Hidden Gem: Mal Blum

New York singer-songwriter Mal Blum has been writing some great music for a few years now. They released their first record in 2007, Goodnight Sugarpop in 2008, Every Time You Go Somewhere in 2010, and their latest Tempest in a Teacup in May of 2013. It’s no surprise to learn that Blum has just signed with Don Giovanni Records, given the quality of their releases. What’s totally awesome about this is that Blum’s next record will be produced by Screaming Females’ Marissa Paternoster. I’ll give you a little info on why you should be absolutely stoked for this. Tempest in a Teacup has songs that are both emotional and heartfelt as well as quirky. Blum’s music is mostly acoustic, or at least very minimal in instrumentation. And while Blum is really great at those folk-style tracks, Blum can rock out pretty hard, “Brooklyn” off of Tempest in a Teacup, which reminds me a bit of Blum’s new labelmates, Waxahatchee so it should be interesting seeing where Blum goes with this new record. Blum has toured with Amanda Palmer, Jenny Owen Youngs, and perhaps most fitting, Kimya Dawson. If you dig any of those acts, check out Mal Blum, I have a feeling you’ll be hearing that name quite a bit in the near future.