Multi-platinum singer/songwriter Dermot Kennedy today releases “Honest”, the third and final single to be revealed from his upcoming third album ‘The Weight of the Woods’, out April 3rd via Island Records. The single follows Dermot’s announcement for Radio 1’s Big Weekend in May and comes ahead of an intimate run of UK record shop outstores from March 23th to April 1st.
Largely written and recorded in a studio down the road from his home in rural Ireland together with close collaborator Gabe Simon [Noah Kahan, Lana Del Rey], alongside an enlightening spell together in Nashville, ‘The Weight of the Woods’ is Dermot’s most self-assured record to date. The poetry and music across these 14 tracks draw inspiration, energy, and strength from the country itself. “To me, the album is a beautiful homegrown thing with Irish instruments and an Irish story. There’s a forest behind my house, which is a haven for my sense of wonder. It’s a peaceful place where I can escape. I’ve entertained the idea of living somewhere else, but I don’t think I’d be happy anywhere else.”
With a refreshed approach to his songwriting and production, Dermot has peeled away the layers to let his stunning voice shine through brighter than ever; “If I get up in a pub with just a guitar or a piano, I’m certain that I can sing to a room full of people. It’s where I’m the most comfortable. I wanted that element to be front-and-center on this album.” The result is a thrilling blend of traditional folk textures, country authenticity, and soaring melodies that stay with you long after first listen.
The album release comes ahead of Dermot’s largest headline tour to date in May and June 2026. The landmark tour will see Dermot play bigger than ever venues across Europe before a run of 6 UK arena shows, including a return to London’s O2 on June 5th. In July, Dermot returns home for two headline shows at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, the home of Irish Rugby.
Known for his passionate and powerful live performances, Dermot has graced the stages of such iconic venues as London’s O2 and New York City’s Madison Square Garden. The shows will feature favorites spanning Dermot’s discography, along with material from ‘The Weight of the Woods’.
Other recent live events for Dermot include intimate, stripped back tours of Europe, the UK and North America, a special half-time performance at Soccer Aid Matchin Manchester, and an exciting bill with GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Zach Bryan at British Summer Time Festival, both in June. Dermot also supported Bryan in the U.S at Indiana’s famed Notre Dame Stadium on September 6th.
These announcements come hot on the heels of MISNEACH, a new annual global music festival conceived and curated by Dermot himself. The sold-out MISNEACH festival was held in Sydney, Australia and Boston, MA in March timed to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The joyous events successfully achieved the festival’s mission of spotlighting Ireland’s rich musical heritage and culture. The bill featured an array of both established and rising artists including The Frames, Matt Corby, Kneecap, Meg Mac, Amble, Sorcha Richardson, The Scratch, Susan O’Niell, Fynch, Cliffords Mick Flannery, Florence Road, The Swell Season, Ye Vagabonds, Nell Mescal and headline sets by Dermot.
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Photo credit – press photo
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