New York City songwriter and musician Kelsea Feder, the creative force behind Blums, continues the rollout of her debut album with the release of “Salty.” Arriving ahead of Sunk Cost Fantasy, due August 7, 2026 via Take Care Records, the new single captures the bittersweet realization that even when love falls apart, self-acceptance remains.
Accompanied by an official music video directed by Anna Burka, “Salty” finds Feder wandering through her apartment in a nostalgic Juicy Couture tracksuit, reflecting on heartbreak while rediscovering comfort in her own company. Anchored by shimmering synth textures, delicate electronic flourishes, and expressive vocal dynamics, the song balances emotional vulnerability with an understated sense of optimism.
The track was born from an informal songwriting challenge among friends, where participants were encouraged by Joe Kerwin to borrow inspiration from “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles. At the time, Feder was navigating a painful breakup that unexpectedly became the catalyst for one of the album’s most personal songs.
Reflecting on its creation, Feder shared:
“In 2021 or 2022 some friends were doing a songwriting challenge led by Joe Kerwin and the theme was to write a song stealing something from ‘Love Song’ by Sara Bareilles. I was going through a heartbreak at a time with a boy who mentioned he liked salty better than sweet. I was working at a café downtown, had a melody in my head, and the line ‘breathing gets harder’ birthing an earworm. One shift and one placemat later, I had all the lyrics and vocal melody down. I was hanging out at a bar with friends, including the guy who broke my heart, and the submission deadline was the next day. I went home from the bar, found some synth parts, and produced it in a few hours and many YouTube tutorials on vocal production.”
“Salty” follows the release of “Cashout,” a synth-driven anthem that paired pulsating electronic production with sharply introspective lyricism. Exploring the emotional cycles of memory, healing, and self-reflection, the single showcased Blums’ ability to merge infectious indie-pop songwriting with deeply personal storytelling, culminating in soaring vocal arrangements and dynamic percussion that mirrored the emotional push and pull at its core.
Earlier this year, Blums introduced listeners to the project with “Sinking/Soaring,” a dreamy meditation on self-doubt and personal transformation. Inspired by Feder’s time working as a hostess at a jazz club, the track layered mellow vibraphone, delicate piano, and gradually unfolding melodies into an immersive listening experience. Its accompanying video, directed by Ava Burka and Marianna Kamiaklioyis, painted a surreal world where fading glamour and emotional uncertainty intertwined. The debut quickly earned praise from publications including Nina Protocol, Alternative Press, and The Line of Best Fit.
The Blums project represents years of artistic evolution, drawing from every chapter of Feder’s creative journey. From a childhood spent obsessing over classic Hollywood musicals on VHS to studying acting after relocating to New York, performing throughout the Bushwick DIY music scene, touring as a backing vocalist, and rediscovering her artistic identity, each experience contributes to the richly layered world of Sunk Cost Fantasy. The album serves as the culmination of years of songwriting, experimentation, and personal growth, blending indie-pop, synth-pop, and emotionally driven storytelling into a cohesive debut statement.
Beyond the studio, Blums has steadily become a standout presence within New York City’s independent music community. Known for captivating live performances, Feder has shared stages with artists including May Rio, Bella Litsa, and Nyxy Nyx, while recently previewing new material during Rachel Lime’s album release show at Union Pool in Brooklyn and supporting Morning Silk at Night Club 101.
Following the release of Sunk Cost Fantasy, Blums will celebrate the album with a hometown release show on August 25 at Night Club 101 in New York City, joined by May Rio and Angel Puppet. As anticipation continues to build, “Salty” offers another compelling glimpse into a debut album shaped by vulnerability, resilience, and the ever-evolving process of finding yourself after heartbreak.
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