DeBlank unveils powerful new single "Red Eyes" and connects with us to share the story behind the track
- STAFF
- Sep 22
- 8 min read
By: Staff
DeBlank's "Red Eyes" is a breathtaking blend of raw emotion and infectious energy, an instant classic.
A haunting journey, drenched in emotion, and driven by a restless pursuit of truth, DeBlank’s debut single, “Red Eyes,” is a sonic explosion that demands to be heard. It’s alt-pop with rock undertones, a song that glides effortlessly between melancholy and groove, leaving a trail of raw vulnerability and captivating energy. Self-produced and crafted entirely within the confines of his home studio, DeBlank brings a textured, self-reflective soundscape that breathes life into the space between memories and modern pulse.
We spoke with the mind behind the track, Fred Leblanc, the visionary artist from Québec City, who shared the story of the song's creation and the emotions that seeped into every note. He opens up about the car ride that was supposed to be therapeutic but evolved into something far more profound: a confrontation with the very things he’s been trying to forget. As the conversation unfolds, we delve into his unique approach to blending genres, his journey as a musician, and the delicate balance of creating something imperfect yet deeply personal.
But there’s more, DeBlank is just getting started. "Red Eyes" is the first in a triptych of songs that promises to explore even deeper sonic landscapes, each one offering a piece of the story behind the sound. How did this raw, powerful track come to life? What challenges did he face in crafting this sound entirely on his own? What does he hope people take away after hearing it?
Dive into our full conversation to discover the man behind the music and gain insight into a song that feels as much like a vivid dream as it does a gritty reality. You won’t want to miss it.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello DeBlank, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. We loved “Red Eyes”! The glowing guitar, the punchy drums, and the rhythmic, powerful bass guitar set the perfect stage for your vocal delivery. When your vocals hit, they were soulful, emotionally charged and absolutely captivating. Now, after experiencing that, we’re curious: What has your personal musical journey been like? Did your professional career evolve gradually, or was there a defining moment or event that sparked it all?
A. First off, thanks so much for the kind words about my song. My musical journey is actually pretty simple. Growing up, I was always curious about the arts and creating things. My dad was and still is a huge music fan of all kinds of genres, and I think that’s really what he passed down to me and my brother.
Because of that curiosity, I asked for instruments when I was a kid, and I spent a lot of time just playing around with them. I never took lessons, it was all self-taught.
Music was always there in my childhood, but in high school I kind of put it aside because it wasn’t the “cool” thing back then. At 18, after going through a big personal loss, music came back to me in a therapeutic way. That’s when I realized this is my life, this is what I want to do.
From there, I studied, played in a few amateur bands, spent a lot of time questioning, working, refining my sound. It took years, but eventually I found my own path and that’s when I created DeBlank.
Q. The title "Red Eyes" stands out, it feels like it’s staring you straight in the face. What is the meaning behind this intriguing song and what was it about those words that felt like the perfect match for the essence of this song?
A. I won’t be telling you anything new by saying this song is about a breakup. It tells the story of broken heart who just wants to go for a drive, enjoy a nice day, and then as they pass familiar places, memories of a past relationship come back and take over.
The song is really about that feeling of still loving someone, still having feelings for them, while knowing the other person might not feel the same anymore, or that those feelings won’t come back. It’s not necessarily about a relationship that ended badly. Sometimes you love someone, but if that love isn’t mutual, there’s nothing you can do. That’s the heart of the song.
As for the meaning behind Red Eyes, when I was going through that time, one of the ways I escaped was by smoking weed. My red eyes became a symbol of that escape, and that’s where the title comes from.
Q. You’ve said the car ride was meant to be therapeutic, but it turned into a journey of confronting things you’ve been trying to forget. Even though the experience led to something so powerful, do you ever wish that ride hadn’t happened? Do you believe there’s a certain power in revisiting painful memories, and if so, what kind of power does “Red Eyes” hold for you?
A. I don’t think I’d want to change that moment, even if it was tough. Sure, it was painful to face all those memories and everything I had been trying to avoid, but that’s really what gave birth to Red Eyes. It was all that introspection that led to the song and allowed me to kind of close that chapter.
And if there’s one strength or purpose I’d want the song to have for people, it’s to help them, to stand with them in that same kind of inner battle they might be going through on their own.
