María Zardoya
María Zardoya is a Puerto Rican-American singer, songwriter, and musician. She is best known as the lead vocalist of the indie pop band The Marías, with whom she has released multiple albums and toured internationally. The band is recognized for its bilingual lyrics in English and Spanish and its genre-blending sound. In 2024, The Marías released the album Submarine and gained wider prominence, including Grammy recognition, being nominated for Best New Artist at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
Zardoya has also launched a solo project under the name Not for Radio, releasing her debut solo album Melt in October 2025, which peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200.
Early life
Zardoya was born in Puerto Rico and later moved to Snellville, Georgia, where she was raised. After her dad taught her how to play the guitar, she gravitated towards learning more chords and started writing lyrics first in Spanish and then in English. Zardoya studied at a local high school where she took singing lessons and sang in the choir. To pursue music, she decided to move to Los Angeles and performed in small bars under the name of "Zara Sky". During a performance at the Kibitz Room, she met drummer Josh Conway at the Kibitz Room, and the two subsequently formed the band The Marías. Her work with the band is known for featuring bilingual lyrics in both English and Spanish.Career
2014–2019: Early Career, Zara Sky, and Formation of The Marías
María Zardoya began her musical career in the mid-2010s, performing and releasing music independently under the stage name Zara Sky. During this period, she developed her vocal style and songwriting while experimenting with pop and alternative influences. As her artistic direction evolved, she gradually moved away from the Zara Sky project.After relocating to Los Angeles, Zardoya met drummer Josh Conway, and in 2016 the two co-founded the indie pop band The Marías, later joined by Edward James, Jesse Perlman, and Doron Zounes. The band quickly gained attention for their atmospheric, genre-blending sound and bilingual English-Spanish lyrics.
The Marías released their debut EP, Superclean, Vol. I, in 2017, followed by Superclean, Vol. II in 2018. Both projects received critical acclaim and helped establish the band’s dreamy, retro-inspired aesthetic. Songs such as “I Don’t Know You” and “Ruthless” achieved significant streaming success. By 2019, the group had become a prominent act in the indie pop scene, supported by extensive touring and festival appearances.
2020–2024: Mainstream Recognition and Artistic Expansion
The Marías reached wider commercial recognition in the early 2020s. In 2021, the band released their debut studio album, Cinema, which debuted on the U.S. Billboard 200 and was praised for its cohesive, cinematic sound. Zardoya’s vocal delivery and emotional restraint were frequently cited as defining elements of the album.During this period, The Marías collaborated with artists including Bad Bunny, Tainy, and Cuco, expanding their reach across alternative and Latin music audiences. The band continued to tour internationally and grew a global fanbase.
In 2024, The Marías released their second studio album, Submarine. The album marked a darker and more introspective shift in tone and lyrical themes, exploring heartbreak and emotional distance. Submarine debuted strongly on international charts and was supported by a world tour. Zardoya was also increasingly recognized for her role in shaping the band’s visual identity, including fashion, album artwork, and music videos.
2025–present: Not for Radio Solo Project
In 2025, Zardoya announced Not for Radio, a solo project distinct from her work with The Marías. The project represents a more personal and experimental creative outlet, allowing her to explore themes and sounds outside the band’s established framework.Later that year, she released her debut solo album under the Not for Radio name, signaling a new phase of artistic independence while continuing to remain active as a member of The Marías. The project has been described as an extension of her individual artistic voice, focusing on introspection and creative autonomy.