By JP
The Marías are an American indie pop group that seamlessly blend jazz, R&B, and Latin beats to create mesmerizing pieces of musical wonder. Their unique sound and artistic vision have captivated audiences, earning them a special place in the indie music scene. One of their standout songs, “Lejos de Ti,” is a personal favorite because it is entirely in Spanish, showcasing their ability to embrace and celebrate their Latin heritage while pushing the boundaries of genre fusion.
The band is named after its lead singer, María Zardoya, who was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. María met her partner, drummer Josh Conway, at a show at the Kibitz Room, the bar and music venue inside Canter’s Deli in Los Angeles. She was performing, and he was managing the sound, despite having no prior experience in that role. Their musical connection was immediate, leading them to start writing songs together and eventually begin dating. Soon after, they recruited close friends to join as band members: Edward James on keyboards and Jesse Perlman on guitar.
Early in their career, The Marías were offered an opportunity to create music for television, which helped them develop their distinctive visual and sonic aesthetic. When these plans fell through, they decided to compile their recordings into an EP titled Superclean Vol. I, released in 2017. Its follow-up, Superclean Vol. II, came out in 2018, further solidifying their presence in the indie music world.
In May 2024, The Marías released their second album, “Submarine,” which delves into themes of heartbreak, including the end of Zardoya’s relationship with bandmate Josh Conway. She emphasizes that while not all songs focus on their breakup, the album channels various experiences of loss. Despite initial challenges, Zardoya notes that their relationship has evolved positively, attributing this growth to confronting uncomfortable moments and funneling them into their music
During the album’s creation, Zardoya embraced Buddhism and a Zen lifestyle, learning to focus on the present moment—a philosophy she continues to apply as the band reaches new heights. She acknowledges that only the present truly exists, with the past and future being constructs beyond immediate experience.
Zardoya’s recent collaboration with Selena Gomez, “Ojos Triste,” is a twist on a song originally recorded by Jeannette in 1981. The original version uses classical Spanish guitar with a flamenco feel. The updated version blends traditional Spanish music with the new age of indie rock-pop. While Zardoya and Gomez preserve that classic Spanish guitar, they match it with an echo-y R&B bass beat that creates an ethereal, angelic sound.
In recognition of her contributions, Zardoya was honored in TIME’s 2024 Latino Leaders list, which celebrates U.S.-based Latino figures reshaping their industries and the world.
The Marías exemplify the rising wave of Latino artists redefining the contemporary music landscape. Their innovative blend of genres and commitment to artistic expression make them a must-listen for anyone eager to discover fresh and groundbreaking sounds in the indie scene. Keep an eye on them—they are only getting started.
Another artist you should look out for is Milena Warthon, a 24-year-old Peruvian singer-songwriter renowned for pioneering “pop andino,” a genre that fuses contemporary pop music with traditional Andean rhythms and instruments. Born in Lima to parents from the Ancash and Apurímac regions, Warthon grew up embracing her Andean heritage, which profoundly influences her music and identity.
Warthon’s musical journey gained significant recognition when she won the folklore category at Chile’s Viña del Mar International Song Festival in 2023 with her song “Warmisitay.” Inspired by her grandmother’s experiences, the song celebrates Andean women and their cultural identity. The term “Warmisitay” combines Quechua and Spanish, meaning “mi mujercita” or “my little woman.”
Warthon’s “MashupPeruano” blends a pop vocal and beat with Quechua lyrics, pinkillu flutes, Cajón drums, and indigenous backing vocals. Through her innovative blend of genres, Milena Warthon aims to share Andean and Peruvian cultures with the world, using her music as a platform to express and celebrate her heritage.
One more artist I feel like is rising up in the Latino music scene is Xavi, a 20-year-old Mexican American singer-songwriter, has rapidly emerged as a significant figure in Latin music. On October 20, 2024, he delivered his first televised performance of “La Diabla” at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, where he also received the award for Artist of the Year, New. This milestone came shortly after the release of his debut album, “Next,” which secured top 10 positions on various charts.
An important milestone in his developing career was reached when his single “La Diabla” topped the Hot Latin Songs chart for 14 weeks. Tumbados románticos, a new musical genre that blends traditional Mexican music with contemporary influences, is credited to Xavi. His bicultural background between Sonora, Mexico, and Phoenix, Arizona, is reflected in his inspiration from musicians like Daniel Caesar and Justin Bieber.
“Flores,” off his album “Next,” brings mariachi to a modern audience, introducing them to that storytelling approach to music by blending his reggaeton roots with a traditional Mexican sound. Xavi is spearheading a new wave in Latin music with his commitment and inventiveness, consistently pushing the envelope and introducing novel viewpoints to the field.
