Q+A with Daniil Levshin of Blankenberge
What is the story behind Blankenberge’s latest song "New Rules"?
The song was written during the pandemic and lockdown. I had a lot of free time and decided to do an experiment. I tried to write songs without playing instruments, but just write down notes from my head.
What are you listening to lately that is inspiring your songwriting? What non-music things are inspiring you lately?
It's very strange, but lately I've been listening to a lot of Linkin Park :D This is a great example of a composer's mastery when all stages of the song's development fit into a short song. I'm also inspired by old post-rock Johnnytwentythree and Explosions In The Sky
I read a lot of books about the post-apocalypse, for example, I recently read and watched a series with a great soundtrack, Silo.
Can you tell us anything about the forthcoming Blankenberge album?
I am pleased to tell you about the new album. The creation process is already at the final stage and I hope that there will be a release in early spring. In January we are planning another new single.
How are you staying connected to the international shoegaze and dream pop scene?
We are often invited to concerts, but unfortunately it is difficult for us to realize it now. I would be very interested in visiting the concert that Automatic Music is doing in The Netherlands - great line-up! I recently went to a concert of our friends from Hungary TÖRZS and it was great!
Is Blankenberge’s cover of The Cure's "Pictures of You" getting some attention again now that The Cure released a new album? What do you think of the first single "Alone"? If The Cure would cover a Blankenberge song, which would you like it to be?
I hope Robert Smith finds our cover and says it's the best cover of this song :D
I haven't listened to the new song and the new album yet. I'll wait a couple more months. That way I can get a more honest impression of the new music.
I saw in the comments that someone wanted to cover our song "Look Around", but I don't know how it turned out.
Are you playing any live shows? Do you have plans to do so in 2025?
No, we are not planning any concerts. We are just writing and recording music now.
Anything else you'd like listeners to know about?
I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone and say hello!
Thank you, Daniil. Wishing you and the band all the best for 2025 - I’m looking forward to the new album!
More Blankenberge music, photos and links at their website and Bandcamp.