In the increasingly genre-fluid world of pop music, Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy mixes hip-hop and R&B influences into his songs, but he also throws back to guitar-slinging performers like Damien Rice, Glen Hansard and U2, all hailing from his home country. Kennedy broke out internationally in 2019 with his hit single “Outnumbered,” joining previous international hits “Lost” and “Power Over Me,” and he released his full-length debut album in October. Kennedy got his start as part of Ireland’s thriving busking tradition, before releasing singles online and touring the world.
And while Kennedy’s music may feature slick production from pop hitmakers like Mike Dean and Starsmith, he still puts as much personality and heart into his music as he did when performing for change from passersby on city streets. “I want my fans to feel something real for a certain amount of time, to take a step out of everyday life and feel something authentic and real and deep,” he recently told San Diego Citybeat. “I think that’s what my favorite music has done for me and I’d like to do that for them.”
The Pearl at Palms, 8 p.m. Feb. 7, starting at $35 plus tax and fee. 702.944.3200
