Dermot Kennedy: The Soulful Voice of Irish Folk-Pop

Dermot Kennedy is an Irish singer-songwriter who merges raw, emotive folk storytelling with the atmospheric production of contemporary pop and hip-hop. Hailing from Rathcoole, County Dublin, he achieved a major commercial breakthrough with his 2019 debut album, which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and has since been certified platinum.

Early career

Born in 1991, Dermot Kennedy began his musical journey as a busker on the streets of Dublin, honing a powerful vocal style influenced by traditional Irish folk and American rappers. His early independent EPs, like 2016's Doves & Ravens, caught the attention of the industry, leading to a signing with major label Interscope Records in 2017 and setting the stage for his rapid ascent.

Breakthrough

Kennedy's international breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the single Power Over Me, a track that masterfully blended his acoustic roots with a modern, synth-driven beat. The song became a viral and radio hit, eventually earning multi-platinum certifications across Europe and peaking at number 22 on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying his unique sound in the mainstream.

Key tracks

Power Over Me — This platinum-certified single served as his global breakout hit, defining his signature fusion of folk sincerity and pop production.

Outnumbered — A later single that became a streaming giant, showcasing his anthemic songwriting and earning a platinum certification in multiple territories.

Giants — The lead single from his 2020 sophomore album, it demonstrated a grander, more ambitious scale in his music and charted across Europe.

After Rain — A fan-favorite from his early EPs that highlights the raw, busker-style vocal and lyrical depth at the core of his artistry.

Something to Someone — A key track from his 2022 album Sonder, it underscores his consistent ability to craft emotionally resonant pop ballads.

His debut album, Without Fear, arrived in 2019 to critical and commercial acclaim, securing the number one spot in the UK and Ireland. Kennedy's second studio album, Sonder, followed in 2022, debuting at number two in the UK and featuring collaborations with producers like Scott Harris and Steve Mac. His music has found a global audience through syncs in major films and television series, further expanding his reach beyond the charts.

Fans of Dermot Kennedy's heartfelt, genre-blending style should also explore the work of Hozier, another Irish artist who crafts profound, soul-infused folk anthems. The introspective lyricism and melodic warmth of James Bay also share common ground with Kennedy's approach. For a similar blend of acoustic roots and modern pop production, listen to Lewis Capaldi, whose powerful vocals and emotional delivery parallel Kennedy's intensity. The atmospheric soundscapes of Ben Howard offer another compelling point of comparison for listeners.

Dermot Kennedy's soul-stirring folk-pop anthems are a staple on a wide variety of radio stations featured on this website. His music regularly fills the airwaves on mainstream pop FM stations, alternative rock radio stations seeking emotional depth, and dedicated online radio streams that champion powerful singer-songwriters.

You can hear the powerful music of Dermot Kennedy on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover his catalog, from early busking days to chart-topping albums, through the diverse selection of radio stations available on onairium.com.