deary Interview | Bella Union Debut and the World of ‘Birding’

Last Updated on 2026-04-02 by a-indie

Meeting Bella Union

-Yuuki Takita: This album is your first with Bella Union. Your music and Bella Union seem like a perfect match, so it feels like a natural fit, but could you tell us how the partnership with Bella Union came about?

Ben: Bella Union has been part of our journey for a few years, and we’ve developed a really strong bond with them — Simon, Abbey and all the team. Not only musically, but personally. The label itself is so influential and renowned that it was always a dream to work with them. Obviously the Cocteau Twins connection was a huge thing initially, but it’s morphed into something different — we’re learning how to be confident in our artistry and our craft. So it’s a very special thing we have with them.

Albums That Shaped Our Sound

-Yuuki Takita: When I listen to your music, there are moments that remind me of dream pop bands like Cocteau Twins and Beach House. If you were to choose three albums that influenced your music, which would they be? And for each one, could you tell us what aspects influenced you or share any related stories?

Ben: I think people immediately go to Cocteau Twins or Beach House, because we share similarities stylistically. But I would say 『Dummy』 by Portishead. It’s one of my favourite albums, a melting pot of so many different ideas and voices, and sounds. I’m a producer at heart, and the album constantly challenges my listening and how everything is layered. I just adore it and find it really inspiring.

Dottie: I love 『Grace』 by Jeff Buckley. I initially wrote the riff for 「Blue Ribbon」 and it reminded me of this album. Jeff is a natural yearner and has always inspired me. His riffs sink and crash all over the place. deary is not as fluctuating but Jeff uses his voice in many dynamic ways that I found really inspiring for this album.

Dream Pop and Trip-Hop as Identity

-Yuuki Takita: I also feel that your music contains elements of dream pop as well as trip-hop influences. Both genres are deeply rooted in UK music culture, and I think there is meaning in continuing to create such music from a base in London. Do you have a sense that you are consciously creating dream pop or trip-hop as part of your identity? Or how do you perceive dream pop and trip-hop in the context of your work?

Ben: I feel like dream pop and shoegaze music has very much become a part of the global zeitgeist, and that’s an incredible thing for the genre but it’s been quite americanised. I see it as intrinsically British and Irish music; my bloody valentine, the cure, cocteaus, slowdive, lush etc. It’s inherently sad, emotive music rooted in our kind of deadpan culture. Similarly, Trip Hop is quintessentially British and has that pain and greyness running through it as well. So it’s part of us, and it’s very natural to find inspiration within it and make music inspired by it.