Kris Dane is set to release his new self-titled album on March 20. 

Cult Belgian singer-songwriter, Kris Dane will be launching the album alongside a show on the same night at Botanique in Brussels. This will be followed by a gig at The Water Rats in London on May 27. He is expected to announce further UK and European shows soon.

Decades of knowledge

Over two decades, Kris Dane has carved out his own artistic universe, drifting between folk, soul, and Americana. In the 90’s, Dane played in the original like up of dEUS, a Belgian alternative rock band.

Following this, he went onto perform in a Belgian rock band called Ghinzu. Now, as a solo artist, he is on his ninth album which is guided by subtle, immersive poetry.

Creating his self-titled album

Teaming up with Producer, Jamie Evans, on eight tracks, Dane decamped to rural Nottinghamshire. The decision to record in the English countryside happened by accident as Dane visited Evans — an old friend — just to play him some new songs. In an era when songs are manufactured for apps such as TikTok, Dane lets several pieces stretch toward the eight-minute mark.

Dane rented a house, packed the car, and drove to England with his entire family. He said,“It felt like living inside a film for two months. I’m a romantic by nature, so even running errands at the village post office took on this poetic glow. Making an album is always an emotional crusade. You’re on a mission. I’m very happy with where we landed.”

Raw and emotional

Tracks in this album delve into personal and intimate emotions of vulnerability and self-reflection. Dane’s lead single, “Beyond The Wall” delves into the boundaries we build for ourselves while other songs such as “Joy” draws listeners into a contemplative space through his poetic imagery.

Dane wanted to stay close to the essence of each song. The result is a record that feels fragile, intimate, and even more personal than his previous work. The songs read like dispatches from a pivotal chapter, but they also reflect a writer working at his highest level. Dane considers these his strongest songs to date.

Free of expectations

Dane categorises this album as, not a debut, but a rebirth. His previous albums have already shown how Dane is not able to be put into a box, and that he continues to redraw his own boundaries.

Take time to sit with Dane’s new album, open your mind and be free of expectation.