Meet The Marías Members: Who Makes Up The Dreamy Indie Pop Band?

Koby Waters 25 Jul 2025

The Marías, a rather captivating indie pop group from Los Angeles, California, has certainly made a name for itself with a truly distinctive sound. This band, you know, has a way of blending musical elements that really sets them apart. They are, in a way, very much known for performing songs in both English and Spanish, which is quite a feat. Beyond just the languages, their music often weaves in elements like jazz percussion, compelling guitar riffs, and even striking horn solos, making for a truly rich listening experience. It’s a sound that, arguably, feels both familiar and entirely fresh at the same time.

This Los Angeles-based group creates a kind of dreamy, vintage pop that, to be honest, just feels right for those lazy pool days or a relaxing afternoon. Their music, it’s almost like a smooth rendezvous of different styles, all coming together in a really harmonious way. You can hear the careful thought in each track, with those velvety voices and the precise instrumentation. It’s a band that, quite literally, paints pictures with sound, and that’s a pretty cool thing to experience.

For anyone just discovering this unique musical project, or perhaps for those curious about the individuals behind the mesmerizing tunes, it’s good to know who’s who. The Marías, at their core, are a group of talented individuals who came together to create something truly special. We'll explore the people who bring this amazing sound to life, giving you a better idea of who makes up this fascinating band, and how they contribute to its overall charm.

Getting to Know The Marías Members
The Marías' Unique Sound: A Blend of Worlds
How The Marías Came Together
The Marías' Musical Journey and Discography
Connecting with The Marías
The Marías: A Soundtrack for Every Mood
Frequently Asked Questions About The Marías

Getting to Know The Marías Members

The Marías, as a band, really draws its strength from the individual talents of its core members. This group, you know, has a dynamic that allows each person's contribution to shine, creating a cohesive yet varied musical experience. When you listen to their songs, you can pretty much feel how each instrument and voice plays a distinct part in crafting that signature sound. It’s a collaborative effort that, to be honest, feels very natural and organic, which is something special in music today. The core lineup, as of now, consists of four key individuals, each bringing their own particular flair to the band's overall vibe.

María Zardoya: The Voice and Vision

María Zardoya is, quite simply, the lead vocalist for The Marías. She is, in a way, the front woman of this indie pop group, and her voice is truly a defining characteristic of their sound. Born in Puerto Rico, she spent her formative years growing up in Atlanta, which, you know, gives her a unique perspective. This background, perhaps, helps her bridge the two worlds she often feels she exists between, which is something that clearly influences the band's bilingual approach to music. Her singing, described as velvety, adds a very distinct texture to the band's tracks, making them instantly recognizable. She carries the melodies with a certain grace, and that's something listeners really connect with. It’s her voice that often sets the mood, guiding you through their dreamy soundscapes, and that's a pretty important role, wouldn't you say?

Personal Details: María Zardoya

Detail	Information
Role	Lead Vocalist, Front Woman
Place of Birth	Puerto Rico
Grew Up In	Atlanta
Known For	Singing in English and Spanish, Velvety Vocals

Josh Conway: The Rhythmic Backbone

Josh Conway is the drummer and producer for The Marías, and he’s, you know, an absolutely vital part of the band's sound. Hailing from Los Angeles, he brings a very specific rhythmic foundation to their music. His work on the drums, particularly the jazz percussion elements, gives the band a smooth, sophisticated feel that’s pretty unique. As a producer, he also helps shape the overall sound, ensuring that each track has that polished, dreamy quality The Marías are known for. He and María, in fact, met in 2016, and their casual jam session pretty quickly turned into the creative partnership that sparked the band's beginning. So, he’s not just the beat-keeper; he’s also a key architect of their sonic identity, and that’s a big deal.

