Dermot Kennedy: How the 'Better Days' singer became famous
Here's everything you need to know about the Irish songmaker
Dermot Kennedy has had a pretty amazing few years. Since the release of his debut album 'Without Fear' in October 2019, he's had a number of successful songs including, 'Outnumbered', 'Giants' and 'Something to Someone', and his second album 'Sonder' was released in 2022 with a tour to support it in 2023!
The Irish singer-songwriter, whose passion for singing started way back at the age of 10, has been taking some well earned time away - but has, of course, been writing on the sides, so we may hear from him again very soon. In the meantime, get to know more about Dermot Kennedy...
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 32-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.
What is he doing now?
Dermot has been taking a well-earned break after being pretty much non-stop for seven years! He opened up about feeling rested and taking time away in an Instagram post in May 2024, adding that he was writing with some other exciting projects in the pipeline.
He wrote: 'I’m writing, and working on some very exciting stuff in the background ... Now that I’m here I’ll fill you in. I’m just working away on music by myself every day. The time away from touring has been incredibly helpful honestly.
'That 7 year stint was really something. When I look back, the gratitude I feel is infinite, and I feel like I’ll never capture it. All those venues and moments, how much you all believe in me. The privilege of travelling the world to play my music to people is such a special thing. But it does a funny thing too, or at least it did to me.
'It kind of nurtures this competitive side as well. I took pride in being the one that was always on tour, who could always do 4 nights in a row even though my voice was so sore. Who could play in 3 different continents in a week. I always had that kind of mindset, because I always believe you have to do a wild amount of work to get to do extraordinary things. And that’s cool, but I don’t know if competition necessarily has a place when you’re creating.
'So since I got off tour I’ve just been trying to come back to that person I was before the 1st album. When I created with no expectation, with no real goal for a song, other than loving it. So I’m spending a lot of time with myself, staying off my phone, allowing myself to get bored and then seeing what thoughts and lyrics show up.
'I have days where I feel so peaceful, and then other days where I feel anxious and useless, or as if I’m falling behind. But I do believe so strongly in the idea that if I can create an album I’m so happy with and so proud of, then that will get me exactly where I need to be. I’d imagine that’s also how you guys will like it best then too.
'So that’s my only goal right now. Forgive me if I’m on here less, I feel like this is a place where that competitive side of me grows, and feelings I don’t like can pop up sometimes, like insecurity and jealousy, which is so dumb cause I love the artists whose success I see and I want to just be happy for everyone. So I’ll speak to you soon. As Ben Howard said, “I will become what I deserve”. Love ya.' (sic)
Dermot Kennedy: Songs
'Outnumbered'
One of Dermot's most famous songs is 'Outnumbered', which is a song about reassuring others when they feel overwhelmed by life. Back in 2019, he told an American radio station about the meaning behind the song, he said: "I wrote this song a while back, like maybe a year and a half ago in London, and so the situation I wrote it in was very different to the one I’m in now but it’s still one I can relate to.
"For me, it was basically my effort to console somebody and to provide some level of comfort to somebody who kinda feels overwhelmed by things and like rather than being in a bad patch and you know it’s gonna get better, that feeling when you’re in a bad patch and you don’t know if things are gonna kind of work out and regardless of what my scenario was with that everybody can relate to that on some level.
"And so, that was kind of – I guess it’s that lovely thing where you write a song that’s personal, but it can work with a lot of people and a lot of people can relate to that feeling regardless of what my specific thing was."
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, it also appeared on his debut album. In 2018, Dermot spoke to The Line of Best Fit, telling them about the idea behind his hit song.
The singer explained: "The main idea behind this song is just that thought of being totally in awe of somebody. Where someone controls your mind and your thoughts, but in the most positive way. When you’re just under somebody’s spell and totally enamoured with somebody."
'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.
'Better Days'
Dermot released the single 'Better Days' in July 2021, having written in during the COVID-19 lockdown. It broke into the Top 20 in the UK and was certified Platinum by the BPI with 600,000 sales.
In a press release, Dermot explained his reasoning behind the song: "This is a song about patience. It's about believing in something brighter, and never losing sight of better days, no matter how hard things might get.
"In a time where so many people feel worried and exhausted, I would love for this song to remind even one person that things will improve. As an artist, I feel somewhat responsible to try to make people feel a little better, whether that’s making them think of someone they love, or just taking their mind off their problems for the length of a song.
"So this is my contribution to hopefully providing some people with a moment's solace. Better days will come."
