Make Way for Maryze

Just in time for her L.A. Pride debut, the alt-popstar drops the visual for “Versed”—a sweaty anthem that pulses with desire.

by Cam Delisle

Still by Priscilla Mars

Published on June 20, 2025

With “Versed,” Maryze dives headfirst into a glitter-drenched, goth-tinged vision of after hours queer communion—a bratty, sexed-up nod to indie sleaze through a femme-focused lens.

Premiering just in time for her first Los Angeles Pride (more specifically, the GET WET Pride Party), the self-directed visual—co-created with filmmaker Priscilla Mars—flickers between old-Hollywood noir and downtown Y2K glamour. Shot entirely in black and white, “Versed” doubles as a love letter to LA’s queer underground and the creative community that welcomed her after a cross-continental move from Montreal.

We caught up with the rising alt-pop artist to talk nostalgia, goth glamour, and curating spaces where femmes and queers can be loud, sexy, and empowered—all at once.

“Versed” channels the indie-sleaze era through a femme-centered lens. What drew you personally to this aesthetic, and how did you balance nostalgia with your own modern queer perspective?

Growing up, the aesthetic fascinated me. I wanted to be part of that flashy, indulgent, irreverent culture. There’s an effortless cool and boldness to the fashion and attitude. Queerness and the ability to explore one’s identity have always been a part of the indie sleaze ethos, and I think that’s what drew me to it as a teen.

The video was co-directed by you and Priscilla Mars, with a strong Y2K and goth Hollywood vibe. How did your collaboration shape the storytelling, and what was the creative dynamic like on set?

Priscilla and I both have a fondness for LA’s mystique and the eerie energy that floats around the city at night. I think that comes through in everything we create together. Shooting in black and white was an intentional nod to old Hollywood, and the high contrast, blown-out lighting is more of a Y2K-throwback.

We wanted to shoot a party scene and let the scenes roll out organically, showcasing the cast’s chemistry in a fairly unscripted way. The energy on set was fun, sexy, and natural. We were lucky to have pole performances by Lo Anne, Sadie Scheufler, and Fae, and to have actor Syd Kilroy play my love interest. All of their work is amazing.

You mention wanting to create a “safe, sexy space” for femmes and queers to experience genuine, spontaneous moments. How do you see music videos as a medium for building and representing queer community?

It was very intentionally an all girls and gays set. I love to see the spontaneous moments of connection that come through in that environment, especially when you remove the male gaze from the equation. It feels real and raw and just for us. I always want to curate a safe space for the queer community to just be ourselves in.

The cast features L.A. artists, performers, and dancers. How important is community in your work, especially after moving between Montreal and L.A.?

Community has meant everything in my move from Montreal to Los Angeles, which made me feel welcome from the start. The cast of the video is made up of all kinds of artists–writers, actors, and musicians that I admire. It’s kind of a love letter to my new city.

“Versed” is a club banger with a distinct electro-pop energy. Can you talk about how your sound has evolved since “Langue,” and what unexplored territory you’re visiting on your upcoming album?

“Langue” was my first semi-spoken track, with some low-key melodies blended in. With “Versed,” we removed the melody pretty much entirely for a brattier delivery. It was a new experiment for me and made way for playful lyrics and arrangement. My upcoming album will partly keep that energy, but also go in the completely opposite direction with a couple stripped-down ballads. Just one big, sonic salad (as usual).

Are there other iconic music videos or artists that have influenced your style, other than Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance,” both musically and visually?

Gaga’s “Just Dance” definitely set the blueprint for these visuals! We also had shots from Fiona Apple’s “Criminal” and Charli xcx & Billie Eilish’s “Guess” on the mood board. The track was inspired by Electro-clash artists like Princess Superstar and Peaches, and modern pop queens COBRAH and Slayyyter.

With Pride just around the corner and the GET WET Pride Party hosting your video premiere, what does releasing this track and video during Pride mean to you personally and as an artist?

I love that the “Versed” video is coming out for my first Pride in Los Angeles. It feels like a shift in the right direction for me artistically and personally, and I’m excited to have beautiful queer artists by my side for this project and more ahead!