Not for Radio — María Zardoya’s New World

By: Morgan Holzer

María Zardoya, from indie pop band The Marías, debuts her solo project Not for Radio with the release of her album Melt on October 10. The record blends the dreamy, cinematic sound fans know from The Marías with her own personal twist, mixing gothic, whimsical, and romantic tones. Zardoya describes the project as “her alternate reality,” inviting listeners to reconnect with themselves and the natural world.

In a Vogue interview with Conçetta Ciarlo, María shared that The Marías has always been a 50/50 collaboration between her and bandmate Josh Conway, but with Not for Radio, she wanted full creative control. To make that happen, she teamed up with songwriter Sam Evian and spent three weeks in upstate New York during the dead of winter, a contrast to her usual Los Angeles surroundings. 

The visuals for Melt are just as intentional as the music. Zardoya has collaborated with an impressive group of creatives, including visual artist Jaxon Whittington, whose photography carries a dreamy, gothic feel that perfectly complements the album’s atmosphere.

She has also hinted at the possibility of a tour on social media, asking fans if she should take Not for Radio on the road.

Judging by the excitement online, listeners are excited for what is to come.