Out indie/soul artist Michael Blume drops his latest track, “R U Mad,” from his upcoming EP Cynicism & Sincerity set for release June 8th.
Blume, known for his complex vocal arrangements and rich musicianship, has developed a large following thanks to his hip mix of neo-soul, hip-hop, pop, R&B and electronica.
Via press release:
Cynicism & Sincerity includes six songs that could just as easily ignite the dance floor of a sweaty underground club as they could set a festival field in motion with indie charm, sexy soul, and epic pop ambition. They also allow Michael to speak freely in favor of equality and social justice, using his platform to share a message.
“It was important for me to acknowledge the good and the bad,” Blume says of the EP’s title. “Even though they’re in opposition to each other, they’re both flourishing at the exact same time. There’s a dichotomy of multiple truths where two things in opposition exist right next to each other.”
You can catch Blume in performance at the upcoming Annual PRIDE Reception at the Stonewall Inn in New York City on Monday, June 4th.
The yearly reception highlights the work of the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), which was founded in 2017, providing support to underserved and marginalized LGBTQ communities within the United States and around the world.
Hit play below to listen to the new track featuring undeniable hip-hop beats with the provocative refrain, “Are you mad that I’m gay?”
“R U Mad” is available now at all digital music outlets.
Earlier this year, Blume also released his gospel-tinged single, “Blunder.”
The song and music video has a positive message reminding us all that we can overcome negativity and self-doubt to go from being our own harshest critic to our biggest ally. Self-love = self-worth.
See, I've been holding on
to the things they said about me
But I gotta move on
'cause this time I'll let myself be free
I know that I'm worthy
I know I'm deserving
I feel it coming in the air
I've got to try it
No more hiding
How you gonna find me if I'm not there?
"We all make mistakes by allowing the outside world's ideas of who we should be to infiltrate our own psyches and concepts of self. We all sit in different places on the bus that is life struggling with our own demons," explains Blume.
"This video speaks to the ways in which this place of struggle connects us. I believe that empathy is a big part of community growth and I hope the video highlights how alike we all are even when we feel alone with our pain.”
In the video, Blume shares a bus ride with a group of strangers who come to find that empathy through unity, if only for a brief moment.
“Blunder” recently made the cut for Billboard Magazine’s “Queer Necessities,” an LGBTQ-driven playlist of the latest and greatest new bops by queer musicians and allies.
Other media outlets have discovered Blume and definitely like what they hear:
"Blunder" is an ode to feeling good about yourself, and not letting the feelings of self-doubt take over."- Nylon
"The through-line across his growing catalogue is music that harnesses and reflects on the power of individuality and self-knowledge, a message he matches in his bold fashion, exuberance in live performance and advocacy for equal rights… " – Time
Find tour dates and more info about Michael Blume on his official website.
Check out the music video for "Blunder" below.
I went to school with Michael
I went to school with Michael and he was our class president. Good to see him doing good and gain attention for his talent & craft XD
Great feature, Randy Slovacek
Great feature, Randy Slovacek! I was unfamiliar with this artist until now. Here's to the success of his infectious and unique music!