Rican-born singer María Zardoya and drummer-producer Josh Conway, The Marías have built a loyal global fanbase through atmospheric recordings, critically acclaimed albums like Cinema and Submarine, and immersive live performances. Their music combines jazz influences, psychedelic textures, Latin rhythms, and indie pop sensibilities into a sound that feels both intimate and expansive.

This in-depth biography explores who The Marías are, how they formed, their members, discography, musical style, cultural impact, and why they continue to shape the indie music scene.

Who Are The Marías?

The Marías are a four-piece indie band formed in Los Angeles in 2016. The band consists of:

María Zardoya – Lead vocals
Josh Conway – Drums and production
Jesse Perlman – Guitar
Edward James – Keyboards

The group quickly gained attention for their hypnotic sound, smooth vocal delivery, and lush production. Their ability to merge English and Spanish lyrics seamlessly has become one of their defining characteristics.

The Marías are widely associated with genres such as dream pop, indie pop, psychedelic pop, and alternative R&B.

How The Marías Formed

The band began as a collaboration between María Zardoya and Josh Conway. Zardoya, who was born in Puerto Rico and later raised between Atlanta and Puerto Rico, brought a background in jazz performance and bilingual songwriting. Conway, an experienced drummer and producer, contributed the atmospheric production style that would define the band’s sound.

After meeting and recognizing their creative chemistry, the two began writing and recording music together. Guitarist Jesse Perlman and keyboardist Edward James later joined the project, solidifying The Marías as a full band.

From the beginning, their goal was clear: create immersive, cinematic music that prioritizes mood and emotional nuance.

Early Career and Breakthrough Success

Superclean Vol. I (2017)

The Marías made their official debut with Superclean Vol. I in 2017. The EP introduced their signature style: soft, reverb-heavy vocals layered over groove-driven instrumentals and dreamy synth textures.

One of the standout tracks, “I Don’t Know You,” became a streaming success and helped the band build a rapidly growing fanbase.

Superclean Vol. II (2018)

In 2018, the band released Superclean Vol. II, expanding their audience even further. The bilingual single “Cariño” became one of their most recognizable songs and remains a fan favorite.

The two EPs were later combined into a complete Superclean compilation, marking the end of their breakout era and solidifying their presence in the indie scene.

Musical Style and Signature Sound

The Marías are best known for their atmospheric and cinematic sound. Their music features:

Dreamy, layered production
Smooth, intimate vocal delivery
Jazz-inspired chord progressions
Latin rhythmic influences
Psychedelic and alternative textures

María Zardoya’s voice is often described as soft yet emotionally expressive. Rather than relying on dramatic vocal power, she emphasizes control, subtlety, and intimacy.

Josh Conway’s production plays an equally vital role. The band’s songs are carefully layered with textured instrumentation, reverb, and carefully balanced percussion. The result is music that feels immersive and transportive.

Debut Album: Cinema (2021)

In 2021, The Marías released their first full-length studio album, Cinema. The project marked a major turning point in their career.

Concept and Themes

Cinema is inspired by film and storytelling. The album explores themes of love, heartbreak, vulnerability, and self-reflection, unfolding like scenes in a movie.

Notable tracks include:

“Hush”
“Heavy”
“Little by Little”
“Calling U Back”

The album received widespread acclaim for its polished production and cohesive narrative structure.

Industry Recognition

Cinema earned a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. This recognition highlighted the technical precision and high production standards that define The Marías’ music.

Submarine (2024): A Deeper Emotional Evolution

The Marías continued their artistic growth with their second studio album, Submarine, released in 2024.

While maintaining their dreamy foundation, Submarine delves into more emotionally direct and introspective songwriting. The album features richer arrangements and a refined sonic maturity.

With Submarine, The Marías demonstrated their ability to evolve without losing their signature aesthetic.

Live Performances and Touring

The Marías are known for immersive live shows that emphasize atmosphere over spectacle. Their performances often feature:

Moody lighting
Seamless song transitions
Minimalist stage design
Emotionally focused delivery

Rather than high-energy theatrics, the band prioritizes ambiance and emotional connection. This approach has resonated strongly with fans and has helped them build a devoted international audience.

They have toured extensively across North America, Latin America, and Europe, performing at major festivals and headlining shows worldwide.

Bilingual Identity and Cultural Impact

One of the defining aspects of The Marías is their bilingual artistry. By incorporating Spanish naturally into indie pop, they have broadened representation within alternative music.

Their bilingual approach has:

Expanded their global reach
Connected deeply with multicultural audiences
Helped normalize Spanish lyrics within mainstream indie music

The band’s success reflects a growing demand for diverse voices in contemporary music.

The Members of The Marías in Detail

María Zardoya

Born in Puerto Rico
Raised between Puerto Rico and Atlanta
Background in jazz performance
Known for soft, controlled, expressive vocals

Josh Conway

Drummer and primary producer
Architect of the band’s cinematic production style
Known for meticulous sound design

Jesse Perlman

Guitarist
Provides shimmering textures and melodic layers

Edward James

Keyboardist
Adds depth through synths and harmonic structure

Together, the four members create a cohesive and immersive sound.

Discography Overview

EPs

Superclean Vol. I (2017)
Superclean Vol. II (2018)

Studio Albums

Cinema (2021)
Submarine (2024)

Popular Songs

“I Don’t Know You”
“Cariño”
“Hush”
“Heavy”
“Calling U Back”

Each project builds on their established identity while showcasing artistic evolution.

Why The Marías Matter in Modern Indie Music

The Marías stand out in today’s music landscape for several reasons:

Their cinematic production style
Seamless bilingual songwriting
Emotional subtlety and intimacy
Consistent artistic vision
High technical production standards

In a genre often defined by lo-fi aesthetics or high-energy experimentation, The Marías carve out a space centered on mood, texture, and refined songwriting.

Conclusion

So, who is The Marías? They are a Los Angeles–based dream pop band redefining modern indie music through bilingual lyricism, cinematic production, and emotionally resonant songwriting.

From their early breakthrough with Superclean to the critically acclaimed Cinema and the introspective depth of Submarine, The Marías have consistently demonstrated artistic growth and sonic sophistication.

Led by María Zardoya’s ethereal vocals and supported by a carefully crafted production style, The Marías continue to expand their global influence. Their ability to blend cultures, languages, and genres ensures their place as one of the most distinctive indie bands of their generation.

For fans of dreamy, immersive, and emotionally rich music, The Marías remain a defining force in contemporary alternative pop.