Dermot Kennedy is an Irish singer-songwriter who blends folk storytelling with hip-hop beats and contemporary pop production. Known for his gravel-edged, soulful voice, he broke through internationally with songs like "
Outnumbered," "
Giants," and "
Better Days," earning a loyal fanbase drawn to his intensely personal lyrics and passionate live performances.
Kennedy grew up in Rathcoole, a small town outside Dublin, in a tight-knit family steeped in traditional Irish culture. He first became interested in music at age 8 after receiving a guitar. "I wanted to be like my cousin; he played guitar and was in a band," he told The Sun. "I wanted to be like him and was fascinated by music."
His parents actively supported his musical ambitions. Kennedy's father regularly drove him into Dublin so he could perform at open-mic nights even though he was underage, while his mother encouraged him to pursue formal training by enrolling him at Maynooth University in County Kildare to study classical music. Kennedy struggled with the academic side, saying he was frustrated because he wanted to perform rather than study composers like Mozart, though he has since said he wishes he had embraced the education more fully.
Like fellow Irish and UK singer-songwriters Damien Rice and Ed Sheeran, Kennedy honed his performance skills through busking, playing regularly on the streets of Dublin and later Boston. The experience helped him develop confidence and taught him how to build an emotional connection with audiences. During this period, he also played in a band called Shadows and Dust while experimenting with his sound.
Kennedy's early momentum grew after he won a South County songwriting contest in Dublin, which raised his profile on the city's underground music scene. Another early career boost came when fellow Dubliner Glen Hansard invited him to perform onstage, giving him an important co-sign from an established Irish artist.
A major turning point came in 2016 when Kennedy's music was picked up by Spotify's Discover Weekly algorithm, dramatically increasing his streaming numbers and introducing him to a global audience. Building on that independent buzz, he signed with Interscope Records in 2017 following the self-release of his EP Doves and Ravens.
Kennedy's live career quickly expanded from busking to major festival appearances, including Bonnaroo in 2017, followed by Lollapalooza, SXSW, Austin City Limits, and Coachella in 2019. His debut album, Without Fear, was released later that year and topped both the UK and Irish Albums Chart while performing strongly internationally. The album confirmed his arrival as one of Ireland's leading contemporary singer-songwriters and helped launch a global touring career.
Kennedy has attracted high-profile admirers. Lana Del Rey invited him to support her at a London concert and later attended his intimate show at Los Angeles' Troubadour venue. Taylor Swift was an early supporter as well, including Kennedy's song "
Boston" on her personal playlist of favorite songs released in 2017.
Kennedy devoured books as a child and saw songwriting as a powerful storytelling outlet, though he felt he lacked the life experience to fully express himself until later. A line in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel
Tender Is the Night sparked the central idea for his hit single "
Kiss Me."
Despite his success, Kennedy maintains a deliberately low-key public image, often dressing in simple hoodies and jackets that reflect his focus on music rather than celebrity.
Outside of music, he's passionate about soccer, and at one stage he considered pursuing it professionally. He joined a team while living in New York, and says sport provides a mental clarity that even music does not match. Kennedy credits regular exercise for improving his songwriting, saying it helps his mood and concentration during studio sessions.
Kennedy spends time walking in woodland areas near his home, often with his dog. Those experiences influenced the imagery and atmosphere of his 2026 album The Weight of the Woods.
He is an enthusiastic gamer, particularly enjoying the Assassin's Creed series. "It's as beneficial as meditation to me,"
Kennedy told the Joe Wicks Podcast. "That thing of thinking computer games are for lazy people and they're not beneficial – I'm like, when I play this game it's the best thing I could do for two hours."
Away from gaming, he enjoys historically themed television dramas such as The Crown and Downton Abbey. His favorite film is Gladiator.
As part of maintaining his mental health, Kennedy avoids his phone during the first few hours of the day whenever possible. He describes the habit as one of the most beneficial lifestyle changes he's made.
