Kris Dane Talks New Album, 2026 Live Plans And More

Feb 9, 2026 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Feature Image Photo Credit: Andrea Klarin

Belgian musician Kris Dane’s self-titled new album, is out March 20, 2026 on [PIAS] Recordings on LP, CD & digital formats. He very kindly chatted to us:

What is your earliest musical memory?

Probably classical music but the first artist (singer) who caught my attention was Harry Belafonte

When did you begin songwriting?

At the age of 14, 15.

You have your self-titled album set for release on 20th March 2026 on PIAS. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, open all creative channels, without the classic rhythm section at the base. Everything wet and deep had to come mainly from the modular synths (Wim Daans).

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

Recorded at the Superfly Studios in Ollerton (Andrew Banfield). Produced by Jamie Evans.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

Too many actually. I remember the perseverance, the fact that we forgot to eat a decent meal. The intensity, the fatigue and the silly laughter that comes with it.

The only time we went outside was to record environmental sounds, like the local church bell in Ollerton. Also attended a singing service at the Lincoln Cathedral.

… and there was the daily toll at the Dunham Bridge. The “50p love…. have a lovely day sweetheart” made my day. the rare contacts with the outside world, like ordering coffee to go, or getting some warm soup at the deli on the way to the studio meant the world to me.

One night I tried a Double Decker and Curly Wurly Squirlies…. not to mention the very occasional fish & chips.

It was precious to have my lovely family around at night, early morning, and especially in the weekend (we celebrated the youngest 1 year old birthday in England)

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

Old Neumann mic U47 that I brought along. old guitars… I remember one from Jamie’s father or grandfather, I can’t quite remember.

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Can’t tell really. There’s a bit of everything in every track…. “Cherry” is a track about gratitude for everything life gives us. “All things beautiful” is pretty reflective. “Carob tree” is a love song.

Who were the musicians who were on the album with you?

Jamie Evans / Wim Daans / Klara Finder / Florentina Finder / Paul Stone

Was it a difficult album to write?

It was a pleasure to write the album and it was difficult at the same time. time-consuming mostly.

Who designed the album artwork?

Picture by Barbara Peremans and artwork & design by Yves Hellemans (Shtick)

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I live in Grez-Doiceau, around Brussels, Belgium: nature, close to he EU capital (very cosmopolitan), horses, farmland, cool people, lots of different languages and cultures.

How do you look after your voice?

I do nothing in particular, but I’m trying to live a healthy life.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026?

Album release show is on 20 MARCH 2026 (Botanique – Brussels). later in 2026 there will be shows in Europe and the UK but too early to announce the dates.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

I’m afraid I don’t quite understand the question (or I don’t know how to answer it correctly). I’m all for establishing a true connection, about leaving the audience in a haze of transcendence..

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

My favourite K. Yairi guitar.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Don’t know, I’d rather see what kind of project comes my way, and it depends on who is doing the adaptation, right?

Maybe “LIVES AND DEATHS” essential stories by Leo Tolstoy

One of the tracks is the single ‘Cherry’. What was the story/inspiration behind the song?

“how to feel satisfied, how to receive such grace”. It’s about the common things that connect us all: having loved ones we care about and having a place called home. “why ever wish for more than glory”?

ultimately, planet earth is everyone’s “shared” home, isn’t it?

Do you have any visualisers to accompany the album?

Yes, a visual of sheep on the mountain (see album cover) and we are working on some more in the short run.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

I like Laura Marling as well as Ray La Montagne and of course so many more…

What makes Kris Dane happy and what makes you unhappy?

happy: I am happy when I am on a mission.

unhappy: to see the people I love unhappy and when there is little I can do about it.