This month of April marks the return of the group Blankass with the release of a new album and the start of a tour that the Ledoux brothers are fine-tuning in residence in Issoudun, their hometown.
If possible happy, this is the title of this 7th studio album which will be released on April 21st. The same day, Blankass will play at the Printemps de Bourges for a free concert at the Auditorium before leaving for a tour which will end on December 14, 2023 at the Café de la danse in Paris.
Meetings that the Berrichon group is actively preparing thanks to a residency within La Boîte à Musique, a contemporary music scene that also houses rehearsal studios.
friends and songs
For this new opus, the Ledoux brothers – Guillaume and Johan – opened the door to three friends: Stephan Eicher (A million)Gauvain Sers (If possible happy) and Vianney (Lack). The interpreter of Not here is part of this generation that grew up with Blankass as a rock reference. “We met Vianney at a festival says Guillaume Ledoux. At 12, he was playing in a band that covered our songs.”
A “historical” group
It’s been more than forty years since the group with the name of aperitif drink (blanc-cassis, crème de cassis and white wine…the famous kir!) distills his rock, cheeky at first, more peaceful today. Brothers Ledoux– who are now 53 and 51 years old – first launched into music with the group Zéro de conduit. His punk energy takes them in 1983 on stage of spring de Bourges in the first part of Gun Club, then to Canada on tour. They will even be the first part of Clash.
When the group broke up, Guillaume and Johan created Blankass. We are in 1990. Success comes five years later with the title The color of wheatwidely broadcast on the radio. With its realistic texts, its festive and popular energyarea, the band finds its audience.
Highs and lows
Un conflict with THE label Musidisc will complicate the life of the group that evolves towards a more pop music, arousing less enthusiasm with the grand public. But the album releases and the tours continue. Between 2008 and 2012, the two brothers mark a long pause in their collaboration, each menant on his side a solo project. THE chevals will be the reunion album followed in 2020 by What is your name ? of which Blahnotwhatss will promote performing with celebrities in small videos humorous. We discover two brothers a little manhandled by “people” who have nothing to do with their celebrity. In addition to having talent, Blankass also has a sense of humor and a good dose of self-mockery.
Today, Blankass renews itself thanks to new artistic contributions. Among them, Victor, Johan’s son, who composes a lot for urban music. It was he who composed I know you know, first excerpt from the new album, title whose clip was shot on Lake Eguzon, between Indre and Creuse, last February.