The Dead Collective Talk 2026 UK Tour, Latest Single And More

Apr 18, 2026 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Duff Press

The Dead Collective have released their debut single from a forthcoming EP–the single “Cracks”. They are also currently on their first headline tour of the UK throughout April and May 2026. Oli Brown spoke to us:

What is your earliest musical memory?

Probably listening to my dad play guitar

When did you begin songwriting?

When I was about 13/14 I wrote a song in a school band, I can’t remember the song for the life of me though

You have released your latest single ‘Cracks’ out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

I’m reticent to deep dive into the meaning of our songs at the moment. I feel like when it’s described the song becomes to literal and I like to try and write on the lines that there’s a few ways the songs can be taken.

Where did you record the track and who produced it?

We recorded drums at Superfly Studios and the rest at House of Tone. Myself and Wayne Proctor produced it.

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

Our sessions are intense when we’re in the studio, you come out of it in a blur really. The songs are produced heavily from when it’s created as a demo, so most of the studio sessions are just recreating those moments more consciously.

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

We have an extensive list of mics, pre-amps & compressors we run through for each sound to craft and carve the tones we’re recording. We’re always focusing on everything connecting and filling spaces where the others leave rather than stepping on each other totally.

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

There isn’t much Euphoria with The Dead Collective, it’s predominantly self reflective and angry. A lot was happening during the foundations of the band that built the songs and music.

Was it a difficult song to write?

Not really, I tend to write a few songs at a time, so when I get stuck I jump into another before I get stuck in a hole writing it.

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

I’d consider Norfolk my hometown. Beautiful, scenic, peaceful, quiet & isolated

How do you look after your voices?

Rest and a lot of tour preparation with vocal warmups and exercises every day

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

We have our metamorphosis tour this April

16/4/26 – Milton Keynes – Craufurd Arms

17/4/26 – Norwich – Waterfront Studio

18/4/26 – Nottingham – Bodega

19/4/26 – Leeds – The Key Club

23/4/26 – London – 02 Academy Islington 2

24/4/26 – Crumlin – The Patriot

25/4/26 – Bridgewater – The Cobblestones

26/4/26 – Plymouth – The Junction

29/4/26 – Glasgow – The Attic

30/4/26 – Blackpool – The Waterloo

1/5/26 – Birmingham – The Flapper

3/5/26 – Chester – Live Rooms

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

That people loved the show

That we leave the crowd with a surreal feeling after the last song

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

My Strat that I built is my favourite instrument. I don’t like juggling different guitars. So it’s been my workhorse on stage and at studio

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?

1984, it’s such a dark overwhelming story. I’d love to write a score for that and dive into the creativity behind the writing to translate it into music.

Do you have any visualisers to accompany the release?

We’ve created a lyric video for Cracks, other visuals are in the works, but for now it’s the lyric video.

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

Soundgarden, Superunknown is my desert Island disc and Jeff Buckley is my all time favourite vocalist.

Do you have any further new music releases planned for this year?

We have a lot more lined up for this year as we’re diving in and I have a lot of music I want to get out of my head and into the studio.

What makes The Dead Collective happy and what makes you unhappy?

Seeing our music translate to others and it connect with people.

Probably the anxiety I get before a show, I’ve never really suffered from it until this band. I know a lot is on the line for me with it.