BEST NEW INDIE POP: TKAY MAIDZA - CARRY ON (WAVE RACER REMIX)

After 2015’s Flash Drive EP, Sydney-based producer WAVE RACER is finally back with his fiery and infectious remix of TKAY MAIDZA’s 2016 track, “Carry On,” and we can’t wait to share it with you today. After all, We Are: The Guard! The original track gained a lot of well-deserved praise last year with its energy-packed delivery and surprise KILLER MIKE cameo. But Wave Racer was able to take it to the next level by amping up the original’s playful qualities and adding his signature fun and unique vibe that always keeps us coming back for more.

TKAY MAIDZA - CARRY ON (WAVE RACER REMIX)

Things begin with sirens and playful electronics before a hard-hitting stomp-heavy beat kicks in beside Tkay’s ferocious flow. Right after the 0:30 mark, the energetic “fun” feel kicks into overdrive as shimmering synths, an infectious drum machine beat, and Tkay’s sing-song style vocals build into Killer Mike’s powerful delivery just before the 1 minute mark. Here, the electronics take an unexpectedly wild and crazy turn while all managing to feel completely organized and collected. My favorite moment has to be right after the 2:00 mark when Wave Racer’s 8-bit, retro video game-style elements kicks in for a wonderfully punchy and memorable moment that builds into the track’s high-energy whirlwind of an ending. It’s simply a great remix that has us eager for some original Wave Racer material and more remixes!

Just for good measure, be sure to check out Tkay Maidza’s original track here on her SoundCloud page. And lastly, her debut album, TKAY, is out now!

About Erin Crider

Erin Crider eats, breathes, and sleeps pop culture. If you have a question about a one-hit wonder from the ‘90s or need help remembering lines from a SNL skit, she’s your girl. When she isn’t lurking the internet, she's either going to a show or hanging out at Disneyland. Erin lives in Southern California and has a B.A. in Creative Writing from Cal State Long Beach.