Out singer Michael Blume performed several songs with a full band and back-up singers. The New Yorker had just returned from playing the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. The last time he was in Chicago at Lincoln Hall was May 26 for a primarily straight audience as opener for the band Lawrence.
He told Windy City Times, “I was very aware that the audiences on that tour were mixed. I am a queer artist prancing around in overalls asking with my lyrics ‘Are you mad that I’m gay?’ I talk about sucking dick and justice. I see their jaws on the floor. Do they like me or is it because I am bearded lady? It feels like a circus act sometimes.”
Blume discussed new music: “We had an EP release show at Stonewall a few weeks ago. I have been working on the music for over a year and there are more songs coming.” He described the record title cynicism & sincerity as the world living in a dark time with Donald Trump as president and himself being cynical and judgmental. He went on to say that he also believes in unity and coming together for a better world.
When questioned about the new song “Maybe Love Is True,” he said, “It is a critique of the love industrial complex. I am so over this traditional narrative of love and romance, but at the same time sometimes I want it. I roll my eyes at it, then I go home and want a boyfriend.”
Blume said Pride Month has involved a lot of activity around his work this year: “It is exciting for queer artists to have space to be seen and heard. Pride month is a time to celebrate who we are and reflect on how far we have to go. Trans women are being murdered and the community is not safe, sometimes. We have a long way to go.”
The night’s festivities concluded with RuPaul Drag Race alumna Shea Coulee lip-synching to “I’m Every Woman.” Coulee is featured on Blume’s track “R U Mad” on the just released album cynicism & sincerity. The two headed to Roscoe’s Tavern to perform together later the same night.
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