Dermot Kennedy shares, 'Turnstile', our focus track from his recently released third album The Weight of the Woods.
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.”
Listen to ‘Turnstile’ on Red Devils Records.
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 six UK arena shows, including a return to London’s O2 on June 5. In July, Dermot returns home for two headline shows at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, the home of Irish Rugby.
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 Match in 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 6
