Performing live at the Youtube Theater, is none other than Irish singer-songwriter, Dermot Kennedy. THANK GOD. Contained in this blog post are my thoughts and observations.
Dermot took the stage with his band, made up of a drummer, bassist, keys and backup vocals, and took the night on headfirst. Each member played their hearts out while blending seamlessly together in a cohesive unit. It was beautiful seeing them as one unit, and this is my thinking just a few minutes in, we haven’t even gotten to the best parts yet.
If you are learning about Dermot Kennedy right now, let me inform you about his most recent album, Sonder. Let me also inform you that you must pause here and put it on right now. Then continue.
Kennedy’s band played a long intro with vibrant colors of feeling on the stage before he came on. Dressed in a black jacket and white t-shirt, he started the show with “Blossom” and transitioned to “Power Over Me”, two back to back certified bangers. The lighting was simple yet thoughtful, fitting. He had a vertical back row of lights that lit him dramatically from behind. His visuals were understated, using the dark and light to fill the room with emotion. Highlighting his voice and complimenting the music was the achieved goal. Creating an extra dimension to the experience.
Throughout the show, I kept having this recurring thought – He enjoys this. He has fun performing and he’s real, he’s honest. This is a beautiful experience. His talent, authenticity, and soul pour across the stage and into each person.
It was a soulful experience felt on a physical and emotional level.
He told us the story behind “Innocence and Sadness”. Now his vocals are even more impressive after knowing more about the recording process. He ended up recording it in one take due to some logistical challenges and you can really hear it in the song. It adds a rawness and vulnerableness as another layer to the already vulnerable song.
His keyboard said “we want this to be good.” Simple enough. His set reflects that simplicity. A few screens, a few lights, a whole lot of voice. His set complimented his voice and his songs, it didn’t compete with it. It didn’t take one second of my attention away from him and his lustrous voice.
I love concerts where I have an out of body experience. I really want to soak up every moment and every feeling and I zoom way out to see the whole scene. The wholeness of the crowd, the attention zoned in on the performer, the vibes flowing through the place. It’s beautiful. It’s magic. I had that with Dermot. He gave us that environment. He was raw and true and gave us his all. What a massive shift of energy into such a positive space. Mood booster for at least 2 months. I’m including some videos on my Instagram. I was so fucking excited about hearing “Better Days” that my video is chaotic but I am still including it because that song has such a deep emotional tie to me. I was so depressed and in such darkness when Sonder was released. “Better Days” gave me a hope I could barely muster at that point. Better days are coming for us. All of us. I am so grateful I had this song to get me through my darkness.
“I see the beauty that you can’t see,” is so true for people in love. I can see you for all that you are and I see your exceptional qualities and I love all that you are and can be. I help keep you on track to your true self sometimes because I remember the best things you’ve wanted for yourself and for this world and I remind you when reality has made you forget what you deeply desire.
And of course, my hyperfixation song of the moment, “Moments Passed,” was stunning live. My soul was so fully in the music that I honestly don’t remember much about what else to describe because I was not an observer of that song, I was in the song. “Moments Passed” is going to get me through the whole summer and the rest of my life.
This man is a whole star, I am anticipating his future growth and can’t wait to see him shine even more. By the way, I have listened to nothing else besides Dermot since his show, that was 4 days ago. Nothing. Else.
Although this is a few years dated, he was on Tiny Desk, and we know we always love a Tiny Desk, so please enjoy. I have so much respect for this man after every thing I see him do. He has just put his head down and focused on singing and growing and it fucking shows. Mad respect.
The Hub Hayley 