The Marías: GRAMMY Nominees You Need to Know
The music world is abuzz with the latest GRAMMY nominees, and among the most exciting contenders are The Marias. This L.A.-based band has carved out a distinctive niche with their genre-bending sound, ethereal visuals, and bilingual lyricism, earning well-deserved recognition from the Recording Academy. Their journey from independent beginnings to the GRAMMY stage is a testament to their unique creative vision and relentless pursuit of authenticity.
A Nod from the Recording Academy: Why Their Nomination Matters
For The Marías, GRAMMY recognition for "Best New Artist" (2026) and "Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical" for "CINEMA" signifies a major career leap. It highlights their ability to resonate with devoted fans while capturing the Recording Academy's attention, positioning them as influential figures within the broader artistic community. This acknowledgment speaks volumes about their innovative approach and the growing appreciation for genre fluidity and diverse voices in mainstream music.
Who Are The Marías? Defining a New Sound
The Marías emerged from Los Angeles as a distinct artistic entity that defies easy categorization. At their heart are vocalist María Zardoya and producer/drummer Josh Conway, whose creative partnership forms the engine behind the band's signature ethereal soundscapes. Their rise from intimate L.A. venues to global recognition reflects the growing power of independent artists. In early 2024, 62.1% of artists garnering between 1 million and 10 million U.S. streams were independent, highlighting the fertile ground upon which The Marías built their career.
A Kaleidoscope of Sound: Decoding Their Genre-Bending Artistry
The Marías masterfully blend indie-pop's melodic sensibilities with psychedelic rock textures, smooth R&B grooves, and jazzy undertones. This fusion creates a sound that is simultaneously contemporary and retro, familiar yet entirely novel. Their music features lush instrumentation, dreamlike synthesizers, and infectious rhythms that create an immersive atmosphere.
A defining characteristic is their seamless integration of Spanish lyrics and Latin influences. Zardoya's effortless bilingual approach adds emotional depth and cultural richness, resonating with a broader global audience. In 2024, Latin music in the US achieved record-breaking $1.4 billion in revenue, a 6% increase that surpassed the overall market's 3% growth, demonstrating the landscape where The Marías are making significant contributions.
"CINEMA": The GRAMMY-Nominated Masterpiece
Their debut full-length album "CINEMA" stands as a pivotal moment, earning critical acclaim and GRAMMY recognition. Drawing inspiration from Hollywood's golden age, the project explores themes of love, memory, and fantasy through a cinematic lens. Each track functions like a film scene, building a narrative arc of romantic longing and surreal beauty.
The album's GRAMMY nomination for Best Engineered Album showcases Josh Conway's masterful production, balancing vintage warmth with modern clarity. The Marías embraced a "visual album" concept, treating music videos as integral narrative components crafted with meticulous attention to filmic techniques and artistic direction.
More Than Melodies: Their Immersive Visual Identity
The Marías' artistry extends beyond music to a striking visual identity rooted in vintage cinema and art house films. Their aesthetic incorporates specific color palettes, surrealism, and dreamlike imagery that complements their ethereal sound. Fashion plays a significant role, with retro-inspired designs and elegant silhouettes adding another dimension to their carefully constructed universe.
The Journey to GRAMMY Recognition
The Marías' trajectory is a narrative of perseverance and authenticity. From word-of-mouth beginnings in L.A. venues, they achieved independent success that led to signing with Atlantic Records. Singles like "Hush" topped Billboard's Adult Alternative Airplay chart, while tracks like "Sienna" earned Gold certifications in multiple countries.
Their evolution is evident in recent growth. On January 12, 2026, The Marías recorded 50,661 new Spotify Monthly Listeners, a 211.5% increase, likely linked to their GRAMMY nominations. This surge reflects their ability to connect with new audiences, particularly Gen Z, who spend an average of 3 hours and 43 minutes daily listening to music.
The Significance: Beyond the Accolade
The Marías' nominations represent a broader industry shift. The independent artists' market is projected to grow from $160.60 billion in 2025 to $233.31 billion by 2031, demonstrating robust expansion. Their success celebrates genre fluidity and the mainstreaming of Latin influences, with streaming accounting for 98% of US Latin music revenue in early 2025.
As cultural ambassadors, The Marías encourage the Recording Academy to recognize a wider array of genres, languages, and artistic approaches. The 2024 Grammy Awards' 34% viewership increase to 16.9 million viewers indicates growing receptiveness to the diverse talent they represent.
Why The Marías Are Artists You Absolutely Need to Know
The Marías have rightfully earned their place in the conversation surrounding the GRAMMYs, not just as nominees but as artists actively shaping music's future. By masterfully blending indie-pop, psych-rock, and jazz elements, infusing their music with bilingual lyricism, and complementing it with a captivating vintage cinematic aesthetic, they have created a truly immersive artistic universe.
Their GRAMMY nominations validate their genre-bending approach, celebrate independent artists' growing influence, and highlight the mainstream appeal of diverse cultural expressions. The Marías stand as cultural ambassadors, demonstrating that authenticity and innovation are key to commanding attention in today's music landscape. They are not just artists to watch; they are artists whose sound, vision, and authenticity make them indispensable to understanding the current and future trajectory of music.
