A Quick Chat with Blank Instrument

Blank Instrument returns with Brand New, a warm, country-tinged folk single that marks the first glimpse of Kim Franklin’s debut album Jumping at Ghosts. Blending gentle folk, country, and folk rock, the Boorloo songwriter explores the acceptance that follows the end of a relationship. The release also carries a deeply personal story, with the forthcoming album made possible through the generosity of a late friend whose encouragement helped turn a lifelong dream into reality. We caught up with Kim to talk about Brand New, her process, and more.

Can you tell us what this track means to you and what you want people to take away from it?

I wrote this song while doing I Heart Songwriting Club. The prompt was ‘Storm’ but for some reason the lines of a poem I’d written many years before came back to me. I really wanted to explore how it felt at the end of that relationship, but I also wanted the song to be about hope. Sometimes just going to bed and waking up can shift things 1% further along in the healing process and that’s a good reason to keep going.

Who are some of your influences, and why?

I love indie folk music – from Mumford & Sons to The Paper Kites, but I’ve been drawn more to retro sounds and soul music in the past few years – Nick Waterhouse, The Dip, The Murlocs.

What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?

It’s always lyrics first as I was a topliner before I started to learn piano. Usually something is going around in my head that needs to be expressed. I then find the chords to match and the melodies flow from there. I’m a believer in having a robust demo process and doing multiple iterations. I work on my demos with co-writers and mentors before deciding to record something in the studio.

What do you think makes a great song?

It’s all about how it makes you feel. Depending on the song, you want to feel excitement, or a resonance in your soul. I love it when the instrumentation is measured through a song and at key moments you hear something pop up that you didn’t notice. I think there’s a skill in knowing when to hold back. I also think how the drums sound can make a huge difference.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

UK singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot as she’s a multi-instrumentalist and has some great lyrics. Closer to home, Matt Corby as I love his sound and wonder how I could integrate that vibe into future songs.

When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?

Fibre arts – crochet, embroidery, sewing. I have a group of friends who I have Crafternoon Tea with every so often and we try out different craft activities, it’s a lot of fun.

Who are some local bands we should check out?

Ghost Care, A Wolf Like Me, The Pirahnanas.

Winter or summer and why?

There’s a season for everything – we need them all for contrast. I try to love them for what they are.

What do you have planned for the rest of the year?

My album Jumping at Ghosts is out in October, so I’ll be busy promoting that and working with the band for the launch. I’ve also got some cute merch coming out. My monthly newsletter (Cosy Newsletter) is also still going, which includes things I find inspiring. I’ve also got another album in the works, so I’m working on my demos.