Maria Ellis talks “Relapse,” early-2000s influences, and building a relationship story through music
04 May 2026
Newsdesk
Rising NYC-based pop artist Maria Ellis is stepping into a new chapter with her latest single “Relapse,” a sleek pop/R&B release that explores the emotional pull of going back to a relationship you know isn’t right. Blending early-2000s influences with a modern, melody-driven sound, the track captures the push and pull of instinct versus logic - a theme that runs throughout Ellis’ evolving body of work.
“Relapse” also marks the beginning of a larger series of songs, each tracing a different stage of a single relationship. With a growing fanbase, millions of views across social platforms, and a Berklee background shaping her approach to songwriting and production, Ellis is carving out her space as an independent pop artist with a clear creative vision.
We caught up with Maria to talk about the inspiration behind “Relapse,” her love of early-2000s pop, and what’s next.
“Relapse” centers on the idea of going back to something you know isn’t good for you. What was the real-life moment or feeling that sparked the song for you? I usually start all of my songs with concepts, and I had this initial idea for a song called “Relapse” about going back and forth with someone that feels like an addiction. The concept didn’t actualize until I went into a session with Jackson Hoffman and Ryder Stuart and heard this drum beat Jackson created where I shared the idea, and they both loved it and we started from there.
The track uses the language of addiction to describe a relationship. What drew you to that comparison, and how does that idea show up in the way the song unfolds emotionally? As a songwriter, I love using double meanings in my lyrics. Lyrics like “Hard pill to swallow / but goes down so smooth”- these lines could relate to our relationships, our bad habits, or anything that we find hard to quit but feels good in the moment. I really enjoy giving my listener a good picture of what’s going on as well.
There’s a strong melodic and sonic pull in “Relapse.” Can you talk about the production and what you were aiming for in terms of sound and feel? My producers Jackson Hoffman and Ryder Stuart, and I all love the 2000’s Timbaland/Neptunes sound so sonically it felt like a fun place for us to go but we also wanted the song to still be a Maria song. I feel like between the production they added and the vocal production I added, Relapse ended up as a really fun nod to those songs but something completely new as well.
You’ve mentioned being influenced by early 2000s pop and R&B. What were some of the specific artists or records that inspired this track, and how did you want to reinterpret that sound for today? I love the Blackout album by Britney Spears. Songs like “Break The Ice” or “Gimme More” really shaped this era of dark pop music. I continue to go back to those records because there’s a certain energy and sexiness that’s so special to that time. I never want to copy or do an interpretation but there’s certain elements in the drums or the breathy vocals that can lean very 2000s, but it’s also very me.
“Relapse” is part of a larger series of songs exploring different stages of a relationship. Where does this song sit in that arc, and what can listeners expect from the rest of the project? Relapse is towards the end of a relationship but I love sharing this as the first single because all of the rest of the songs will show how I ended up there in that relationship. There’s numerous songs about the initial meeting, the falling in love, the comfort and safety, and then that moment when things start to fall apart. The sound is very pop/rnb and there are some dance elements, some ballads, and so much more. I’m so excited for everyone to hear what’s in store!
Your music often balances confidence with emotional vulnerability. How do you navigate writing honestly about complicated relationships while still creating something people can have fun with? I love this question! My favorite music growing up, whether it was Rihanna’s Talk That Talk, or Mariah’s music, they always held this unbelievable amount of confidence but also the ability to emotionally go anywhere. I love creating music that can live in people’s lives as a place they go when they need to feel freedom and that includes saying all of the things that sometimes gets left unsaid.
Looking ahead, how do you see “Relapse” setting the tone for this next chapter of your music, and what are you most excited for people to hear next? I really am so proud of this song, and I’m excited for people to hear all of my new music as it all will tie in together. I love creating narratives and worlds around what I do so I’m excited for the visuals for this song and for the next few songs as well!
