TKAY MAIDZA ILLUMINATING SWEET JUSTICE

BY: JESSE ZAPATERO

With her recent album "Sweet Justice" casting an illuminating glow on the music World , Tkay Maidza's headline tour nears its conclusion, marking the culmination of an exhilarating voyage across stages and cities. Maidza's performances have mesmerized audiences’ night after night, forging profound connections with her fans and illuminating the transformative power of music. From sold-out shows where fans passionately recite lyrics from her new album to unexpected surprises setting the tone for each performance, Maidza unveils the intimate moments behind the scenes, reflecting on her journey of empowerment and authenticity.

As Maidza reflects on her whirlwind tour, she shares insights into the bond she feels with her fans, describing it as akin to a group of homies encouraging her to keep going. These interactions have shaped her perspective on fame and success, teaching her the importance of looking inward and trusting her authentic self. Amidst the tour's energy, Maidza's album "Sweet Justice" stands as a testament to her unapologetic self-confidence, drawing inspiration from her personal experiences and lessons learned. Collaborations with artists like Lolo Zouaï & Amber Mark, producers like Kaytranada, Stint, Flume & her ability to seamlessly switch between genres reflects her commitment to artistic integrity. As Maidza looks toward the future, she teases new music and a new era, promising more of her unique blend of honesty, love, and growth to come.

PHOTOGRAPHER: DYLAN PERLOT @EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS, PRODUCER: JESSE ZAPATERO, FASHION STYLIST: JOSHUA ALAN CLARK, HAIR: GABRIELLA MANCHA, MAKEUP: KAYLI RACHELLE, STYLING ASST: ERICK GARNICA, DIGITAL TECH: ZACH ARQUILEVICH

Tkay, you’ve gone full throttle on this tour. I’ve been watching videos online. Can’t wait to see the show myself. How does it feel to be out on tour, performing your music in front of live audience night after night? Can you share any memorable moments from the road?

Every night has been a whirlwind, I think the sold-out show in Mineappolis was a big moment because people were reciting lyrics of the new album - Seattle was the first show so that was a surprise too to set the tone for the tour.

What's the most rewarding aspect of connecting with your fans during your tour stops? Are there any encounters with fans that have left a lasting impression on you?

I think I’m not very expressive online so when I get to be face to face with everyone they’re able to fully understand that I’m exactly like them were all cut from the same cloth. I’m thankful for all the gifts it’s so cute.

How do you balance the energy of performing on stage with the demands of touring? Do you have any rituals or routines that help keep you grounded throughout the journey?

I try to gym on my off days, sleep a lot, mediate, and eat the same old chicken salads to reset every day and have some sort of consistency.

FULL LOOK BY ALABAMA BLONDE, BOOTS BY AKIRA, NECKLACE & RINGS BY RARE ROMANCE

Can you describe the bond you feel with your fans and how their support influences your music and performance?

It feels like a group of homies saying “keep going bestie”. I feel like I’ve never really fit in anywhere so this really has become my safe space to embrace my outer worldly ideas.

Reflecting on your journey so far, how have your interactions with fans shaped your perspective on fame and success in the industry?

It’s taught me to always look inward and strive to be ny authentic self, people are looking for someone who is unapologetically whatever they are and can sense confusion so I’ve learnt that when i trust my gut the most that’s when it’s clicks not when you have 10 people suggesting who you should be.

Let’s Chat about ‘Sweet Justice’ What inspired you to create an album like ‘Sweet Justice’ that radiates unapologetic self-confidence?

I tend to write based on my current experiences and lessons I’m learning in my daily life. I was going through a transition where I had to be stronger for myself through the process having just moved to LA. The lesson was a journey back to self and finding the silver linings within endings and new beginnings.

My personal favorite on this album is ‘Out Of Luck’ featuring Lolo Zouaï & Amber Mark. Can you tell us how that collaboration came about?

I had a session with a producer named Billboard and had my sections of the song written including the chorus, I was having mad anxiety, so I was like “I’ll finish this another day!” Not knowing if I’d made something great, he sent the bounce, and I was like “wait this is dope”. Lolo is a great friend that I communicated with time to time online and I immediately thought of her and Amber who’ve I’ve played a few lineups with. They immediately said yes and agreed it would be really cool to have an all girl collab! I love how our verses all contrast each other.

Look on the left: FULL LOOK by KALAQTIC (@kalaqtic) RINGS by RARE ROMANCE (@rareromance @etclosangeles) BOOTS by AKIRA (@shopakiral) DR. TATA PR (@tata pr)

Look on the right: BODYSUIT by JEAN PAUL GAULTIER and TOP by DIOMADIS from PECHUGA VINTAGE BOOTS by AKIRA (@shopakira) PR: TATA PR (@tata_pr) RING by JUZZLE (@juzzlejewelry) PR: MICHELE MARIE PR (@michelemariepr) RING by RARE ROMANCE (@rareromance @etclosangeles)

Can you tell us about your collaboration process with producers like Kaytranada, Stint, and Flume? How did working with them influence the album's sound?