Personal Details: Josh Conway

Detail	Information
Role	Drummer, Producer
Place of Origin	Los Angeles, California
Known For	Jazz Percussion, Shaping Band's Sound

Jesse Perlman: The Guitar Maestro

Jesse Perlman is the guitarist for The Marías, and his contributions are, you know, pretty essential to the band's distinctive sound. The guitar riffs he creates are a key part of their musical texture, adding layers of depth and atmosphere to their songs. When María and Josh were looking to expand their creative partnership into a full band, Jesse was one of the close friends they invited to join them on their musical journey. His guitar work, in a way, often provides those melodic counterpoints or rhythmic accents that really make the tracks pop. He brings a certain touch to the strings that complements the jazz percussion and the smooth vocals, creating a very cohesive and inviting sound. It’s his guitar, really, that helps build those dreamy soundscapes, and that's quite an accomplishment.

Personal Details: Jesse Perlman

Detail	Information
Role	Guitarist
Known For	Distinctive Guitar Riffs

Edward James: The Keyboard Architect

Edward James is the keyboardist in The Marías' core lineup, and his role is, you know, pretty important in crafting their rich, layered sound. The keyboards often provide the atmospheric backdrop and melodic flourishes that are so characteristic of the band's music. He adds those subtle textures and harmonies that fill out the sound, giving it that lush, dreamy quality. His contributions, in a way, are what often tie the various musical elements together, from the jazz percussion to the guitar riffs and horn solos. Edward's work on the keys helps create the overall mood and sonic landscape for each song, making it feel complete and immersive. It’s his touch, arguably, that gives the music its expansive feel, and that’s a pretty vital part of their appeal.

Personal Details: Edward James

Detail	Information
Role	Keyboardist
Known For	Adding Atmospheric Textures and Harmonies

Carter Lee: The Original Bassist

When María and Josh decided to start a band, they had an idea to invite close friends to join them, and Carter Lee was one of those individuals. He was, in a way, brought in as the bassist to accompany them on their musical endeavors, which is pretty cool. The band, you know, initially comprised five members, including María and Josh, along with Carter Lee on bass and Jesse Perlman on guitar. This shows that Carter was an important part of the band's early formation, helping to lay down the foundational rhythms and harmonies that shaped their initial sound. While the current core lineup often highlights four members, Carter’s role in how the band got started is, in fact, noteworthy. He helped innovate the idea of building the band with friends, and that's a pretty human way to begin.

Personal Details: Carter Lee

Detail	Information
Role	Bassist (Original Member)
Known For	Being Part of the Initial Band Expansion

The Marías' Unique Sound: A Blend of Worlds

The Marías are, in fact, celebrated for their truly unique sound, which is a blend that feels both smooth and utterly captivating. They are known for performing songs in both English and Spanish, which, you know, immediately sets them apart and appeals to a wider audience. This bilingual approach is, in a way, a reflection of María Zardoya’s own background, existing between two cultural worlds. Beyond the language, their music is infused with a rich tapestry of elements. You’ll hear jazz percussion that provides a laid-back yet sophisticated groove, and that’s pretty cool.

Then there are the guitar riffs, which often add a distinct, sometimes psychedelic, sometimes mellow, texture to their tracks. These riffs, you know, are usually very carefully placed, contributing to the overall dreamy atmosphere without ever overwhelming the vocals. The band also incorporates horn solos, which provide bursts of warmth and a touch of vintage elegance, making the music feel incredibly rich. And, of course, there are those velvety voices, particularly María’s, which glide over the instruments, creating a truly soothing and immersive listening experience. It’s a sound that, you know, just fits perfectly for moments of relaxation, whether you're road tripping or simply lounging by the pool on a sunny day.

How The Marías Came Together

The story of how The Marías formed is, you know, a pretty organic one, rooted in a chance meeting and a shared love for music. It all began in 2016 when María Zardoya and Josh Conway met at a mutual friend’s loft. This wasn't some grand plan or a formal audition; it was, in fact, just a casual jam session. But from that informal gathering, something truly special sparked between them. That casual jam session, you see, quickly blossomed into a creative partnership, and that’s where the idea of starting a band really took root. It was, in a way, a very natural progression from friends making music together to forming a serious project.

The duo, María and Josh, then innovated the idea of expanding their sound by inviting close friends to join them. This is how Jesse Perlman, the guitarist, and Carter Lee, the bassist, came into the picture. They were, you know, asked to accompany María and Josh on their musical endeavors, which is pretty cool. This is how each of them got started with the band, growing from a duo to a larger ensemble. The band, initially comprised of five members, really built its foundation on these personal connections and shared musical chemistry, which is something that really comes through in their songs even today. It’s a story that, arguably, highlights the power of friendship in creating something truly artistic.