Now take a look through Dermot Kennedy's biggest songs:
2017: 'Moments Passed'
'Moments Passed' was a song released by Dermot Kennedy in 2017, the song was also included on several of his releases including his debut album 'Without Fear', his EP 'Mike Dean Presents: Dermot Kennedy', and his compilation album 'Dermot Kennedy'.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
2018: 'Power Over Me'
'Power Over Me' was Dermot Kennedy's first successful song in the UK charts reaching the Top 30. The song was also featured on Dermot's debut studio album 'Without Fear'.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
2019: 'Outnumbered'
'Outnumbered' is one of Dermot Kennedy's biggest songs. He released it in 2019 and it became a Top 10 hit here in the UK and his native Ireland. The song was written by Dermot along with a team of writers.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
2019: 'Lost'
'Lost' was a song released in Ireland by Dermot Kennedy in 2019. The song was fairly successful reaching Number 26 in Ireland. In an interview with Songwriter Universe he told of the inspiration behind writing the song.
"I think with that song, the key line is the first line in the chorus: 'If only you could see yourself in my eyes, you'd see you shine,'" he explained. "When you love somebody—be it in your family or partner, and you wish they had a higher idea of themselves, and you wish they could seem themselves the way you see them.
"I found myself in that situation quite a bit, where you wish they could have a higher self-esteem and to see themselves in a more complimentary way. So that's what that song is. I find that so much of my songs are messages to the people I care about, which is obviously nothing new in art. But I wish certain people would see themselves the way I see them."
Watch the music video on YouTube.
2020: 'Giants'
Another hit song written by Dermot Kennedy along with a team of writers, 'Giants' was the lead single from this Number 1 album 'Without Fear'. Dermot admitted in an interview with Songwriter Universe that he wasn't sure about the song originally. He told them: "He (Louis Bloom president of Island Records) was mad into that one. And I was like, 'Nah…I'm into every other one, but not that one.' Then it took me a long time, but I got there eventually."
Back in 2020 he also spoke to us about the song saying: "It feels strange, and it certainly feels weird to just release a song and not be able to tour it.
"It does feel different, but it also feels like a welcome break too."
Watch the music video on YouTube.
2021: 'Better Days'
Dermot Kennedy released 'Better Days' in July 2021. The song was written by Dermot during the Coronavirus Pandemic and in a press released he revealed: "This is a song about patience.
"It's about believing in something brighter, and never losing sight of better days, no matter how hard things might get. In a time where so many people feel worried and exhausted, I would love for this song to remind even one person that things will improve."
He continued: "As an artist, I feel somewhat responsible to try to make people feel a little better, whether that's making them think of someone they love, or just taking their mind off their problems for the length of a song. So this is my contribution to hopefully providing some people with a moment's solace. Better days will come"
Watch the music video on YouTube.
2022: 'Something to Someone'
Released in May 2022, 'Something to Someone' was the lead single from Dermot's second album, 'Sonder'. The track reached Number 2 on the Irish Singles Chart and charted at Number 44 on the UK Singles Chart.
2022: 'Kiss Me'
'Kiss Me' was released in September 2022 and features on Dermot's second album 'Sonder'. The song reached Number 15 on the UK Singles Chart and Number 4 on the Irish Singles Chart.
Dermot Kennedy: Albums
So far, Dermot has released two albums - 'Without Fear' and 'Sonder'. His debut album 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.
'Sonder', which was released in November 2022, also reached Number 1 in the UK, and Dermot had success with 'Better Days' and 'Kiss Me'.
Back in August 2022, Dermot revealed his second album would be pushed back to 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 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)
Dermot announced a few days before his revised release date on 4th November, that he would be delaying his album once again, by a couple of weeks. He revealed in a statement that he has decided to do this because of the postal strike planned in the UK.
He wrote: 'Hey guys, I just wanted to write you a brief message to let you know that the release of Sonder has been pushed back to November 18th. I truly hate doing this, but due to the postal strike in the UK I just wouldn't be able to get the album out to you in time. I feel very strongly about everyone getting this album at the same time so we can share in this experience together, so it is the right thing to do so I can guarantee they'll arrive.'
The singer went on to explain he will still do the planned performances over the next couple of weeks for his fans to hear his new songs.
When is Dermot Kennedy on tour?
Dermot went on his 'Sonder' tour in 2023. The tour started in Glasgow on 31st March and ended at The O2 in London on 14th April. Folk-pop singer/songwriter Noah Kahan supported Dermot on his UK tour. Dermot also performed at Glastonbury in 2023.
Dermot played at Madison Square Garden in New York City in June 2023 as part of the North American leg of his tour. Taking to Instagram to share his excitement on the day of the concert, Dermot said: 'Well the day has finally arrived.
'I'm not going to try to capture the feeling here, because I know I'll fail. But from playing on street corners to a headline show at the most iconic venue in the world, and EVERYTHING in between. Please know that I am so so so grateful for this. Let's make this special New York City.'
Is Dermot Kennedy married?
Dermot has not confirmed he is married, however, in November 2022 there was a lot of speculation that he and his long-term girlfriend had tied the knot in a small wedding abroad, as he was spotted wearing a necklace with what looked like a wedding ring on it.
Dermot is very private when it comes to his relationship and it was way back in June 2017 he posted a photo of himself next to a woman, 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. 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.
You can hear Dermot Kennedy's biggest songs on the West FM playlist.
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