Name: Maria Ellis
Birthplace: Long Island, NY
Music Style: Pop/R&B
Website/Social Media Links: www.mariaellismusic.com

Growing up on Long Island in a traditional Greek Orthodox household, music became both an outlet and a way to fully express yourself from a young age. Looking back now, what first made songwriting feel essential to you rather than just a hobby?

I remember music unlocking this confidence for me at an early age. I was very shy and reserved but loved how liberated I felt when I heard artists like Britney Spears and Mariah Carey. Then when I was 6, songwriting became the most exciting part of my day. It felt so electric and powerful that I never really saw it ever as a hobby. 

Your music blends sleek pop, R&B, and emotionally candid songwriting in a way that feels both polished and deeply personal. How would you describe your sound and what you’re trying to create emotionally for listeners?

I would best describe it as unapologetic pop R&B that exudes sexiness and confidence. I want my listeners to put my music on whenever they need to feel their best.

You’ve spoken about being inspired by artists like Britney Spears, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Timbaland, and Justin Timberlake. What is it about that era of pop and R&B that continues to resonate with you creatively?

Growing up watching these incredible artists shaped me tremendously. Specifically, Rihanna’s whole career inspired so much of my EP Ultrabaddie and the tone that I like to set with the music that I make. These artists didn’t just make great music but dipped into all different genres while making it commercial.

A lot of your music balances confidence, sensuality, and vulnerability at the same time. What do you think separates your perspective and artistic voice from other artists operating in the pop/R&B space right now?

I have complete creative control over my own voice and like to blend all different influences into my pop music. I sing, I write, I produce, I vocal produce and having my stamp on everything is what makes my music mine. I always try to convey my most honest truths when I’m writing because that’s the most compelling. 

Your latest single “Relapse” explores the cycle of returning to a relationship you know isn’t good for you, while also drawing influence from early-2000s pop production. What inspired the song, and why did it feel like the right release to begin this new chapter?

I had an initial concept for a song called Relapse that would compare a toxic relationship to an addiction. The idea didn’t actualize until I was in a writing session with Jackson Hoffman and Ryder Stuart and heard this beat Jackson had made. I told them about the concept, and they loved it so we wrote Relapse in about an hour. 

You’ve built much of your career independently – from creating viral online moments to producing, writing, and shaping your own artistic identity. What has been the biggest challenge in navigating the music industry on your own terms?

A lot of people try to tell you exactly what or who you should be. It can be hard to stick to your artistic vision and your gut, but it also has been the most rewarding for me.

From Berklee to Rolling Stone support, millions of streams, and performances at places like New York Fashion Week, you’ve already hit several major milestones independently. Looking ahead, what are you most proud of so far, and what still feels like the dream goal or bucket-list moment you’re chasing next?

I feel an immense amount of gratitude for every single opportunity that has come my way. I do feel the proudest when I see someone in life or online connecting with my music. There’s no greater gift than writing a song because you needed it and giving that feeling of confidence to someone else. Looking ahead, my ultimate dream would be reaching even bigger audiences and headlining a tour. I’m so excited for what this next year and the future will bring and I’m so grateful to whoever comes along.