Debut Album Tkay Out October 28th On Downtown / Interscope Records

Tkay Maidza unleashes “Simulation,” the second official single to be lifted from her forthcoming debut album TKAY, which is set to shake up audiences worldwide upon its release next Friday, October 28 via Downtown / Interscope Records.

“Simulation” finds Maidza infusing melody-driven dance-pop with a sweet and tender soulfulness. Co-written by Tkay, along with her DJ and producer LK McKay and George Maple, Tkay says the track is about overcoming complacency and, “hoping to find something real after everything that is calculated and planned disappears. It’s so common that people get lazy when they feel content because they have partially achieved their goals and are living the way they dreamt about, thus beginning to think it’ll last forever…. I have noticed that things constantly change, so when something doesn’t go to plan it’s like cracks in the simulation become visible.”

“Simulation” is the third track to be revealed ahead of the release of her debut record, following the huge first official single “Carry On,” featuring none other than cultural and political icon and one half of Run The Jewels – Killer Mike, quickly gaining close to one million streams online. Maidza also recently dropped the online track “Tennies” – an ode to Tkay’s favorite kicks – produced by LA-based producer Salva.

Having established herself as a commanding and complex vocalist and lyricist, the songs across TKAY channel a sense of defiance and attitude that could only be wielded by an artist blaring the kind of unique trail Maidza has already achieved. She brings a dance-ready yet reflective dynamic that endlessly warps genres and shows her affinity for everything from UK garage, grime, throwback hip-hop, and trap. Joining forces with producers like Salva (Young Thug, A$AP Ferg) and Dre Skull (Major Lazer, Snoop Dogg), Maidza continually pushes her music to the exciting edge of chaos but keeps it all grounded with her pop-perfect melodies and masterfully heavy grooves. Meanwhile her lyrics strike a rare balance of boldness and vulnerability that gives TKAY a potent emotional charge.

“The idea behind the album is that it’s like a soundtrack to a high school girl’s life,” explains Maidza, “It’s about feeling lost but then finding your way out. There are moments of confidence and moments of feeling lonely, but at the same time knowing that you don’t need anyone or anything to be strong.”

Nominated for Best International Act at the 2016 BET Awards, Maidza is playing two US shows in support of her debut album, tonight at Brooklyn’s Rough Trade Records and on Thursday, October 20th at LA’s Bootleg Theater. See all dates below.
10/17 Brooklyn, NY – Rough Trade
10/18 Boston, MA – Middle East Upstairs
10/20 Los Angeles, CA – Bootleg Theatre
10/21 San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw Stop

Watch tkaymaidza.com for all the latest release and touring news.