Theory of a Deadman singer Tyler Connolly has always been creative. While other children asked for footballs or guitars for Christmas, the 8-year-old wanted paints and easels. 

Inspired by his artist grandmother, Connolly found that the hobby helped ease his anxiety and pent-up energy. Now, music is cathartic for him.  

“I love being creative,” he said. “I just love writing. I love putting a song together, still, after all these years, and seeing it finished.”

Theory of a Deadman’s latest effort, 2026’s “Part 1: Funeral Songs,” marks a deliberate return to gritty, hook-heavy rock, with humor woven throughout. That defines its early years. Connolly stresses that this chapter is a resurrection, with a sound similar to “Scars & Souvenirs” and “Savages.” 

Connolly added tracks like “Barricade,” “Funeral Song,” “Winnebago (Lay Low)” and “Monster Truck,” which lean into the band’s signature wit and muscular swagger. “Deep End” and “Prenup” nod to its melodic, tongue-in-cheek roots. During its August headlining show in Detroit, Connolly called “Winnebago” an ode to laying low instead of going out. 

“We’re getting older,” Connolly said. “Dean Back [bassist] and I are in our 50s now. I just keep writing because that’s what I really enjoy doing.

“I don’t know at what point we will get old enough to say, ‘We’re out of touch now.’ I don’t feel like we’re there yet. What I’m writing still feels like Theory of a Deadman.”

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Connolly said maybe in 10 years he will write a song that fans will consider “dated.” For now, the Canadian band — which, besides Connolly and Back, includes drummer Joey Dandeneau and lead/rhythm guitarist Dave Brenner — enjoys being in the room together and jamming songs.”

After recording several albums overseas with Swedish producers, Theory of a Deadman felt the pull back toward their roots. Nashville became the creative home base, with producer Chris Baseford helping them tap into a more classic Theory sound.

“It feels like old Theory,” Connolly said. “It just feels like we can get into some more of our back‑to‑our‑roots kind of rock.”

This time, they also returned to something even more fundamental: rehearsing together. For the first time since their fifth record, they spent real time in a room working through parts before hitting the studio. The payoff, Connolly said, is obvious: “The songs really feel like they work.”

Connolly confirmed that Theory of a Deadman has started recording the EP’s second part, with a March release in mind. The tour schedule is so packed they may have to finish vocals on the road — something he’s not exactly thrilled about. “The last thing I want to do is sing on days off,” he admitted.

Instead, he barbecues and golfs with tourmates Sevendust. Connolly called himself an OK golfer. 

“I have a good handicap,” he said. “I’m a single-digit handicap, but golf is very difficult. I would never say I’m a good golfer because I think that’s not me.” 

Still, he enjoys being creative. He still keeps one of his grandmother’s pieces in his home. 

“My grandmother had this unfinished pencil drawing she did of these trees,” he said. “Every time I would visit her, I would see it and say, ‘When are you going to finish that drawing?’ She said, ‘Oh, I don’t know. I’ll get around to it. She never finished it, and then she died. My mom gave it to me. I have it framed in my house, which is cool. It’s good inspiration.”