Malcolm Todd and Omar Apollo deliver a mesmerizing blend of alternative rock and R&B on “Bleed,” a danceable track that delves into heartbreak, control, and self-expression while showcasing the pair’s undeniable chemistry.
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“Bleed” – Malcolm Todd & Omar Apollo
Spring is in the air, and so is new music by Malcolm Todd.
After earning continuous praise from the public, the up-and-coming artist recently shared the second single from his highly anticipated self-titled album. Released on February 28 via Columbia Records, “Bleed” featuring Omar Apollo marks the beginning of a new era of alternative rock and R&B hits from the rising musician. The pair first crossed paths when Todd opened for Apollo during the latter’s God Said No tour, and the two have been close ever since.
“Omar was the first person I thought of when the idea for ‘Bleed’ started,” Todd tells Atwood Magazine.
“Getting to work on music with him was a dream come true. From listening to him in high school, to opening on tour for him, and now putting out a song together. It’s been awesome. He instilled a lot of confidence in me while putting this song together.”
The first verse explores the idea of putting on a facade, as if the person described is trying to be someone else. These lyrics build throughout the song, emphasizing the concept of control – whether it’s the control they have over the songwriters or the control they exert in their own life.
Get around, talk about me
You pretend when you can’t be
Who you want, who you want, ah
Got a script you can erase
Got a mask glued to your face
Take it off, take it off
“Bleed” showcases love at an all-time high, followed by a low, vulnerable state of heartbreak. Todd’s lyrics depict giving the control of your heart to someone else, ending in emotional aching.
Do you wanna know
Know, know about me?
I swear, you can take control
Control of how my heart bleeds
In the recently released “Bleed” music video, director Aidan Cullen depicts the physical side of this pain through captivating fight scenes.
The lyrics and visuals create a striking tapestry of imagery, deepening the song’s already potent message. To make a heart bleed, it must be in critical condition – an injury from which one may never recover. By weaving this metaphor into the song, Todd ensures that every lyric resonates on a visceral level.
“‘Bleed’ started with the idea of making a song purely to dance to,” Todd shares.
“I had never really tried to do that before. It was sort of a joke at first. The more we worked on the song the more the idea made sense. It just got better and better. Now it’s one of my favorite songs on my upcoming album.”
Omar Apollo’s verse contributes to this danceable song, right before building back into the chorus. With Apollo and Todd together on the track, it’s no wonder listeners can’t help but move to the music.
Relax
(Okay, okay, okay) You’ve gotta relax
(Okay, okay, okay, uh-huh) Baby
Put your hands (Hands, hands)
around my ribcage (Oh, ‘cage)
We can dance (Okay, dance)
until we hit the grave (Grave)
Sociopath (Sociopath), after the math
I know you wanna see what’s under
Our souls are a match
You’re first, but you’re last
And do you really wanna know
Alongside the release of “Bleed,” Malcolm Todd also announced his plans to return to the road in support of his upcoming album.
The Wholesome Rockstar tour is set to kick off in May, shortly after the eponymous Malcolm Todd releases on April 4th.
As Todd steps into this next chapter, “Bleed” sets the tone for all that’s to come – unmasking vulnerability, embracing control, and inviting listeners to move with him every step of the way.
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:: stream/purchase Bleed here ::
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“Bleed” – Malcolm Todd & Omar Apollo
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© Aidan Cullen
© Aidan Cullen
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