The Marías Go Deep on the Creation of ‘No One Noticed’ and ‘Back to Me’ in ‘Behind the Song’

Blending elements of shoegaze, Latin beats, and jazz, the Marías have forged a signature style that defies easy classification. Their standout track, "No One Noticed," marked a bold shift from commercial norms—a direction further explored on their recent single, "Back to Me." Characterized by dreamy textures, fluid soundscapes, and hypnotic rhythms, their music often feels like an immersive wash of sound. Yet closer attention uncovers meticulous details: ethereal synths, manipulated guitar tones, lush vocal arrangements, and subtle production touches that reveal the band’s sophisticated artistry.

The four members recently offered an unprecedented look into their creative approach during an in-depth interview with Variety at New York’s iconic Electric Lady Studios. There, amid sessions for their third album, they broke down multitrack recordings to illustrate their songwriting and production techniques. Electric Lady Studios—founded by Jimi Hendrix in 1970 and frequented by icons from Stevie Wonder to David Bowie—provided a fittingly historic setting for the band’s candid and technically rich discussion.

They devoted significant time to “No One Noticed,” a key song from their album “Submarine.” The track originated from a collaboration between vocalist María Zardoya and producer Gianluca Buccellati, who is also involved in her upcoming solo endeavor, Not for Radio. The song proved instrumental in reconnecting the band during a period of doubt in 2020. Its form is intentionally ambiguous: “You could argue it doesn’t even have a chorus,” noted drummer and producer Josh Conway. Guitarist Jesse Perlman joked, “Or maybe it’s all chorus and no verse!”

Zardoya revealed that the composition revolves around her favorite chord sequence, which she finds endlessly inspiring. “I can create countless melodies over those same chords,” she explained, promptly improvising a new vocal line as the progression played back. “There she goes,” Perlman remarked affectionately, underscoring both her melodic gift and the group’s close creative dynamic.

Regarding “Back to Me,” the band unanimously regards it as one of their finest works. It began with the distorted guitar and heavy synth intro that now defines the track. Initially, the group had been working on more dance-focused material that, as Zardoya recalled, didn’t resonate with her emotionally. After taking a short break, she re-entered the studio, heard the new instrumental idea, and instantly connected with its intensity. “YES! That’s the drama that I need!” she exclaimed. As one industry observer noted, “It’s in these moments of sudden alignment between artist and sound that truly timeless music emerges.”