Artist Spotlight: Theo Bleak

You released your stunning new EP ‘Bad Luck Is Two Yellow Flowers’ a couple weeks ago, what was the inspiration behind this new music?

The inspiration for the EP came from superstition, blurred dynamics and longing. I wrote the first song ‘peach sky’ on the Isle of Skye in August and the rest followed at the start of the year. It’s definitely a more maximalist piece of work.  

Are they any other artists recently that you’ve looked to for inspiration in either music or songwriting? Anyone you’ve been listening to a lot recently?

Absolutely- I’ve been non stop listening to Dean Blunt, Thistle, Cameron Winter, Caroline, Wednesday, Kurt Vile, Friko, Red House Painters, 22° Halo, Keo, Gigi Perez and Arleen Valentine. 

You’ve partnered with Kit Martin for live visuals and artwork for your Dundee show, can you give us an idea of what this will look like for the live experience?

For this particular show, it is a chance to showcase some of Kit’s beautiful prints, screen prints and moving image. It’s just so our art can co-exist together in a space as there are a lot of parallels between Kit’s art and my music. 

You played an incredible headline show at King Tut’s last December and now you’re back with a hometown show at CANVAS, Dundee – are you looking forward to playing to a home crowd? 

I am looking forward to performing in Dundee - I believe in the creative scene in Dundee so much and always long to be part of it. 

How is the rest of 2025 looking for you? Are there any other exciting plans you can tell us about?

2025 is busy with recording and sporadic shows in the summer. I am beginning work on my debut album which I’m elated about. 

Don't miss Theo Bleak Friday, 20th June at CANVAS, Dundee - Final tickets here.