I'm Sorry....That I haven't told you about Blanks new song.
Though Dutch indie-pop artist and YouTuber Blanks might be known for his signature, upbeat, indie-pop sound, today he returns with a new single that showcases just how versatile this multi-hyphenate is. “I’m Sorry” is a stripped-back, soft and fragile ballad that puts Blanks’ heartfelt vocal delivery at the forefront. The release arrives ahead of his debut record, “Nothings Lasts Forever And That’s OK” out October 29th. The video premiered exclusively with Hollywood Life this morning, watch the video and read Blanks' interview HERE.
Armed with only his voice, a piano, and guitar, the raw and unguarded lyricism of “I’m Sorry” marks a turning point for Blanks. Realizing it’s time to be honest with himself about his relationship, Blanks now has a major choice to make: chase his dreams or risk losing the love of his life. His conclusion: “I can’t afford to spend my life with anybody else”.
“Recorded in one take in a cabin in the woods, if you listen carefully you can hear the birds sing along in between the lyrics, giving the song a unique organic and honest feeling,” says Blanks on the production story behind the track. “It sounds like I’m sharing his deepest emotional struggle without a filter, which I am.”
Alongside the brand new single, is a visual that serves as the final of five thematic music videos, lifted from the album. Each one unfurling the coming-of-age love story of Emma and Erik (played by Blanks), whilst channeling the nostalgia of a bygone era of teen movie cliches. "I'm Sorry" picks up the story after the fallout of our love birds in the “Never Have I Ever” visual.
We watch a forlorn Erik desperately trying to win his dream girl back, eventually resorting to the bold and climactic move of performing "I'm Sorry" to Emma at a talent show (where some of Blanks’ real fans were extras in the crowd). Overwhelmed by Erik’s grandiose gesture of romance, Emma storms off, leaving a heartbroken Erik alone in the club. Viewers need not despair though, like all good teen romance movies, this one has a happy ending. Keep an ear out for the sneaky snippet of track ten, “Except For You”, from the upcoming album, during the couple’s tender reunion moment.
Blanks’ debut album, “Nothing Lasts Forever and That’s OK'' was written as a bittersweet time capsule to some of his lasting memories, including his first love and tragically losing his best friend at a young age. Pulling inspiration from the sounds of popular music at the time, and brought to life with Blanks’ signature, synth-pop style, his ten-track debut is brimming with gems, including the singles “What You Do To Me”, “Classic Armstrong”, and “Never Have I Ever,” which have received praise from the likes of MTV, Ones to Watch, Sweety High, and Earmilk. Through the release of his album, which he wrote, produced, and composed the majority of himself, Blanks hopes to encourage listeners to cherish every memory and value their time on earth. Nothing Lasts Forever and That’s OK is Blanks’ endearing invitation, “for you to make your own dear memories, with this music as the soundtrack.”
ABOUT BLANKS:
Remember the song that played during that amazing summer with your friends? And the happy but melancholic way it makes you feel now? That’s what Blanks wants with his music. And with his debut album, ‘Nothing Lasts Forever, And That’s OK’ which is set for release on October 29th, he’s ready to make you feel just that.
Starting out as a bedroom producer at his parental home, the 24-year-old songwriter is already the most promising indie-pop artist from the Netherlands. Traveling the world as the “overexcited music boy” he is, not even a pandemic could bring down his spirit. Blanks stayed optimistic as always and immediately wrote and released an uplifting quarantine song with quirky dance moves on top.
He’s always looking for ways to connect with his fans and thanks to social media they are more engaged than ever. That makes Blanks part of the next wave of artists like Conan Gray, Troye Sivan, and Shawn Mendes, who were able to receive mainstream success thanks to their highly engaged online fanbases.
While playing around on Instagram, Blanks frequently asks his followers to contribute ideas during his songwriting process, resulting in instant bops like ‘Wave’, ‘Bittersweet’ and ‘Higher’. His YouTube channel “Music by Blanks” currently has over 1.3 million subscribers and expresses his unlimited love for music, e.g. during his “Blanks Invites” series which led to studio collaborations with Alfie Templeman, Dayglow, San Holo, and Sheppard. Besides his artist project, Blanks also mentors an online songwriting and production class, amongst others like Charlie Puth, Ryan Tedder, and Louis Bell.
With a sold-out EU & NL tour ahead in October & November, Blanks is expanding his online presence to offline as well. Playing major showcase festivals like ESNS, New York Indie Week, and Reeperbahn, headlining VidCon London 2020, making an appearance on MTV’s TRL, and getting nominated for an MTV Push Award, he is gearing up to captivate a whole new audience with his overexcited and enthusiastic personality on stages all around the world.