Who is Blank Instrument?
Blank Instrument is the moniker of Perth-based, singer-songwriter Kim Franklin.
A singer and lyricist for many years, Kim embarked on a new journey in 2013 to learn the piano. Her first EP So Far (2020) captured unique snapshots from her life in the previous decade - a snowy train ride in London, the winding roads of WA’s southern coast, making a lifelong commitment and challenging expectations.
During the quiet moments of the pandemic, the instrumental Cavern emerged, inspired by hikes in the hills.
So Far was followed by the EP My Piano Sounds Okay (2022), exploring different textures, and adding jazz and soul to indie folk. Recorded at Artisan Studios with producer Patrick Carre, it received airplay on community radio across Australia.
In 2023, Kim stretched her songwriting muscles by signing up for I Heart Songwriting Club and completing writing challenges from her piano teacher. "I started to pull on the threads of poems I'd written years before, to explore the underlying themes and emotions." It was cathartic, helping 'clear the cache' of Kim's mind and allowing new ideas to flow.
These songs have become Kim's first full-length album. Recording began in winter 2024 at Sundown Studios with Elliot Smith (drums and production) and the talents of Lee Jones (piano, bass and guitar), Luke Dux (guitar) and Todd Walker (keyboards).
Why the name Blank Instrument?
Kim had a random thought in 2012 - 'I should buy a keyboard and learn piano'. Previous attempts to learn guitar or bass were abandoned long ago in favour of singing. This idea felt so alien and strange, Kim took it as a sign.
In 2014, in the paperwork for her house was a legal document called a Blank Instrument. Pondering this idea, that an instrument is a blank canvas, holding secrets and discoveries, it seemed like a fitting name for her musical project. This is how each song begins, with a blank instrument.