After over two decades of chart-topping rock anthems, Theory of a Deadman is stepping into an entirely new chapter. Free from major label constraints and embracing total creative independence, the band is back with Funeral Songs—a punchy new EP that revives their signature gritty riffing, sharp candid humour, and uncompromising energy.
We caught up with drummer Joe Dandeneau to talk about returning to their classic sound, the freedom of independent releases, staying grounded as musicians, and what fans can expect as they kick off this two-part EP era.
Formatted Interview
Q: Funeral Songs brings back that classic, gritty Theory riffing paired with your signature candid humour. What made right now the right time to lean back into that raw energy?
Joe: After the last 3 records, we felt the desire to go back into our older style of writing and sound to give our fans and ourselves a lot more musical options. We are also off our major label, which gives us more creative control over what we release. We are having a lot of fun.
Q: You guys mentioned in the press release that “Winnebago (Lay Low)” is the ultimate anti-bar song. What inspired the shift from writing late-night party anthems to celebrating the joy of staying home (besides getting older)?
Joe: As we grow as people and musicians, we have experienced that part of our lives and are now experiencing new parts. This song is for the fans that are also going through life as we do. It’s a fun way to connect with everyone.
Q: You chose “Barricade” as the lead single to kick off this new era. What made that specific track the right gateway into Funeral Songs?
Joe: Barricade was chosen as a lead-off because it has the right sound for us to show off what we are trying to do with the new EP. It has the current rock sound we needed.
Q: “Deep End” brings a slightly different pace to the tracklist. How does that song fit into the overall narrative of the EP?
Joe: Deep End was included to balance out the EP. We have always had ballads, and we love writing them and performing them live, and our fans love them too.
Q: The music video for “Winnebago (Lay Low)” captures a fun visual vibe. How hands-on is the band when conceptualising music videos?
Joe: The band has always come up with all our video concepts. We send off the ideas to directors and have them write treatments based on our ideas.
Q: Which of the new songs are you most excited to see fan reactions to when playing live on tour?
Joe: We are only playing 2 of the new songs on tour. So we don’t get to see reactions for the other 4. But I’m blown away by how many fans are already singing Winnebago front to back at our shows. So amazing!
Q: You’ve described releasing two EPs as dropping “small batches of fine Kentucky Bourbon.” What made you decide to step away from the traditional 10–12 song album format this time around?
Joe: With us now an independent band, we have much more control over what we write and release. Choosing the 2 EP idea allows us to focus on the strongest songs we have and leave the others to the side. It doesn’t waste our time. Gives fans our best work.
Q: How far along is Part 2, and should fans expect it to act as a direct continuation or a sound contrast to Part 1?
Joe: We are almost done recording Part 2. It will have a mix of old and new style theory to contrast nicely with Part 1.
Q: Is there an overarching narrative connecting Part 1 and Part 2, or will each batch stand completely on its own?
Joe: I think both will stand a bit on their own but still feel connected with each other. It’s a good pairing of music.
Q: Looking back at your self-titled debut in 2002, what advice would 2026 Theory of a Deadman give to your younger selves?
Joe: There will always be things that hurt you or hold you down, but you need to keep the respect within the band and its us against the world mentality. We are our best when we love what we do and have love for each other.
Q: Outside of finishing up Part 2, what’s next on the horizon for Theory of a Deadman as you round out the year?
Joe: We have lots of touring on the horizon. UK/EU, Canada and the US. Just tons of shows, and hoping to see all our fans out there. It’s what we love.
With Funeral Songs proving that independent creative control suits them well, Theory of a Deadman is firing on all cylinders. Be sure to stream the new EP, catch them live on their global tour across North America and Europe, and keep an eye out for Part 2 landing soon.
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