New York, NY (Top40 Charts) On July 15, 2016, the Harlem-based progressive R&B artist Michael Blume will release his debut EP WHEN I GET IT RIGHT via S-Curve Records. The EP arrives following a string of sold out shows in New York City and a comparison to
Frank Ocean by Pigeons and Planes.
Earmilk shared the video for "
Colors" which was directed by Luca Repola working with the New York-based production company Prom Collective.
"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," said Blume about the track. "Early on in the process of recording 'Colors,' I started developing visual ideas for it. It spoke to me visually."
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, specially 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
