BL_ank is the solo project of electroacoustic percussionist and experimental artist Will Hicks. A classically trained pianist and lifelong drummer, Hicks began performing as a noise rock drummer in 2009, touring extensively across the U.S. for several years before launching Bl_ank in 2016. Their solo project merges furious drumming with analog synthesizers, electronic percussion, and live-manipulated visuals to create an exciting and abstract show. Balancing harsh, rhythmic intensity with moments of emotionally fueled beauty, their performances blur the line between chaos and control, constantly pushing the limits of sound and movement.
[review of Bl_ank performance at Big Ears Music Festival 2019]
“Outside Nashville’s country and pop worlds there’s an underground clamoring not to keep Music City weird (à la Austin in the early 2000s), but make it weirder — which fringier acts like Will Hicks, alias B|_ank, represent well. A drummer, synth player and projectionist who has logged time on the road with the Flaming Lips and played with outsider-music icon R. Stevie Moore, Hicks stands out among numerous solo drum performers for the completeness of their soundscapes, attention to melody (look out for the soon-to-be-released set highlight “Computer”) and the sheer virtuosity of their playing, reminiscent of Hella’s similarly octopus-like Zach Hill. Using the whole room like the craftiest noise-punk drummers do, for the finale, they left a feedback loop going as they hastily dismantled their kit and moved it catty-corner across the venue in three trips — the crowd parting each time then reconstructed it just as fast, wailing on it merrily one last time before signing off.” -Rolling Stone
Will has shared the stage with The Flaming Lips, Deerhoof, Dan Deacon, Lightning Bolt, Melt Banana, of Montreal, Guerilla Toss, Mannequin Pussy, A Place To Bury Strangers, Palm, Omni, Wombo, Dehd, and more.
