Michael Blume Set for Bowery Ballroom, LA Pride Musical Festival; Debuts 'Colors' Music Video

By: May. 20, 2016
Enter Your Email to Unlock This Article

Plus, get the best of BroadwayWorld delivered to your inbox, and unlimited access to our editorial content across the globe.




Existing user? Just click login.

R&B artist, vocalist, rapper on the rise, as well as activist, Michael Blume is ready to bring his fans into his visual world. The single "Colors" is the second release since Fall 2015. The new track is a combination of smooth electronic R&B hits, produced by Brady Watt, and serves a follow up to Blume's first release, "Manufactured Love," which was transitioned into a major viral hit on both Spotify and Apple Music.

"The song introduces a basic concept of myself and my attitude about music and love: trusting the process, knowing that your path is there for you, holding onto your faith in yourself despite any and all outside noise. Early on in the process of recording "Colors," I started developing visual ideas for it. It spoke to me visually," Blume said.

Watch the video for "Colors" below!


Blume also announced today a run of high-profile shows including a slot at the LA Pride Music Festival on June 11, a performance at Chris Douridas' (KCRW) School Night! on June 13, and a headlining EP release show at the Bowery Ballroom in Manhattan on July 26.

Following the release of "Colors," Pigeons and Planes said, "Frank Ocean has inspired his fair share of imitators, but not many deserve the comparison. Michael Blume does, especially on his soaring 'Colors.'" Hillydilly went on to call Blume "a gifted singer and songwriter making quite a nice blend of soul and gospel-inspired pop" and Okayplayer called him "a powerful new presence in R&B."

Born in New Jersey, Blume excelled at academics and eventually attended Yale University. He majored in Latin American studies and spent time in Brazil where he became fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and taught music to children.

Blume planned on a life of academia until his last year of school, when he joined a prestigious on­ campus a cappella group. They toured the world, performing in 35 countries, when Blume had an epiphany.

"I love singing and I love traveling, and I realized this is what I need to be doing," He says. "I had what I describe as a 'second coming out.' But what would the world say, how would my parents react? I hadn't previously thought of myself as an artist."

Blume had already come out as gay, and felt similar apprehensions coming out as an artist. He moved to New York City to pursue his dream, keeping his a cappella roots apparent in his rich vocal arrangements. Shortly after, he found his style: blending the buttery vocals runs of soul greats like Aretha Franklin, the in- the-pocket rhythms of hip-hop, with conscious lyrics that approach topics such as materialism, LBGTQ rights, and civil rights.

In 2015, he self-released "Manufactured Love" (which appears on WHEN I GET IT RIGHT) and the song found fans on its own, landing on both Spotify's "Fresh Finds" playlist and eventually claiming the #1 spot on its "Alternative R&B" chart. His music has been streamed over 500,000 times via Spotify.

Tour Dates:
June 12: Los Angeles, CA - LA Pride Music Festival
June 13: Los Angeles, CA - School Night! LA - Bardot
July 26: New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom - EP Release Show

WHEN I GET IT RIGHT Tracklist:
1) Relationships
2) Colors
3) High Frequency
4) Manufactured Love
5) How High
6) The Same

Michael Blume Online:
www.mblumemusic.com
www.facebook.com/MichaelBlumeMusic
www.twitter.com/mblumemusic
www.instagram.com/mblumemusic
www.soundcloud.com/michaelblume


Play Broadway Games

The Broadway Match-UpTest and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia? The Broadway ScramblePlay the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
Tony Awards TriviaHow well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends. Broadway World GameCan you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!

 



Videos