The Marías' Musical Journey and Discography

The Marías have, you know, steadily built a compelling musical journey since their formation, releasing a body of work that truly showcases their evolving sound. They have, in fact, released two EPs, which helped introduce their unique style to listeners. Following those initial releases, they’ve also put out two studio albums, marking significant milestones in their discography. Their first studio album, "Cinema," came out in 2021, and it was, you know, a pretty anticipated release that solidified their place in the indie pop scene. It really captured that dreamy, cinematic quality they are known for, and that’s something fans loved.

More recently, their second studio album, "Submarine," was released in 2024. This album, apparently, allowed the Los Angeles quartet to process stories of grief, hope, and love, which is pretty deep. It shows their growth as artists, tackling more profound themes while maintaining their signature sound. The band has also, you know, caught the attention of other prominent artists. For instance, The Marías worked with Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco on one of the songs for Selena’s new album, titled "I Said I Love You First." This collaboration, to be honest, brought them even more attention and showcased their versatility, proving they can blend their sound with different artists while still staying true to their identity. Their discography, therefore, offers a rich listening experience for anyone looking for something truly unique.

Connecting with The Marías

For fans and curious listeners alike, connecting with The Marías is, you know, pretty straightforward thanks to their presence across various platforms. They maintain an active presence on social media, allowing people to stay updated on their latest news and musical endeavors. You can find them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where they share insights and connect with their audience. They also have a presence on YouTube, which is a great place to discover their music videos and other visual content. In May 2024, for example, they were on a Stationhead live session with Billie, which shows their engagement with different platforms and artists. It's a way to feel closer to the band, and that's something fans really appreciate.

Beyond social media, there are other resources for those who want to learn more about the band's history and music. There’s a collaborative wiki dedicated to The Marías, which is, in a way, curated for its dark theme and offers a bilingual experience. You can switch between English and Spanish to read articles, which is pretty convenient. For a comprehensive overview of their music, you can explore The Marías' discography, including top tracks, albums, and reviews, on AllMusic. This site, you know, provides a detailed look at their recorded output and critical reception, which is very helpful for music enthusiasts. So, there are many ways to keep up with and learn more about this fascinating band.

The Marías: A Soundtrack for Every Mood

The music of The Marías truly fits a wide range of moods and settings, making them, you know, a very versatile band for your personal soundtrack. For those days when you're hitting the road for a long trip, their smooth, dreamy tunes can set the perfect atmosphere, making the journey feel more relaxed and enjoyable. It’s the kind of music that, you know, just flows effortlessly, accompanying the passing scenery. Then there are those moments when you're simply lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun, or maybe even sunbathing at the beach. The Marías' sound, with its jazz percussion and velvety vocals, is, in fact, exactly what’s required to complete that mood.

Their songs create a certain ambiance that’s both calming and subtly invigorating, perfectly suited for unwinding. It's a sound that, arguably, transports you to a place of pure relaxation, making the most ordinary moments feel a little more special. Whether you're seeking a chill vibe for a lazy afternoon or a gentle backdrop for quiet contemplation, The Marías fit that bill to a T. They are, in a way, masters of creating music that enhances your environment, turning simple moments into memorable experiences. You can learn more about The Marías on our site, and explore their unique sound further by checking out their music here.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Marías

Who are the members of The Marías?

The core lineup of The Marías includes lead vocalist María Zardoya, drummer and producer Josh Conway, guitarist Jesse Perlman, and keyboardist Edward James. Carter Lee was also an original bassist when the band first expanded.

What kind of music does The Marías play?

The Marías play indie pop music, known for performing songs in both English and Spanish. Their sound incorporates elements like jazz percussion, guitar riffs, horn solos, and velvety voices, creating a dreamy, vintage pop style.

Where is The Marías band from?

The Marías is an American indie pop band that originates from Los Angeles, California. Lead vocalist María Zardoya was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in Atlanta, while drummer Josh Conway is a native of Los Angeles.

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