Maryze Pushes Daring Queer Pop Frontiers with "Versed"
Maryze and Syd Kilroy, shot by Morganne Yambrovich
The taste of LA-via-Montréal pop artist Maryze has long been dubbed “stormy-sweet,” but their triumphant release “Versed” turns up the heat. Six months since its release, the single remains a rallying cry of unapologetic queer passion, signalling an uninhibited new chapter for the ever-evolving performer. Maryze’s X-rated fantasies are delivered with a staccato cadence, riding a classic techno pulse supplied by Siren Mars. And for the visual learners, the Priscilla Mars–directed music video hits like a feverish tableau, showcasing Maryze’s legion of sapphic collaborators – the fishnets, the Pleasers, and the reckless freedom of diving headfirst into desire.
Scroll on to explore how Maryze has settled into their new digs on the West Coast, and what’s to come from their next steps. Bonus: exclusive BTS photos from the “Versed” video shoot, captured by LA photographer (and close collaborator) Morganne Yambrovich.
Maryze and Siren Mars, photo by Morganne Yambrovich
Rebecca Judd for Also Cool Mag: Listening to "Versed," your sound has undoubtedly transformed since the days of 8. Boasting an evocative electro sheen, this new single feels like it's on the verge of a hedonistic explosion. Can you walk us through the personal and creative journey between these two phases of your craft?
Maryze: That's an interesting question. I think that 8 contained a lot of songs I'd been working on for upwards of eight years, and reflected on experiences from earlier on in my life. It was kind of an "up until now" project, whereas what I'm making now is very of the moment. Everything that I'm experiencing, I'm putting back out into music with a pretty quick turnaround. It feels more urgent, and kind of like a teenage level of intensity — taking in so many new feelings and trying to make sense of them.
Michael Milton, Skyler Cocco, and Reaz Jafri, photo by Morganne Yambrovich
Also Cool: While you’re clearly thriving in Los Angeles, I can say the Canadian music scene feels your absence. What parts of Montreal continue to resonate with you—in art and spirit—and how has LA’s vibrance shifted your approach to self-expression?
Maryze: That's very sweet. I miss Canada, and Montreal specifically. I will keep praising that city, its nightlife, and DIY scene forever — it's truly a mecca for arts and culture. In terms of how LA has shifted my approach to self-expression, it's allowed me to put myself out there more authentically. I know people say it's a fake city, but I've found that creators encourage each other to take risks and squash self-doubt. Montreal's indie music scene has a coolness [that] I never really felt like I fit into, haha. I make and love pop, and that's always who I'll be.
Sadie Scheufler, photo by Morganne Yambrovich
AC: Since relocating to Los Angeles, you’ve immersed yourself in a vibrant community of queer femme creatives, many of whom played a key role in bringing "Versed" to life (like Skyler Cocco, Morganne, and Priscilla Mars). What does it mean to you to forge these creative alliances, especially as a queer artist?
M: I have to thank TikTok on this one, because I met the three artists you named on there! I'm so grateful for the friendships and creative alliances I've been able to make online before even moving to Los Angeles. As a queer artist, it kind of took me until the past few years to form the like-minded community I never had growing up. Montreal helped kick-start that journey. I feel very, very lucky — my close friends/collaborators inspire and lift me up every day.
Morganne Yambrovich
AC: You’ve spoken extensively about the impact of artists like Peaches, Lady Gaga, and the trailblazing Princess Superstar on this record. What was it like to share the stage with PS at The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs – did it feel like a full-circle moment to collaborate with one of your musical touchstones?
M: That was wild. I met Princess Superstar at SXSW and was tripping over my words trying to tell her she inspired one of the tracks I was performing that night. To be invited to perform with her in Palm Springs was an honour! She has a super kind, mothering energy, but is also just incredibly badass.
Maryze, photo by Morganne Yambrovich
AC: With this raunchy electroclash soundscape that anchors your sophomore album, you’re flirting with evolution – but given how 8 unfolded, we know there are always layers yet to be uncovered. Are there any unexpected genres or sonic experiments you’ve been drawn to, or sensations you’ve yet to explore on this record?
M: Without giving away too much, we're getting into some epic, cinematic drama and embodying new characters. Strings? Operatic high notes? Americana thriller music videos shot in the desert? Coming soon.
Maryze
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Rebecca Judd is the Editorial & Operations Lead of Also Cool Mag. She is currently based in Ottawa.
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