MICHAEL BLUME AT BOWERY BALLROOM
Michael Blume was the subject of one of my most intriguing interview to date, so naturally I was looking forward to catching him perform live at Bowery Ballroom. As his band took the stage, one of the backup singer made an announcement, preparing all the passengers for the ride they were about to go on. “Good evening and welcome aboard. Thank you for joining us today. Before takeoff, please return your expectations to the upright positions. Once airborne, you are encouraged to take your seatbelt off. If you’re asleep, we invite you to wake the fuck up. Our first priority is disruption and we’re expecting moments of turbulence….. Thank you for choosing Michael Blume.” The crowd erupted as Michael took the stage. There are many gay artists in music but very few have began their career openly gay. Even fewer, are musicians with lyrics as unfiltered and raw as Michael Blume’s- “Just suck a dick and split,” “Knock, knock, who’s there? Your favorite faggot.” One would think lyrics that explicit will limit his appeal, but the crowd was as diverse as his band and his musical style which incorporates R&B, Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop, Electronica and Jazz. Every single person there was connecting to Michael’s music regardless of what gender or race they were. Music once again served as a vehicle to unite.
Lately, news and social media feeds are full of pessimism and division. A back and forth attack without any sort of compromise or resolution in sight. Many are even depressed. Michael acknowledged that there is a lot of work to be done, but he also celebrated how far we have come and how far he has come. He has continuously questioned and pushed the boundaries of gender and sexuality as well as societal norms, but there is something about Michael Blume and his music that is actually starting to break down the walls that separate humanity. Maybe it’s his unrelenting honesty, or his ability to humanize his experiences in a way others haven’t done before. Or could it be because he can exude masculinity as well as femininity? Ultimately, he has made a decision to not be anything other than who he is, and by doing so he inspires hope and optimism in others. These are the reasons why Michael Blume is such a significant artist in today’s world.
Check out his Stories interview where he explains the meaning behind “How High” and why he is now just catching up on love.
CATCHING UP ON LOVE: PART 1 // CATCHING UP ON LOVE: PART 2 // CATCHING UP ON LOVE: PART 3
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