Dermot Kennedy will release his third studio album, The Weight of the Woods, on 27 March via Island/Interscope Records. The announcement arrives ahead of the biggest headline tour of his career, including two landmark shows at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 11 and 12 July, with the first date already sold out.
To mark the news, the multi-platinum artist has unveiled the album’s lead single, 'Funeral', alongside a new video directed by Charlie Sarsfield and starring actor Charlie Rowe.
The Weight of the Woods is described as an “organic cultural intersection” between Ireland and Nashville, home to producer Gabe Simon, whose previous credits include Noah Kahan and Lana Del Rey. While part of the record was made in Simon’s Nashville studio, Kennedy also spent six weeks working back in Ireland, writing and recording in a studio close to his home.
The result is being hailed as his most confident body of work to date, featuring deeply poetic lyrics and an authentic musical approach rooted firmly in his Irish heritage. Kennedy describes the album as “homegrown”, shaped by traditional instruments and local storytelling. Much of the inspiration came from the forest behind his house, a place he sees as both a refuge and a source of wonder.
Musically, the record adopts a more stripped-back sound, embracing folk textures and subtle country influences. “If I walk into a pub with just a guitar or a piano, I know I can sing to a room full of people. That’s where I’m most comfortable,” he says. “I wanted that feeling to be front and centre on this album.”
The album announcement comes as Kennedy prepares for a major run of European and UK arena dates in May and June, before returning to Dublin for his two Aviva Stadium shows. North American tour dates are expected to be revealed shortly.
Tour dates
- 29 May – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
- 30 May – Manchester, AO Arena
- 1 June – Cardiff, Utilita Arena-* 2 June – Leeds, First Direct Bank Arena
- 4 June – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
- 5 June – London, The O2
- 11 July – Dublin, Aviva Stadium (sold out)
- 12 July – Dublin, Aviva Stadium
Sign in
