E528 Dermot Kennedy

Dermot Kennedy's music journey is a tale of creative inspiration, self-discovery, and the quest for authenticity amidst the complexities of the modern music industry.

Dermot Kennedy's unique songwriting style and creative approach

Dermot Kennedy draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of genres, including hip-hop, rock, and traditional Irish music, which all blend to form his distinct sound. He believes imagination is a critical component of his songwriting and discloses how reading and his environment influence his music. His creative process involves capturing moments of inspiration quickly, reflecting the full spectrum of human experiences in his lyrics, encompassing both the best and worst days of his life. Despite these varying emotions, Dermot aims to infuse his songs with hope, striving to uplift his audience and enhance their appreciation for life, even through songs that may seem somber.

Dermot listens to hip-hop extensively, which greatly influences his lyrical style, explaining that he writes verses in a hip-hop manner even if his music doesn’t include a beat or drums. The presence of hip-hop in his music is palpable in his flow, regardless of the instrumental background.

Kennedy values authenticity and artistic integrity in his music over commercial success, focusing on music that resonates with him personally rather than conforming to popular trends. He resists the temptation to mimic other successful artists and instead insists on creating music that's truthful to his own experience. Admiring musicians who maintain a strong identity, such as Hozier, and drawing inspiration from artists like Noah Can and Zach Brian, Kennedy is determined to carve his own path in the music world.

He expresses a longing for a more genuine form of recording, leaning towards a "rough and ready" style, resisting the trend of highly polished music production common today. Dermot's decision-making on his music primarily rests upon his own standards of artistic excellence, rather than its potential for commercial success or radio playability.

The challenges and rewards of being a touring musician

Dermot reveals the rewards and challenges that come with being a touring musician. While the physical and mental demands of a rigorous schedule and constant travel are onerous, he finds fulfillment in the live performance experience. Despite moments of self-doubt and analysis paralysis regarding the significance of his music, Kennedy values the direct feedback and connection with his audience.

Kennedy grapples with self-doubt and the pressure to consistently give stellar performances. Although he can be critical of himself, he also believes that there is always an opportunity for redemption in the next performance. He hopes to eventually perform with a sense of uncalculated freedom, driven by the feeling of correctness rather than an obsession with perfection.

In terms of touring logistics, Kennedy suggests a preference for shorter tours over extended ones and notes the financial considerations involved when touring ...

Irish culture, enveloped in mythology and traditions, has a significant impact that continues to shape the country's identity. Dermot Kennedy, reflecting on this rich tapestry, brings to life the enchanting background of Ireland’s enduring cultural heritage and its contemporary presence.

The enduring influence of Ireland's rich cultural heritage

Ireland's pagan roots and folklore, such as the origins of Halloween and legends like the Giants' Causeway, permeate the country's identity

Dermot Kennedy confirms that Hozier is Irish, recognizing the identity of fellow artists, indicative of the support and community spirit inherent in Ireland. Kennedy discusses the cultural importance of Samhain in Ireland, describing it as translating to "the night of the lost souls" or something similar, noting a connection to modern-day Halloween and illustrating the country's pagan roots.

Kennedy finds similarities between the respect for the dead in Ireland, such as in the festival of Samhain and the Mexican Day of the Dead. He shares a Halloween tradition from his aunt's island, emphasizing the convivial spirit and quirkiness of Irish customs. The myth of the Giants Causeway, though not well-recounted by Kennedy, underscores the presence of legendary tales in Irish folklore and identity.

The Irish are known for their storytelling, music, and sense of community

Kennedy appreciates how the Irish are humble about their achievements and enjoy a good laugh, seen during times like when Irish rowers downplayed their Olympic success in a BBC interview, or when 'slagging' creates a bond of camaraderie. The need to maintain levity and not take things too seriously, particularly in the middle of a serious performance, characterizes their sense of humor and community. The fondness for jokes and sarcasm, however, may not always translate well abroad, pointing to an idiosyncratic aspect of Irish communication.

Dublin's nurturing environment for artists typifies the communal ethos of Irish culture, while a wide appreciation for the romantic aspects of Irish lore shows the enduring influence of myth on national identity. Kennedy values the culture's rich artistic history and storied tradition.

Traditional Irish pastimes like road bowling and stone lifting remain important cultural touchstones

Kennedy and Theo Von consider how heritage sports like road bowling—which resembles a hand-played version of golf with an iron ball—demonstrate the nation's unique recreational activities. The recent resurgence of stone lifting on social media platforms proves the vitality of these traditions. Such activities often have a communal value too; for example, fundraising for cancer research through road bowling highlighted the spirit of charity ingrained in Irish traditions.

The discussion around the importance of storytelling in Irish culture points out the historical necessity of the craft due to the absence of recording devices, enshrining storytelling as a crucial part of the cultural identity. Additionally, Dermot observes that in current times, the Irish and the global Irish diaspora continue to recognize and celebrate their heritage with pride.

The complex relationship between Irish identity and inte ...

Dermot Kennedy shares insights into how his personal relationships and struggles with trust and vulnerability influence his music and creative process.

Dermot's long-term romantic relationship and the influence it has on his music

Dermot emphasizes that his music often captures emotions from various relationships, not just romantic ones, but also those with family and friends. He embodies different perspectives in his music, drawing inspiration from his personal life.

Dermot draws inspiration from his personal experiences with love and relationships, though he prefers to keep the details private

Kennedy's stable, long-term relationship offers him emotional support, although he prefers to keep the specifics private, not deeming them relevant to his career. However, he does confirm that his relationship has certainly inspired the love-oriented aspects of his music.

Dermot's struggle with trust and vulnerability

During conversations with Theo Von, Dermot reveals his challenges with trust, extending beyond romantic relationships to professional interactions.

As a result of his unique career path, Dermot has found it difficult to fully trust and open up to others, both professionally and personally

Dermot finds commonality with athletes rather than fellow artists, citing challenges in forming connections within the music industry due to the self-absorbed nature he perceives in other artists. He deeply reflects on the impact of trust issues on his relationships and work.

Dermot's cautious approach to collaboration ...