Q. After experiencing this song and the sound you’ve created, it’s clear your style and presentation are unique and well-cultivated. Is this musical style something you've embraced from the beginning of your journey, or has it evolved over time as you explored other genres or influences?
A. I’d say both. I’ve always had that tone, but over time I’ve shaped a sound that feels true to me, and it’ll keep evolving as I do.
Q. You’ve mentioned learning through doubt and curiosity—a beautiful struggle. What part of creating “Red Eyes” was the hardest for you, and when did everything finally click into place?
A. I’d say the hardest part of creating the song was the arrangements. When I first started writing, I didn’t really have a fixed plan, and as time went on, I kept questioning my choices and rethinking the arrangements. I actually ended up redoing the song three times before getting to the version you hear today.
Q. When you write songs, do you tend to draw from your personal experiences, or do you sometimes dive into entirely fictional worlds? How do you feel about the stories and characters that emerge in your music?
A. I mainly draw inspiration from my personal experiences, and sometimes I use fiction to tie together the world I want to present. In that sense, the characters and stories are often an extension of myself, or carry a symbolic meaning.
Q. You’ve said your music isn’t about being perfect; it’s about breathing. What’s the most “imperfect” part of “Red Eyes” that you absolutely love, and why does it work?
A. The most imperfect part of the song, and the one I love the most, is the ending during the last chorus. That moment is packed with layers of guitars and synths all playing at the same time, creating this energetic, almost chaotic effect. But even with all that going on, you can still feel the groove of the drums and bass and just move with the song.
Q. Self-producing “Red Eyes” in your own home studio sounds like such an awesome feat. Do you feel more empowered by this option versus an outside producer, or is there some other emotion entirely?
A.On one hand, I feel freer to make my songs the way I want, to explore every idea that comes to mind, and to take the time I need. That said, it’s easy to lose focus in that creative freedom, to constantly face doubts, to question your choices and your approach. Still, even with those challenges, I can’t see myself taking off the producer hat.
Q. Music as a dream, what an intriguing thought. If “Red Eyes” were the soundtrack to a dream, what kind of dream would it be? Haunting? Freeing? Or something completely unpredictable?
A. It would be the kind of dream that starts off peaceful, but the longer it goes, the more it turns into a nightmare. The kind of bad dream that keeps replaying over and over, haunting you until you finally wake up.
Q. With your background in audiovisual technology, it’s clear that your music is as much about what we see as what we hear. How do you bring that visual mindset into your production process when creating soundscapes?
A. At the start of every musical creation, I always think and try to visualize the story the song is telling. From there, I focus on the colors, the atmosphere, and the feelings I want people to catch from it. Then I write the song from there
Q. We know "Red Eyes" is the first track in a triptych. For anyone unfamiliar with the term, can you explain what a triptych is? Without giving too much away, can you share a little about how the next two tracks will expand on the sonic world you’ve started to build here?
A. A triptych, it’s basically three pieces that are connected, like parts of the same story. “Red Eyes” is the first chapter, and without spoiling too much, the next two songs keep building on that world. They explore different sides of the same feelings and themes, both lyrically and sonically. So in the end, the three tracks fit together as one bigger picture, but each one has its own identity too.
Q. Outside of music, who or what has had the most significant influence on your personal growth or your artistic perspective?
A. It’s hard to give a proper answer, so many people have had an impact on my life and my growth, and I wouldn’t be here without all of them
Q. What do you hope people remember most about you after hearing “Red Eyes” and reading this interview? What’s the one thing you want to leave them with?
A. I’d hope people remember the honesty behind it. “Red Eyes” came from a very real place, and if there’s one thing I’d want to leave them with, it’s the idea that they’re not alone in whatever inner battles they’re facing. Music was my way to process and escape, and if the song can do even a little bit of that for someone else, then I’ve done my job.
Q. DeBlank, we can't thank you enough for sharing these intimate insights! So, what’s next for you? Can you give us the inside scoop on your upcoming projects? What should fans be excited about in the near future?
A. What’s next is really about continuing to build the world I started with “Red Eyes.” As I mentioned, it’s part of a triptych, so there are two more tracks coming that dive deeper into the same universe, each with its own vibe. I don’t want to give too much away, but fans can expect a new song to drop in winter 2026.
DeBlank, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared DeBlank’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
