Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has finalized an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with Latin GRAMMY-nominated band The Marías, marking a significant expansion of the publisher’s diverse roster. The deal grants UMPG sole rights to publish the band’s catalog across all territories, representing a major commitment to an act that has built its reputation largely through independent releases and viral streaming success.
The Marías, comprised of vocalist María Zardoya, Josh Conway, Jesse Perlman, and Edward James, have cultivated a distinctive sound that blends alternative, psychedelic rock, jazz, and Latin influences. This genre-defying approach has earned them critical acclaim and a growing international fan base that spans Latin America, the United States, and beyond. Their multicultural appeal aligns perfectly with UMPG’s global ambitions and search for artists with cross-cultural resonance.
The Marías’ boundary-crossing sound captures global audiences with its intoxicating blend of psychedelic, Latin, and jazz elements
While financial terms and contract length remain undisclosed as of October 2025, industry analysts note the deal’s significance in the publishing landscape. UMPG’s aggressive pursuit of The Marías signals a strategic pivot toward securing rights to emerging catalogs with untapped sync and international licensing potential, rather than focusing exclusively on established mainstream acts.
The agreement reflects broader shifts in music publishing, where major companies increasingly target artists with proven independent growth trajectories and loyal digital followings. By signing The Marías, UMPG strengthens its position in both Latin and alternative markets while gaining fresh content for emerging platforms and territories.
For The Marías, the deal likely means increased visibility in advertising, film, and international markets without sacrificing their artistic independence. The band’s founding members have diverse backgrounds, with María Zardoya raised in Atlanta and Josh Conway from Los Angeles, contributing to their unique cross-cultural sound. This agreement coincides with the daily archives release from Nevarez Communications, highlighting the publishing industry’s latest developments. The band’s success story may influence other independent acts to contemplate global publishing partnerships earlier in their careers.
As the industry continues to globalize, UMPG’s investment in The Marías demonstrates that genre fusion and cultural hybridity are not just artistically compelling but commercially viable. The band members have diligently focused on consistent releases while building their distinctive personal brand in the industry. The partnership sets a precedent for how major publishers might engage with artists traditionally operating outside mainstream systems. This deal opens up substantial sync licensing opportunities for The Marías, potentially generating significant income through placement in films, television shows, and commercials.
