Behind the name ‘The Blank Slates’, lies the concept of an ever changing sound, where each song has space to develop into its own without allowing the band itself to be easily categorized. The Blank Slates came to fruition three years ago when Andrea Iacopini moved to San Francisco, California by way of Bologna, Italy. He was classically trained on violin for over 10 years when he taught himself how to play guitar. While being a member of bands spanning multiple genres, he began writing his own music. Andrea wanted to write music that people could feel. He turned this vision into ‘The Blank Slates’.
In January 2008, Andrea met drummer Cochrane McMillan and bassist Jonathan Kepke at Pyramind Institute in San Francisco. Cochrane was born in Alabama and has been obsessed with music since an early age. He first started playing drums in high school and it became a passion that he followed by attending The Collective in New York. He currently owns the recording studio Coyote Hearing in Oakland, California. With his classical jazz background, Cochrane brings a unique perspective and playing style to the sound of The Blank Slates.
After Cochrane and Andrea started to work together as a duo, Jonathan Kepke joined as bassist. Jonathan is a classically trained pianist, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer and an accomplished composer for film & stage. Since 1997 he has accrued production, performance and composition credits on over 20 records. Jonathan has a diverse musical background that allows him to contribute interesting compositions that make The Blank Slates style distinctive.
The Blank Slates was finally a full band with each member bringing a distinctive feel to create a sound that is more than just rock. The demo ‘The Next Day’ was released in June 2009.
"We're going to use My Only Regret to help other artists understand the type of track that is the best fit for the Indie Rock channel. This song rocks and so does this band. Great stuff"
Daniel Palmer, artist relation, Ourstage.com
"I have had the pleasure of working with The Blank Slates twice. They have a sound and style that is very fresh and their songs still play in my head long after the sessions. As a recording engineer I know this is a key sign of an excellent band with stellar song-craft. They are top notch musicians with a lot of savvy in the studio, another rarity. Seeing them live is my favorite part. People respond to this band. I really hope to do something with them in the future, and I know I will be hearing about them for a long time."
Camden Stoddard - Head Engineer, Ghost Cat Studios
“The Blank Slates first came to my attention a little over a year ago. They are a pleasure to work with, in the Studio they are creative, fun, productive, and courageous. In a live situation they get people on there feet,and on there side. They work hard and are ready for the next level.”
Jay Marston – Ghost Cat Studios, San Francisco
"The Blank Slates are a band to watch. They have heated up the San Francisco Indie Rock scene for the past year or so, and are looking to go big in 2010. They are a talented band that can get fans worked up at shows and will turn the industry on its ear. Look for this band, see them live, and check out their recordings. A band to watch for sure..."
Steffen Franz - President/Founder, Independent Distribution Collective
HI thnx for the friendship! Think it’s great to have musician friends all over the world!!! I stopped by to listen to your music and enjoyed it very much …really sounds GREAT!
Greets from “D E E Z E L” (Belgium) and lots of luck in every thing you do!! If you can find the time check out my music too please and tell me what you think, “Love junky” is our first single release !! (thnx)
Have you ever heard of the oldish band Baxter? Well, I think you guys sound like them, your music is just way softer. Just thought I'd mention that, i dunno. ROCK ON!
