It’s been a few weeks since Michael Blume released his EP titled “cynicism & sincerity“, which we enjoyed listening to. We still completely love his remix collaboration with Shea Couleé and Peppermint, titled “R U Mad (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman Mix)”.
He was recently named as one of Billboard’s 12 Musicians To Discover During Pride, and we can’t wait to see what else he releases in the future.
We had the incredible opportunity to exclusively interview him. Michael Blume chatted with us about his “cynicism & sincerity” EP, working with Shea Couleé and Peppermint, as well as what he hopes to achieve with his music.
Hi Michael, we hope you are having a good day today. What have you been up to recently?
I’ve been on the road a bunch! Have a couple days home in NYC right now and living for the city!
You have dropped your new EP, titled “cynicism & sincerity”, what made you choose that title? And, is there a reason behind the lower-case letters on the words?
The lower case looked slicker and make it feel more balanced to me. Right now is a crazy time in the world – I’m often scared, fearful, and cynical that everything is going downhill. But at the same time, I am also optimistic and hopeful; I believe in the power of love and art to make change as we seek true liberation.
Can you tell us more about the EP itself?
It has six songs + a remix! I am very proud of it! We made it mostly last year between Feb and October all over New York City. It features a bunch of my close friends playing and singing their booties off.
Which song is your favourite on your EP and why?
Right now, I’d have to say “Maybe Love Is True.” I think it has a nice span of perspectives, it really captures cynicism & sincerity fully.
Can you tell us how the remix came about?
I was introduced to Shea and Peppermint and we reached out to see if they would be interested – they were, and they cut their verses on the John “J-C” Carr and Bill Coleman remix. They totally killed it.
What was it like working with Shea Couleé and Peppermint?
They are both so iconic in their artistry and their social messaging – I love how much they use their platforms for social good. I’ve been learning a lot and love watching their journeys from [RuPaul’s] Drag Race into their own solo careers. I actually got to perform with Shea in Chicago last weekend which was awesome.
What has the reaction to your EP been like so far?
People seem to dig it! Have gotten some really warm messages about it.
Where did your love for music come from?
I did music stuff since I was a kid. Choirs, plays, bands, a cappella… I was a Latin American studies major but throughout college I did music. At the end of school, I decided to move to NYC and pursue music professionally.
Where do you draw inspiration from? And what artists inspire you?
Inspiration is everywhere! Life, the subway, babies, the sun, lovers kissing under a tree, my grandma, courage. Musically, so, so many —- Patti Labelle, Bon Iver, Daniel Caesar, Peter, Paul & Mary.
You’re a strong advocate for self-love and LGBTQ+ rights, can you tell us more about that?
That’s kinda two full questions in one! Self-love: everyone is so different! Only we know what we need and I am a big proponent of doing what you need for yourself. I think community growth starts at the cellular level of self-love.
What was it like to be named as one of Billboard’s 12 Musicians to Discover During Pride Month?
Super dope! There were lots of amazing artists on that so I was like whoa! Shout out to Billboard Pride.
Back to your music, what do you hope to achieve with your tracks?
I want listeners to understand themselves as fully unique. No one is like you and that’s awesome. You only have to be yourself and no one else can be you better than you. I think when we all feel that way we’ll be able to love each other a lot more too.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjxTd6UBeWC
What do you hope the future has in store for your music career?
Excited for all of it, more writing, recording, touring!
You’ve performed at a few festivals, which has been your favourite and why?
Gov Ball was awesome, I think especially because it was a hometown gig in NYC so it felt really special to have my whole band there, many of whom have been playing with me since we were playing small clubs downtown.
Who would you love to collaborate with and why?
There are so many! I love Lizzo. She’s doing her so boldly and beautifully. I love how much of a champion of self-celebration she is.
What can we expect from you for the rest of the year and beyond?
More music, more shows, and more questions!
Thank you, Michael Blume, for taking the time out to answer our questions. We look forward to seeing what the future brings and we have no doubt that some more amazing music from you is on its way.
“cynicism & sincerity” is available to download and stream right now, via S-Curve Records. Don’t forget to check out our full track-by-track review on his EP.