Get to know... Deary

Ahead of the much-anticipated release of their debut album, Birding - set to hit record stores and streaming platforms this Friday (3rd April) - we jumped at the opportunity to have a chat with one of the buzziest acts in UK shoegaze, Deary, to get to know a little more about the band.

Originally formed by multi-instrumentalist Ben Easton and Dottie Cockram on vocals and guitar, and later joined by drummer Harry Catchpole, the three-piece have quickly garnered support from the wider music community. Embracing their dreamy, ethereal sound, fans have helped the group rack up noteworthy streaming numbers, especially on singles from the new record including “Alfie”, “Seabird” and the latest release, “Alma”, in turn attracting interest from some iconic names within the scene.

With the backing of Simon Raymonde of Cocteau Twins and his highly regarded indie label Bella Union (Father John Misty, The Flaming Lips, Spiritualized), the band head out on a UK and European tour to promote the long player this week. In between packing for the jaunt, they found time to answer a few questions, providing insight into how the band came to be, its influences, and what else can be expected from Deary through 2026.

Pull back the curtain on Deary - what’s the backstory of the band:

Ben: "Dottie and I first met in 2021, during lockdown. We met through a mutual friend and started swapping ideas over WhatsApp. We got on instantly, shared the same musical interests, and it all developed from there. I had the idea of the name ‘Deary’ pretty early on. It’s a strange word that’s not massively used nowadays, but it’s quite emasculating, which I thought was interesting."

Describe your sound to someone who’s never heard of you before?

Ben: "We make emotive, atmospheric music - some of it is very expansive, and some of it is quite close but still retains that kind of escapism."

Dottie: "Sparkly wave cave!"

Collectively, what or who would you say are your biggest influences? 

Ben: Some stand out; we’re influenced by Shoegaze/Dream Pop music, but equally we get inspiration from trip-hop, movie soundtracks, folk music, and electronic music. It’s a bit of a mixed bag.

Dottie: "I’ve always been inspired by poetry. I think it's quite illuminating how writers can use the smallest things to embody deep emotions or symbolism. If I'm ever stuck with a song, I open up the closest poetry book and have a read. It helps me clear the cobwebs away. I also find people, nature and the relationships to one another very inspiring."

Guilty pleasures will not be mocked here. This is a safe space. Tell us, who are your biggest secret indulgences?

Ben: "I genuinely think that George Michael is one of the best songwriters who’s ever lived - his craft is just as good as his incredible voice. Maybe it’s not all that guilty."

Dottie: "When I visit my dad, he blasts Meatloaf in the car, and it’s a fun time…."

Your debut album, Birding, is due for release on Friday 3rd April. Is there a concept or theme to the record?

Ben: "There are a few themes on the record, but it’s not a concept album. For me, it mainly deals with human consequences. How humans affect everything around them: other human beings, nature, and our own mental health. We sometimes flirt with existentialism, but there are a lot of moments of love, empathy and care on the record as well."

Dottie: "My initial inspiration for the album was birds! I found the relationship between birds (or nature in general) very interesting. From bible stories to old wives' tales and the fact that they are the wild animals we live closest with, I love their symbolism, and they became a guide for me during this album."

Birding will be released on Simon Raymonde’s (Cocteau Twins) independent label, Bella Union. When did you sign to Bella Union, and how did your joining the label come about? 

Ben: "We first started working with Simon and Bella Union at the end of 2024. He invited us for a coffee to chat about the band and where we were at. Obviously, the Cocteau Twins are a huge inspiration for us, so it was maybe a touch daunting. But after the first meeting, it just seemed like a very natural, immediate friendship. He and the team have been our biggest supporters, not just as artists but as people. So it’s a great fit, we’re a completely different band from when we first met them - a lot more confident and headstrong."

You're gearing up for an extensive tour through the UK and Europe, kicking off on the release date of the upcoming LP at Rough Trade London. Are there any stops on the tour that you’re particularly looking forward to, and if so, why? 

Dottie: "I really love Rotterdam! We played Left of the Dial a few years ago, and we really enjoyed our time there. It's a friendly and creative city.  I’m also looking forward to our Dublin show! There’s a lot of amazing art coming from Ireland at the moment."

Ben: "There are a few bucket list venues when we support The Twilight Sad (Roundhouse in London, Barrowland in Glasgow), but the last stop on our headline European tour is Düsseldorf, and that’ll be the first time we’ve played in Germany, so that’s a standout one for me." 

When you’re out on the road, who’s in charge of the soundtrack and why? And what non-negotiables come with you? 

Ben: "It’s all split equally, so there’s a shared tour playlist. I suppose I sometimes hog the airwaves with George Michael’s Greatest Hits (see above)."

Dottie: "I tend to let Ben and Harry lead the playlists, otherwise it’s just Adrienne Lenker on repeat! We also play a few games. Our favourite being the random age game, where one person says an age, and then we have to name a celebrity that age. Closest wins!

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Is there a certain song or artist you can’t get enough of at the moment? (If yes, tell us why)

Ben: "I’m going through a Deftones phase at the moment, their new record is sublime, and it’s given me an excuse to go back through their catalogue."

Dottie: "I’m on the Cameron Winter hype. The delicate and precise production of ‘Heavy Metal’ is incredible." 

Where else can music fans expect to see you performing live in 2026?

Ben: "The difference will be two new members on stage. We have our friend Nick, a guitarist in an amazing band called Sadplanet, joining us on guitar. He’s a bit of a pedal genius. Also, our newest touring member, Alice, who is joining us on bass, is an incredible musician in her own right as well."

Thinking of bands and artists out there currently, who would be your dream support, or who would you like to support the most on tour and why?

Dottie: "We’re all big fans of Just Mustard, so supporting them would be great!" 

Finally, here’s your chance to plug anything we haven’t already covered or to shout out anyone special to Deary:

Dottie: "Just a massive thank you to anyone that's been listening!We can't wait for you to hear the new album."

Catch Deary performing live while out on tour this Spring - grab your tickets now below:

Deary (Live) - Hare And Hounds, Kings Heath in Birmingham | Tuesday 12th May 2026

Buy tickets:

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