Editorial Note — Soraya Alcalá
Blums represents the kind of artist that defines New York’s independent scene: authentic, disciplined, and creatively fearless. Signing with Take Care Records is not just a career move; it’s a statement of alignment between artistic integrity and production vision.
In a city saturated with sound, Blums stands out by understanding the value of restraint and precision. This signing confirms that independent labels still recognize genuine artistry when they see it.
© Soraya Alcalá · Original Editorial Note
The emerging artist joins the label with a distinctive creative vision and authentic sound
Today, New York City’s Blums, the project of songwriter and musician Kelsea Feder, is excited to announce her signing to Brooklyn-based indie label, Take Care Records. Heralding the news is her debut single, the winding and weaving “Sinking/Soaring,” which chronicles the cyclical nature of self-torment. Inspired by Kelsea’s stint as a jazz club hostess, the track is laced with mellow vibraphone and delicate keys, building into a melodic spiral. Alongside the song, an official music video directed by Ava Burka and Marianna Kamiaklioyis premieres today. Documenting a hazy, disillusioned world of dilapidated houses and glamorous performances, the video for “Sinking/Soaring” shows the contrast between high highs and low lows.
Speaking about the new song and video, Kelsea shares, “The song comes from a place of being trapped in the head, self-obsessed, miserable, tormented by loneliness, and disgusted because I was aware my problems are so small compared to the world at large. I wrote this in 2019. The previous year I was working as a hostess at a jazz club so I feel like I had a lot of that in my head, or at least the image of ‘jazz singer.’ I was living with Sasha Berliner, a dear friend of mine and a jazz vibraphonist. She plays some vibraphone on this track (as well as keys), and when I was stumped on where to go I played it for her and she gave me the perfect missing chord for the 2nd and 3rd choruses. Kirk, my incredibly brilliant producer, had me write out certain syllables of each word and sing them in different melodies to do this incredible weird effect at the bridge, freaky genius style.”
LISTEN TO “SINKING/SOARING”
WATCH “SINKING/SOARING”
“Sinking/Soaring” is the first-ever release from Blums, a much-anticipated debut in New York City’s music community. Blums is a project collaged out of fragments of time and every experience Kelsea has captured and coveted: a childhood spent tearing up VHS tapes of old Hollywood musicals, the move to New York to study at an actor’s conservatory, time cutting her teeth playing the Bushwick show circuit in a power-pop band, singing backup vocals on tour with friends’ bands, losing and rediscovering her footing in the rush of the slipstream. Her debut album is the culmination of years of writing and discovery, which fans can expect within the year.
Known for her memorable live performances, Blums has built a following within the New York scene and played with a range of contemporaries like May Rio, Bella Litsa, Nyxy Nyx and more. Last week, she previewed new material during an intimate set in Brooklyn, NY for artist Rachel Lime’s album release show at Union Pool. More shows will be announced soon. For more information on upcoming performances, see below and follow the band on Instagram at @blums____ .
Photo Credit: Eleanor Petry
