mal blum Drops New Single ‘Killer’ Ahead of ‘The Villain’
The transmasculine artist confronts toxic narratives in a sardonic video celebration bold
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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Today, Brooklyn‐based musician mal blum has unveiled “Killer,” the second single off their forthcoming album The Villain, due July 11 on Get Better Records. The track—and its glitchy new video—drop a sardonic heel‐turn on the damaging messages aimed at transmasculine people.
Inside ‘killer’: A Reclaimed Narrative
“Killer” confronts internalized transphobia and the insidious terf rhetoric that casts transmasculine folks as dangerous imposters. In a note accompanying the release, mal blum writes, “This song is about internalized transphobia, trans ‘villainy,’ absorbing toxic messaging and cultural anxieties that tell you that you are inherently bad, devious, immoral, etc. until you believe it.” They add that the track reclaims that narrative, offering space for misunderstanding as a form of empowerment.
The new video leans into the theme, layering distorted footage and deliberate “bugs” that flicker across the frame. mal blum warns fans in the caption: “If that freaks you out—this is not very villainous of me, I know—but there are bugs in this video and on the last slide of this photo set.”
Credits And Collaborators
“Killer” was produced by indie rock duo Summer Cannibals, who also provide rhythm guitar, backing vocals, and bass. R.L. Agomasino lays down the drums while Audrey Otherway contributes lead guitar. All accompanying photos were shot by photographer William Dubin.
Album On The Horizon: ‘the Villain’
“Killer” follows the March release of “I’m So Bored” and sets the stage for mal blum’s full album, The Villain, arriving July 11 via Get Better Records. In an Instagram announcement (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJE-IkFpw_c/), mal blum teased limited‐edition flame vinyl—complete with a temporary tattoo sheet of album motifs designed by John Allison Weiss—and invited fans to pre‐save or pre‐order through the link in their bio.
On Tour: Villain Corps Assemble
To celebrate the release, mal blum will embark on the Villain Corps Assemble Tour this summer, with tickets on sale May 16 at 10 AM local time. The East Coast kickoff in Amherst, MA, on July 24 leads into a 25-city run that wraps September 13 in Durham, NC. Support comes from Charlie Mountain Music.
The Villain Tour Dates (select stops):
• July 24 – Amherst, MA @ The Drake
• July 27 – Brooklyn, NY @ Bell House
• August 2 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Bottle Rocket
• August 16 – Denver, CO @ HiDive
• August 28 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echoplex
Fans can find the full itinerary and ticket links via mal blum’s Instagram or website. With “Killer,” mal blum turns the tables on oppressive messaging, inviting listeners to join them in rewriting the script—one glitch at a time.
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