By Michael Fox
Blankslate is a Denver-based band with a distinct creative approach that has resonated with listeners since its inception in 2018. Founded by college roommates Tess and Rylee, along with their friend Cameron, the band began as a modest project, playing small coffee shop and open mic gigs around the University of Denver (DU). Through this grassroots start, they cultivated an intimate connection with their audience, ultimately evolving into a Denver club scene favorite. Their ascent in the city’s music landscape has been marked by their dedication to exploring sound, blending genres, and refining their unique aesthetic—a commitment that sets them apart from many emerging bands.
Their early gigs may have been humble, but they laid a strong foundation for the band’s philosophy and identity, enabling Blankslate to experiment with sound in an organic, low-pressure environment. Performing regularly allowed them to hone their stage presence and build a dedicated fan base, one that was drawn not only to their music but also to the authenticity of their journey. For Tess, Rylee, and Cameron, these experiences nurtured a belief that music is more than a performance—it’s a means of self-expression and transformation.
Image provided by blankslate
In 2020, Blankslate released their debut EP, {thursday}, a bold first step that hinted at their potential and set the stage for their first full-length album, Summer on a Salt Flat. Released on October 28, 2022, this album was both a critical and artistic milestone, encapsulating the band’s vision of transformation. The work is an intricate blend of folk, grunge, and classic rock, woven with diaristic, referential lyrics that tell stories of growth, experience, and the human condition. Tess, Rylee, and Cameron offer raw, relatable lyrics and melodies that create a nostalgic yet innovative listening experience. Each song captures the essence of the trio’s lives, embedding the experiences of three young artists navigating the post-college world and exploring their identities through sound and storytelling.
Currently, Blankslate is working on their third album, Lookout Mountain Charley, a project that aims to further solidify their voice in the Denver music scene and beyond. The album is expected to be another exploration of the band’s thematic dedication to transformation—a concept Tess, Rylee, and Cameron see as central to both their individual identities and the collective ethos of Blankslate. This commitment to the “possibility to become” reflects in their genre-bending compositions, creating a sound tapestry that draws audiences into a world that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. This new project promises to be a continuation of Blankslate’s journey, likely reaching deeper into their themes of self-discovery and reinvention.
Image provided by blankslate
By defying genre constraints and embracing a narrative-driven approach, Blankslate has established itself as a band that connects through storytelling and raw musicality. With each album, they deepen their identity, captivating listeners and furthering their belief in the endless possibilities of transformation and self-expression. Blankslate is more than a band; it’s an artistic movement rooted in the belief that music is a canvas for growth, with each note and lyric a step toward something new, unfinished, and beautifully evolving.
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About the author
Michael is the operations manager at Metromode Magazine. He helps in overseeing the production of content for both print and digital editorial. He grew up in Denver where he spent most of his time writing or playing music as a band geek. He attended college where he graduated with a combined music and creative writing degree. Then, in a life altering move, Michael moved to Asia for a few years. He settled back in Denver and has a passion for international and intercultural subjects.