**Dermot Kennedy Explores Personal Journey in New Album ‘The Weight of the Woods’**
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Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy has opened up about the deeply personal inspiration behind his latest album, *The Weight of the Woods*. In an interview with PEOPLE, the artist reflects on his musical journey, collaboration with producer Gabe Simon, and the human experiences that shaped his new work.
Kennedy, known for his powerful and evocative voice, has built a reputation for captivating live performances. However, he recently shared that not every show meets his lofty expectations. “The room just wasn’t there,” he lamented after an unsatisfactory performance. Despite the disappointment, he values the humbling nature of such experiences. “In a way, the humbling feeling is quite welcome. It’s kind of a laugh,” he remarked.
At 34, Kennedy’s journey in music is marked by immense growth and self-discovery. His third studio album, which has just been released, offers a raw yet empowering testament to his artistic evolution. The singer expresses excitement about the creative freedom he felt while working on this project, stating, “This album is so exciting to me because I feel quite liberated… Having done those things, [like hitting number one], yeah it’s fun, but they’re just not the fulfilling thing.”
The songwriting for *The Weight of the Woods* began during the summer of 2024. Kennedy, who resides near Dublin, travelled to Nashville, where he collaborated closely with Simon, a rising talent in the music industry. Their partnership proved fruitful, with Simon even spending six weeks in Ireland to work intensively on the album. Kennedy cites this deeply-rooted Irish experience as a significant influence on the work.
“I think when you try and have a career in music, you’re like, ‘Oh, I need to look outside of home,’” he explained. Over time, he realised that his life and heritage were his greatest sources of inspiration. “It’s my life. It’s the only thing I have,” he concluded.
Kennedy’s songwriting often extends beyond his personal biography, exploring themes relatable to those around him. His lead single, “Funeral,” reflects on the importance of moving past one’s past and facing adversity with resilience. “I’m really drawn to this idea of just taking all those people with me,” he said, indicating that these shared experiences enrich his music.
One notable track from the album is “Blue Eyes,” written after Kennedy found inspiration while watching the film *Cinderella Man*. He describes writing it late at night in falsetto to avoid waking his household. The lyrics reflect his own life, particularly his value of family and laughter: “My true prize is laughter in this house.” This sentiment highlights the singer’s priorities, acknowledging the balance between his public persona and private life.
Kennedy’s musical journey began in childhood, where he was initially shy yet found solace and confidence through singing. He first gained recognition at the age of 11, winning a school talent show, and quickly progressed to writing his songs and busking in the streets of Dublin. Reflecting on those early days, he looks back fondly: “I was trying to get in the studio,” he recalled, laughing about his ambition even then.
Kennedy credits the unwavering support from his parents as instrumental in his pursuit of an unconventional career in music. Despite his breakthrough coming later in life, with the release of his debut album *Without Fear* in 2019 and the follow-up *Sonder* in 2022, he feels privileged to have their backing.
While many may view *The Weight of the Woods* as a return to his roots, Kennedy embraces experimentation in his music. He believes that the essence of a Dermot Kennedy song is tied to his unique voice and perspective. “I’m at a point where I’m not comfortable isolating my day ones to go in search of other people,” he reflects, emphasising the importance of authenticity in his work.
Looking ahead, Kennedy is set to embark on a U.K. tour beginning April 3, followed by a series of performances across the U.S., starting on September 4. His ambition is to make his live shows more immersive, even fantasising about unique sensory experiences for audiences.
As he prepares to share *The Weight of the Woods* with the world, Kennedy conveys a sense of responsibility and pride regarding the people he represents through his music. “As lovely as it is and as much as I love everybody, sometimes I do feel that pressure,” he admits. Yet, this intimate connection with his audience remains a driving force behind his artistic vision.
Now available for listeners, *The Weight of the Woods* encapsulates Kennedy’s journey and offers a promise of authenticity and heartfelt storytelling.