MARIS
MARIS | |
|---|---|
MARIS in 2023 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Bear, Marmar, Marbear |
| Born | Maris Maddux-Ward September 16, 1999 Missoula, Montana, U.S. |
| Origin | Los Angeles |
| Genres | Pop, rock |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Label | Black House |
| Website | www |
Maris Maddux-Ward, (born September 16, 1999)[1] known mononymously as MARIS (stylized in all caps) is an American singer-songwriter.
Career
On New Year's Eve of 2014, Maris was selected as the winner of the 10th First Night Spotlight.[2]
In March 2017, Maris participated in American Idol season 16.[3]
In 2023, she released the album Gravity, accompanied by a short film titled Gravity: The EP: the Movie.[4] The project was supported by tours opening for Anna of the North and The Wrecks, and appearances at Boston Calling and Missoula Pride in 2024. That same year, she opened for Melt on their U.S. tour.[5]
In 2025, MARIS opened for Maude Latour on the Sugar Water Tour.[5]
During this period, she released the single “Give Me a Sign” featuring Caroline Kingsbury, which reached one million streams within a month of release.[6][7] The track was added to more than 25 Spotify editorial playlists and featured in 20 New Music Friday placements.[8]
In June 2025, she announced her debut U.S. co-headlining tour with Kingsbury, scheduled to run from September to October 2025, with dates in cities including San Diego, Dallas, Nashville, New York, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles.[8]
Personal life
Maris's father is a doctor and her mother is involved in real estate. She developed a passion for music, especially jazz, around the age of six.[9]
MARIS has cited artists including Queen, Whitney Houston, Prince, and One Direction among her influences.[7]
Discography
Extended plays
| Title | Year | Track listing |
|---|---|---|
| Of Love & Rain | 2015 |
|
| Of the Sea | 2016 |
|
| Gravity | 2023 |
|
Singles
As lead artist
| Title | Year | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| "BOYS" | 2017 | |
| "Sick" | ||
| "What He Wants" | ||
| "18 Forever" | 2018 | |
| "Shallow" | ||
| "White Knuckles" | 2019 | |
| "Elephant Skeleton" | 2020 | |
| "GOING YET!" | 2023 | |
| "Hot Guitar Player" | ||
| "Voicemail" | ||
| "Julia Roberts" | 2024 | |
| "The Fight" | ||
| "Salt Water Taffy" | ||
| "Chameleon" | ||
| "Give Me A Sign" (featuring Caroline Kingsbury) |
2025 | |
| "Mary + I" | ||
| "IT'S HARD (to be a Man)" | [10] | |
| "SUPER F★CKING MEGA ST★R" | ||
| "Christmas Now" | ||
| "Body Is On Fire" | 2026 |
As featured artist
| Title | Year | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| "Jolene" (Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox feat. Maris) |
2017 | |
| "Still Into You" (Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox feat. Maris) |
2018 | |
| "Seven Minutes" (Honeymoon Arcade feat. Maris) |
2019 | |
| "Girls Just Wanna Be Famous(er)" (Meg Smith feat. Molly Grace & MARIS) |
2025 |
Songwriting credits
| Title | Year | Artist | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Existential Crisis" | 2025 | Wendy | Cerulean Verge |
References
- ^ Pena, Willie (August 14, 2017). "From Missoula to Carnegie Hall: Meet Maris, 17-Year Old Singer to Watch". Teens Wanna Know. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ^ Jenkins, Billy (January 2, 2015). "Missoula's First Night Spotlight Winner!". Newstalk KGVO. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ^ Angermiller, Michele. "'American Idol' Reveals Its First Finalist". Variety. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ^ Rogers, Jack. "MARIS Defies 'Gravity' On Stunning Debut EP". idobi Radio. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ^ a b Crowley, Erin (March 22, 2025). "Maris talks about her love for Boston, and her new stellar single 'Give Me a Sign' » // MELODIC Magazine". // MELODIC Magazine » Melodic Magazine keeps you up to date on your favorite musicians with interviews, tour dates, live photos, and live show reviews. Archived from the original on July 23, 2025. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
- ^ Crowley, Erin. "Maris talks about her love for Boston, and her new stellar single 'Give Me a Sign'". Melodic Magazine. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ^ a b Kozlowski, Anthony (May 27, 2025). "Interview with MARIS: Yearning, Euphoria, and Queer Joy". Atwood Magazine. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
- ^ a b Dunn, Mariah (June 9, 2025). "MARIS brings debut headline tour to the US this Fall". Melodic Magazine. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
- ^ Maier, Allison. "Missoula girl's lemonade sales benefit animal shelter". Missoulian. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ^ Teitz, Alex (August 29, 2025). "MARIS – IT'S HARD (to be a Man)". FEMMUSIC Magazine. Retrieved October 4, 2025.