Montreal-born, Toronto-based indie pop artist Maya Malkin — of Motel Raphaël — has announced a new album, previewed today by its title track.
The follow-up to last year's Congratulations, the sophomore effort, just a me thing :), comes out on October 31. She'll celebrate the release with a Toronto show on November 23 at Division 88; a Montreal show announcement will soon follow.
"My first solo album, Congratulations, was a venture of heartbreak," Malkin explained in a statement. "Almost every song on that record was about a relationship. When it came time to write this second album, I wasn't in a place of intense emotions like I was for my first record. I was actually feeling… A-OK. Not great source material for a new album!!"
She continued, "So, I set out on a mission to write a collection of songs that were mostly NOT about romantic relationships, and instead, I wanted to look inward and figure out what I was all about. What makes me ME? What are my distinct personality traits? What are my current hopes and aspirations? What am I feeling right now? Through the journey of asking myself these questions was born this second album fittingly titled, it's a me thing."
Inspired by the experience of decision paralysis, the colourful title track was written alongside Laur Elle, Jessica Nesbitt and Malkin's producer, Michael Danforth Edwards. Listen to "it's a me thing :)" below.