10 Artists and Bands That Sound Like Dermot Kennedy You Need to Hear
There aren't many singers quite like Dermot Kennedy. The Dublin singer-songwriter has built a huge following with his unmistakable gravelly voice, honest lyrics and ability to turn a simple acoustic song into something that could fill an arena. From Outnumbered
and Power Over Me
to Giants
and Better Days
, Kennedy has a knack for writing songs that stay with you long after they've finished.
But if you've played Without Fear and Sonder more times than you can count, there's plenty of other music worth exploring. Some artists share Kennedy's powerful vocals and folk influences, while others bring the same mix of personal songwriting, big choruses and modern pop production.
Here are 10 artists and bands that sound like Dermot Kennedy and deserve a place on your playlist.
1. Tom Walker
Scottish singer-songwriter Tom Walker is probably one of the closest matches to Dermot Kennedy when it comes to vocal style. His rough, soulful voice and mix of acoustic pop, folk and electronic beats will sound instantly familiar to Kennedy fans. Songs like Leave a Light On
, Just You and I
and Better Half of Me
show his ability to turn personal stories into massive, radio-friendly anthems.
2. Kingfishr
Limerick trio Kingfishr have become one of Ireland's most exciting bands, bringing traditional folk influences into a modern indie-rock sound. Frontman Eddie Keogh's powerful vocals and the band's knack for building huge choruses make them an obvious choice for Dermot Kennedy fans. Tracks like Killeagh
, Eyes Don't Lie
and Flowers-Fire
capture that same mix of Irish storytelling, acoustic instruments and songs made for singing along to.
3. Lewis Capaldi
If it's Dermot Kennedy's voice and heartbreak songs that keep you coming back, Lewis Capaldi should already be on your radar. The Scottish singer has a similarly powerful, raspy delivery and isn't afraid to put everything into a performance. His breakthrough hit Someone You Loved
, along with Before You Go
and Wish You the Best
, shows just how effective a simple piano melody and an unforgettable chorus can be.
4. Sam Fender
Sam Fender leans further into indie rock than Dermot Kennedy, but the two share a talent for writing big, heartfelt songs. The North Shields singer combines powerful vocals, driving guitars and lyrics about everyday life, relationships and growing up. Songs like Seventeen Going Under
, Spit of You
and Hypersonic Missiles
have the kind of soaring choruses that Kennedy fans will appreciate, particularly those who enjoy his more energetic material.
5. Dean Lewis
Australian singer-songwriter Dean Lewis has plenty in common with Dermot Kennedy, particularly when it comes to writing about love, loss and relationships. His songs often begin with a simple guitar or piano arrangement before building into something much bigger. Be Alright
, Waves
and How Do I Say Goodbye
are good starting points, combining honest lyrics with memorable melodies that have helped him build a huge international audience.
6. Noah Kahan
American singer-songwriter Noah Kahan has brought folk music back into the mainstream with his acoustic-driven songs and deeply personal lyrics. While his sound is more rooted in Americana than Kennedy's, there's a similar honesty running through his music. His hugely successful Stick Season
, alongside Dial Drunk
and Northern Attitude
, combines catchy melodies with stories about relationships, home and growing up that are easy to connect with.
7. Cian Ducrot
Cork singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot is another Irish artist who should appeal to Dermot Kennedy fans. His music blends piano-led ballads, acoustic pop and big singalong choruses, with plenty of personal experiences finding their way into his lyrics. Songs like All For You
, I'll Be Waiting
and Heaven
show why he's become such a popular name in Irish music, particularly among listeners who enjoy powerful vocals and straightforward, heartfelt songwriting.
8. James Gillespie
British singer-songwriter James Gillespie might not have the same mainstream profile as some of the other names here, but he's well worth discovering. His gritty, soulful voice is one of the biggest similarities to Dermot Kennedy, particularly on his more stripped-back recordings. Tracks like What You Do
, Dead in the Water
and Beyond Today
highlight his mix of blues, folk and alternative pop, with plenty of raw energy.
9. Amble
Irish folk trio Amble offer something a little more stripped-back than Dermot Kennedy, but their storytelling and acoustic sound make them a natural fit for his fans. The band have built a loyal following through gentle melodies, warm harmonies and songs that feel genuinely personal. Tracks like Mariner Boy
, Lonely Island
and Mary's Pub
show their talent for traditional folk-inspired songwriting without making it feel old-fashioned.
10. David Kushner
David Kushner brings a darker edge to the acoustic pop sound, with his deep, distinctive voice setting him apart from many contemporary singer-songwriters. His breakout hit Daylight
introduced millions of listeners to his dramatic style, while Miserable Man
and Mr. Forgettable
reveal a more intimate side. Like Dermot Kennedy, Kushner knows how to build a song from a quiet opening into a powerful chorus.
Final Verdict
Dermot Kennedy has carved out a sound that's difficult to copy, but there's no shortage of artists making music that will appeal to his fans. Whether it's the gravelly vocals of Tom Walker and James Gillespie, the Irish folk influences of Kingfishr and Amble, or the big choruses of Lewis Capaldi and Cian Ducrot, there's plenty here worth checking out.
For the closest match to Kennedy's overall sound, Tom Walker is probably the best place to start, while Kingfishr offer something particularly appealing for fans of his Irish roots. Noah Kahan and Sam Fender are also worth exploring if you're looking to branch out a little without moving too far away from the songwriting that made Kennedy so popular in the first place.
And with all ten artists bringing something different to the table, there's a good chance you'll find a few new favourites along the way.
READ MORE | 10 Essential Dermot Kennedy Songs
Photo Credit: Dermot Kennedy performing at Southside Festival 2022. Photo: Fred Gasch (Mr. Rossi) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0.
