Dermot Kennedy: How the 'Outnumbered' singer became famous

Dermot Kennedy has had a pretty amazing few years with the release of his debut album 'Without Fear' in October 2019, and a number of successful songs including, 'Outnumbered', 'Giants' and 'Something to Someone'.

The Irish singer-songwriter, whose passion for singing started way back at the age of 10, has put a lot of hard work in as he's sung professionally for the past few years.

After pausing his live shows due to the Coronavirus pandemic, he returned in September 2021, playing shows in Manchester, Glasgow and London! Then, in 2022, Dermot released a new song called 'Something to Someone', he has also released some behind-the-scenes footage from the music video.

Who is Dermot Kennedy?

Dermot Kennedy is an Irish singer best known for his single 'Outnumbered'.

How old is Dermot Kennedy?

Dermot's birthday is 13th December 1991, making him currently 30-years-old.

Where is Dermot Kennedy from?

Dermot Kennedy is from Rathcoole in County Dublin, Ireland. In September 2020 he revealed that coming from Ireland kept him grounded as his career took off.

Speaking to Billboard, Dermot said, "Being Irish means so much to me. I’m so proud to be an Irish artist and songwriter, following in the footsteps of incredible people like Phil Lynott, Sinead O’Connor, Hozier, Van Morrison.

"I think being Irish helps me to stay grounded too. There’s no room for big egos and self-centeredness when you’re dealing with Irish people, so I’m very glad my friends and family help me stay grounded."

The singer, who started on the streets busking continued, "I had support from everybody around me, to do whatever made me happy, but I knew from the start I could have a career in music if I kept at it and had patience."

How did Dermot Kennedy get famous?

After learning to play the guitar at the age of 10, he began writing songs at 14-years-old, but he's said he didn't begin to take it seriously until he was 17. Dermot has praised his parents for their support of his initial steps into music, and said that his dad used to often drive him into Dublin to perform at open mic nights, and he studied classical music at university for three years.

He then busked for many years around Dublin, and won first place at The South County Song contest which is attended by music industry workers. He once performed with Irish singer Glen Hansard on stage, and after being spotlighted on Spotify Discover Weekly when it was launched in 2016. He was also in a band Shadows and Dust at that time.

He took to the stage at many dates throughout the US, Australia and Europe, performing at Bonnaroo Music Festival in 2017, as well as Lollapalooza and South by Southwest Festival in 2018 and Coachella in 2019.

Dermot Kennedy's musical influences

Dermot told Forbes magazine in an interview that he thinks of Glen Hansard, Bon Iver, J. Cole, Stormzy and poet Black Ice as his musical influences. He also told the Evening Standard that he looks up to The National, Elbow, Damien Rice and Ben Howard.

Dermot Kennedy: Songs

'Something to Someone'

In a statement about the song, Kennedy elaborated on the song’s meaning, saying it’s “To be something to someone. To love and be loved in return. What a comforting thought it is to know that no matter what you endure, no matter how lonely the world may seem, you’re still on somebody’s mind. It is the only thing. I want this song to be a reminder to whoever hears it that they are loved.”

'Outnumbered'

One of Dermot's most famous songs is 'Outnumbered', which is a song about reassuring others when they feel overwhelmed by life. The chorus lyrics are:

'Don't tell me this is all for nothing / I can only tell you one thing / On the nights you feel outnumbered / Baby, I'll be out there somewhere / I see everything you can be / I see the beauty that you can't see / On the nights you feel outnumbered / Baby, I'll be out there somewhere.'

Of the song, Dermot told The Line Of Best Fit, "'Outnumbered' is an attempt to comfort anybody who is feeling overwhelmed. A reminder that beauty can be found no matter how dark the night may seem.

"I hope it can be a source of reassurance to anyone going through hard times. To know that things will get better and that hard times will become a thing of the past." The song peaked at Number 6 in the UK.

'Power Over Me'

His other well-known single is 'Power Over Me', released in November 2018 and also appeared on his debut album.

'Giants'

Dermot released catchy tune 'Giants' in June 2020. It went to Number 1 on the Irish Singles Chart and Number 12 in the UK.

Dermot Kennedy: Albums

So far, Dermot has only released one album - his debut album, 'Without Fear'. It was released on 4th October 2019, reaching Number 1 in both the UK and Irish charts and spawned singles 'Outnumbered', 'Moments Passed', 'Power Over Me' and 'Lost'.

He also released a self-titled compilation album in January 2019, as well as EP 'Doves & Ravens' in 2017. Dermot also worked with American hip hop producer Mike Dean on the EP 'Mike Dean Presents: Dermot Kennedy', which Dermot described as a mix tape.

When it Dermot Kennedy's second album out?

Dermot revealed in an Instagram post that his second album will be pushed back, with a release date of 4th November. In the post, which was a photo of a handwritten letter to his fans, he explained: 'Firstly, I need to let you know that the release of my new album “Sonder” has been pushed back to November 4th.

'I hate making you guys wait longer for something I’m so eager to share, but this year has been wild and it’s necessary for a lot of reasons. However, this also means more new music will be coming very soon! I hope you can understand, and know that I’m so grateful for the support, patience and love. Sonder will be yours soon, I promise ♥️.' {sic)

What is Dermot Kennedy's second album called?

As mentioned above, Dermot's upcoming album is called 'Sonder'.

Is Dermot Kennedy married?

Dermot isn't married - yet! He's reportedly engaged to a long-term girlfriend, and although this hasn't been confirmed anywhere, he did post a picture in June 2017 of himself next to a woman and pulling his trousers up with a jump, writing the caption, 'Find you somebody who makes you levitate.'

It's the sort of phrase that's normally associated with romantic connections, and there's a profile tagged with the private Instagram handle @aisf__. Someone with the surname Kennedy has jokingly commented, 'When Aisling says jump you jump😄,' which could be a relative confirming that this is indeed Dermot's partner and that her name is Aisling Finnegan.

Aisling's sister Roisin Finnegan also posted on Instagram in March 2019 about visiting the couple in New York. It's also reported that Aisling won the Dublin Rose competition.

In November 2019, Dermot confirmed in an interview that he and Aisling had been together for six years, and that she was on the road with him. Aww!

Which awards has Dermot Kennedy won?

Although he didn't win, Dermot was up for International Male Solo Artist at the BRIT Awards 2020. Although it eventually went to Tyler, the Creator, Dermot told us about how honoured he was to have been nominated. He also added that he'd love to collaborate with Dave the Rapper.

Scroll through to see the winners from the BRIT Awards 2022!

You can hear Dermot Kennedy's biggest songs on the Cool FM playlist.

Now read:

Dermot Kennedy reveals how his gig with Normal People's Paul Mescal came about

13 of Lewis Capaldi's best career moments so far 🎶

Everything you need to know about James Arthur

How to listen to Cool FM:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for music, Cool FM on 97.4FM, online, on our Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Cool FM’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists, from Pete Snodden in the morning to the NI Hit 40.

• dermot kennedy