María Zardoya
María Zardoya | |
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Zardoya performing in 2019 | |
| Born | November 24, 1994 |
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| Musical career | |
| Origin | Snellville, Georgia |
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| Member of | The Marías |
María Zardoya (born November 21, 1994) 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.[1] 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.[2]
Life and career
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 and the two subsequently formed the band The Marías.[3] Her work with the band is known for featuring bilingual lyrics in both English and Spanish.[4]
In November 2022, Zardoya accused Brandon Fried, drummer of The Neighbourhood, of groping her under a table at a bar. The Neighbourhood responded by expelling Fried from the band and thanked Zardoya for coming forward. Fried later issued an apology and stated he would seek help for alcohol and substance abuse issues.[5]
Solo project and collaborations
On August 20, 2025, Zardoya announced her debut solo project using the name "Not for Radio". The project's first solo album, titled Melt, was released on October 10, 2025.[6][7]
Zardoya has collaborated with several other artists. She appeared on the song "Otro Atardecer" with Bad Bunny, and worked with Cuco on the track "Si Me Voy". She also collaborated with Tainy and Young Miko on the song "Mañana". In 2024, she performed "Otro Atardecer" as part of Bad Bunny's stadium tour.[8]
Discography
As Not for Radio
Studio albums
| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US [2] |
US Rock [2] | ||
| Melt | 13 | 2 | |
References
- ^ "María Zardoya, of the Marías, chooses to relive her breakup every night". Los Angeles Times. 2024-08-30. Retrieved 2026-01-21.
- ^ a b c Rutherford, Kevin. "Who's Not for Radio, the Act That Debuted at No. 13 on This Week's Billboard 200?". Billboard. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ^ "Meet María, the Frontwoman Mastering '90s Minimalist Makeup and Self-Care on Tour". Vogue. August 15, 2019. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
- ^ Lopez, Julyssa (September 12, 2024). "María Zardoya Is Bridging Worlds Through Music". Time Magazine. Archived from the original on May 20, 2025. Retrieved December 5, 2025.
- ^ Disalvo, Tom (14 November 2022). "The Neighbourhood cuts ties with drummer Brandon Fried following groping accusations". NME. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ^ "The Marías' María Zardoya Announces Debut Solo Album 'Melt' As Not For Radio". Stereogum. September 30, 2025. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
- ^ Mier, Tomás (October 1, 2025). "The Marías' María Zardoya Branches Out for First Solo Album as Not for Radio". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
- ^ Taylor, Alex James (October 29, 2025). "Maria Zardoya in conversation with Sophie Thatcher". HERO Magazine. Retrieved December 5, 2025.