Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), one of the world’s leading music publishers, has announced the signing of acclaimed band The Marías to an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement. Known for their distinctive blend of alternative, psychedelic rock, jazz, and Latin influences, the Latin GRAMMY®-nominated group continues to redefine the sound of modern indie music.
Led by Atlanta-raised vocalist María Zardoya and Los Angeles native Josh Conway, along with Jesse Perlman (guitar) and Edward James (keys), The Marías have captivated audiences with their dreamy, cinematic soundscapes and bilingual artistry.
A Defining Moment in The Marías’ Global Rise
With more than two billion streams, two critically acclaimed albums,CINEMA and Submarine, and a Top 20 entry on the Billboard Top 200, The Marías have solidified their position as one of the most innovative acts of their generation.
Their momentum has only grown in 2025, fueled by the release of “Back To Me” and “Nobody New,” which earned two MTV VMA nominations for Best New Artist and Best Alternative (“Back To Me”). The band also landed six songs on the Spotify Global 200, underscoring their global appeal and genre-defying reach.
María Zardoya Expands Her Creative Vision
Beyond her work with the band, María Zardoya recently unveiled her solo debut album, “Melt,” under her new moniker Not for Radio. The project has drawn widespread critical acclaim. Vogue described it as “lush, moody, a little dark and utterly her own.”
Melt takes listeners through an introspective journey of gothic romanticism and baroque pop, blending vintage echoes and digital textures across songs like “My Turn,” “Swan,” and “Not the Only One.”
The Marías: Collaborators and Cultural Influencers
The Marías have become trusted collaborators for some of the biggest names in music. Their credits include co-writing, producing, and performing with Bad Bunny on his GRAMMY®-nominated album “Un Verano Sin Ti,” contributing to Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco’s hit single “Ojos Tristes,” and joining Billie Eilish on her global arena tour.
Their sold-out international tour and standout sets at festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza have made them a must-see act, admired for their hypnotic visuals and immersive sound.
A Perfect Match with Universal Music Publishing
Commenting on the new partnership, María Zardoya said:
“We’re thrilled to sign with Jen and Ana Rosa at Universal Music Publishing. Having spent some time with them alongside Jody Gerson, we trust they’re the perfect partners to guide us through the next phase of our collective and individual writing careers.”
Jennifer Knoepfle, UMPG’s Executive Vice President and Head of U.S., and Ana Rosa Santiago, Senior Vice President of Latin Music, added:
“It’s so exciting to work with a band like The Marías who are so clear and singular in their vision. They’ve cultivated a devoted audience over the last several years and are now on the cusp of the global stage. We could not be more ecstatic to partner with them at such an exciting time.”
With this signing, UMPG reinforces its commitment to supporting the next generation of global artists whose creativity and cultural impact transcend borders.