Bringing heart and energy to the field in high-heel boots and football gear, MARIS is leaving crowds star-struck.
The star player in her ‘go-to-college’ tour MARIS, otherwise known as 26-year-old Maris Maddux-Ward, sat readying for her show at Revival in downtown Asheville with her mother and sister by her side.
“I’ve always been loud, and have had a lot of feelings and been really sensitive. And then music kind of became like my codependent best friend,” MARIS said.
Her face is painted with an iconic four-pointed star, her eyes dotted with flecks of glitter. Just like the glitter she adorns herself with, she takes on the fears and anxiety of show business with a sparkle.
“I get really bad stage fright, right before I go on,” MARIS said, “and then, as soon as I’m partying and having a good time, I feel better.”
Born in Montana and based in Los-Angeles, MARIS found solace and comfort in music, leading into her eventual career as a singer. Her sister would burn mixtapes for her, which she listened to religiously. Her love for music fueled her journey to sing and eventually tour. The “MARIS goes to college” tour reflects on how she never had the college experience. She finds motivation in a can of Red Bull and a dream of bringing people closer to one another and closer to their dreams.
“I think what motivates me the most is hopefully creating a space where people can feel like they can connect again and feel close to other people,” MARIS said. “And also see the superstar within themselves and see the superstars in other people.”
MARIS took the stage in a light-pink graduation gown, tossing out songs with style alongside her enthusiastic drummer, Julian Lewis, known as ‘Tiger.’ Her style is a colorful mish-mash, as she draws out inspiration from what she loves.
“I love pop music and one of my greatest musical inspirations is One Direction, Whitney Houston or Prince,” MARIS said. “(my style) is pretty DIY, pretty pop, it’s got a punk spirit in it too.”
Onstage, MARIS made an ode to One Direction, surprising the crowd with “What makes you beautiful.” Throughout the show, MARIS is literal light in the darkness, or perhaps some glittery neon string tying her fans closer together.
“I think right now– it’s kind of ironic, even though I think American culture is really individualistic, I think the self esteem of the average American is pretty low especially right now. I think we feel really isolated and far apart from each other,” MARIS said.
MARIS makes the show an electric experience, the crowd bouncing,swaying to the music and drawing ever closer to the stage. Her voice packs a punch that’s pleasant on the ears and goes straight to the heart.
“I’m always learning and growing, and I think everybody’s journey through understanding the world as ever evolving. I would like to stand for confidence, and self love, and self respect, and music, and joy, and acceptance, and celebrating diversity,” MARIS said, pondering.
“Everybody. I want to stand for everybody,” MARIS said.
If you’re looking for MARIS, you might find her after a show at the merch booth, meeting-and-greeting with her adoring fans. According to her, it’s her favorite part of a show.
“I just love people and I love talking to people,” MARIS said.