I feel like they elevated what I envisioned, I’ve wanted to work with them for a long time so it was almost like i had a blueprint and if the opportunity to work with them came i knew it would feel like the icing on top!

"Silent Assassin" produced by Flume stands out as a highlight on the album. What was the inspiration behind this track, and how did this collaboration with Flume come about?

We wanted to create something around that 100bpm mark that was grimy and in your face. At that time, I felt like I had a lot of people in my ear trying to veer me the way they perceived me, so I had to go a little under the radar and within. I was basically moving in silence and that’s the meaning behind the lyrics.

Your ability to seamlessly switch between genres is impressive. How do you maintain your artistic integrity while exploring different sounds?

I just try to make sure that each song is solid on its own objectively or evokes some kind of emotion. That’s how you know paying attention to detail and considering the elements that make these kind of songs stand within their genres. I always want to do it justice.

Could you share some insights into the themes and messages you wanted to convey through songs like "Love Again"?

There’s like a bittersweet hopefulness to them, it was about closing chapter and accepting the fate of certain relationships. I think it’s important to reflect in order to move on.

What were some of the challenges you faced during the creation of this album, and how did you overcome them?

Self-confidence, doubt and having a lot of chefs in the kitchen, there was definitely a writers block I was experiencing because I didn’t know which way to go and also felt like the options at one point weren’t what I was seeking. I was lucky enough to travel and play shows in-between because I felt like that was the reset i needed - seeing new cities and meeting new people really shifts your perspective.

Walk us through your creative process when it comes to crafting a song. What does that typically look like for you?

It can go a lot of ways, I tend to journal quite a lot and find key words with in that just to keep track of my internal dialogue. I can write songs to no track just melody’s and then find beats that I think match the energy or i freestyle melodies to already pre-made instrumentals there’s no one way! I just flow with energy.

Look on the left: FULL LOOK by KALAQTIC (@kalaqtic) RINGS by RARE ROMANCE (@rareromance @etclosangeles) , BOOTS by AKIRA (@shopakiral) DR. TATA PR (@tata pr), Sunglasses By KWK KayKwok @kaykwok PR: NSA(@nosuchagencypr)

Look on the right: BODYSUIT BY MONIOUE SING (@moniquesinghofficial) PR. POP GROUP (@thepop.group) BOOTS by AKIRA (@Shopakira PR: TATA PR (@tata Dr) NECKLACE by DALOOD (@daloodtbilisi) PR: TATA PR (@tatapr) COAT by RIGASH (@rigash) PR:TATA PR (@tata Dr) EARRING BY COUER DETON (@couer_de_lion_jewellerv) PR: MICHELE MARE PR (@michelemarieor SHIELD RING BY RARE ROMANCE (@rareromance) PR: ETCETERA (@etclosangeles) 

What role do your audience play in inspiring new music or influencing the direction of your creative work? How do you incorporate their feedback or energy into your artistic process?

I love playing live shows it reminds me of what genres I should focus more on and understanding which Tkay is the most favored - it’s cool to obviously do everything but it always reminds me of how I should rap more it gives this hard bad girl energy that you can’t really create with another genre.

Are there any cool projects or partnerships you're excited about exploring in the future, either in music or elsewhere?

Definitely! A few collabs with cool upcoming artists that I’m excited about - you’ll find out soon!

Could you tell us about a piece of advice that really stuck with you over the years and helped shape your career?

Your music is your greatest asset don’t stop writing! It’s also why you’re here so always operate with a respect and love of music.

For those looking to break into the music industry, what words of wisdom would you share based on your own experiences?

Do what excites you & what you’re confident in because if you run a course mapped out by others the only person who’s accountable for that path will still be you, it’s your life so better enjoy it!

What parts of yourself do you wish people knew more about, and what messages do you hope your music conveys about who you are?

I’m always trying to figure it out but trying to strive for fulfilment, i think some people can think I’m just a dance artist or pop but I’m definitely not that. There’s definitely a lot of existentialism going on.

Can you recall a standout moment in your career that you consider a major highlight?

I think the trio of stadiums tours with Billie, Dua & Lizzo in the last year and a half were a big moment that I’ll never fully process ha!

Besides making music, what else do you enjoy doing with your time and what captures. your interest?

I love exercising, seeing waterfalls, playing tennis, bowling. Reading astrology and studying divination techniques, human psychology, overall, just learning life in the 3D & 5D.

What's on the horizon for you after wrapping up your tour? Fans have been craving more of your music—can we expect new music or maybe even a special edition of your latest album?

More new music & a new era! Idk when I’m planning on doing a complete re-up of myself. She’s in her saturn return.

Lastly, If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

All about love by bell hooks, I strive for balance and freedom at the same time. There’s something about that book that always reminds me to be an honest human. And operate from a way of love. Also think and grow rich is probably an ethos for me.