MARIS TURNS ENVY INTO EMPOWERMENT WITH NEW SINGLE ‘SUPER F★CKING MEGA ST★R’
Envy: an emotion no one wants to admit to — let alone write a song about. In her latest single, “SUPER F★CKING MEGA ST★R,” MARIS not only has the guts to confidently belt out this feeling, but also managed to turn it into a confronting manifestation, for herself and for those listening. With her gritty, powerhouse vocals and punk spirit, MARIS captures the relatable irritation that comes with the topic of nepotism, as well as the raw determination that emerges from it.
MARIS, aka Maris Maddux-Ward, has been devoted to shining her big, bold musical light since her pre-teen years in Missoula, Montana. Her talents not only reside in songwriting, but also extend into visual storytelling as well. MARIS showcased this versatility in 2023 when she released her breakout EP Gravity alongside its short film, Gravity: The EP: The Movie. The multi-talented artist, now based in Los Angeles, continues to step into her alt-pop destiny in every artistic way she can, with “SUPER F★CKING MEGA ST★R” serving as a jaw-dropping addition to her creative portfolio.
The listener is shoved into the pop-punk atmosphere and one thing is immediately made clear: MARIS powerfully refuses to hold her tongue. She calls out the nepotism babies with her confident, yet aggravated attitude. Not only does Maris boldly express this universal frustration, but she also does it with dazzling self-awareness. The song is packed with brutal honesty as MARIS dissects her own reaction to nepotism and acknowledges the jealousy from which it stems. As a result of this self-reflection, she has created the ultimate battle cry for underdogs everywhere.
Graphic by Paige Firsten (Crave Music Magazine)
Photo by Stewart Hughes
The punk ethos really comes out to play in the track’s lyrics. With lines like: “I know I can be a bitter b*tch / But I’m not pretending to be perfect / I just need a motherf*cking song to stick / And some salt to lick” representing the conflicting emotions that come with trying to make it in your industry, while also needing something to ease the sting of watching celebrities’ children get that success.
The chorus is brimming with passive aggressive curiosity as MARIS pokes quizzical jabs at nepo-babies: “Will you let me know if you’re feeling sexy / When you fly directly?” Only for her to end it on a note that hints at the fact that she will answer those questions herself when she makes it: “Will you save me a seat? / ‘Cause I’m getting ready to be / A super f*cking mega star.”
The production mirrors a contained explosion, making the song a cathartic indulgence for anyone drowning in the grimy feelings that come with envy. The gravelly adlibs, rock-fueled drums, and the anthem-shaking shouts and claps all intertwine together to create such an engaging and simply fun sonic landscape. “SUPER F★CKING MEGA ST★R” is practically begging to be played in a jam-packed stadium, and the bridge only emphasizes this plea. MARIS’ layered vocals are stripped down to just her one raw voice, the drums simmer down to a strong, steady beat, and her shouting “Hey’s!” carry in the background. This new musicality gives the listener a brief break while simultaneously keeping them on the edge of their seat. As the drums change rhythm into a slow rundown, the listener is met with soft contrasting “ooos” in the back that push MARIS’ voice forward as she repeats her affirmation of becoming a “super f*cking mega star.” She finally gives the listeners what they want as she lets her burning vocals rip. The way MARIS incorporates her rasp within her belts only adds to the passion behind the track. It’s a daring release that shoves her talent down nepotism’s throat.
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MARIS has the voice of someone who shamelessly wants what she wants, and has no qualms about sounding pissed off about not having it yet. This single is unapologetic, blunt, spunky and just downright cool — everything that sums up who MARIS is as an artist. “SUPER F★CKING MEGA ST★R” is so rock ‘n’ roll in its themes and energy, making it incredibly refreshing to hear in our current world of careful wording and media-trained hesitation.
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