Dermot Kennedy announces new album The Weight of the Woods and shares lead single

Ahead of his massive run of arena dates this summer – including two shows at Dublin's Aviva Stadium – Dermot Kennedy has announced his eagerly awaited third album, The Weight of the Woods. The project is set to be released on March 27, via Island/Interscope Records.

To coincide with the news, the multi-platinum-selling artist has shared the album's lead single, 'Funeral', alongside a new music video, directed by Charlie Sarsfield, and starring Charlie Rowe.

The Weight of the Woods is described as "the organic cultural intersection" between Ireland and Nashville – the latter being home to the album's producer, Gabe Simon, known for his work with the likes of Noah Kahan and Lana Del Rey.

In addition to collaborating in Gabe's studio in Nashville, the pair worked together in Ireland for six weeks, writing and recording in a studio down the road from Dermot's home.

The end result has been described as the Irish singer-songwriter's "most self-assured work to date, with deeply poetic lyrics and authentic musicality drawing inspiration, energy, and strength from his strong Irish roots."

“To me, the album is a beautiful homegrown thing with Irish instruments and an Irish story," he reflects. "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.”

The Weight of the Woods also finds Dermot taking somewhat of a stripped-back approach, as he embraces traditional folk textures and country influences.

“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," he says. "It’s where I’m the most comfortable. I wanted that element to be front-and-centre on this album.”

The album announcement comes ahead of the Dublin artist's largest headline tour to date, with a run of European and UK shows in May and June – before he returns home for two major shows at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on July 11 and July 12. North American dates are expected to be announced soon.

Dermot, alongside Noel Hogan & Mike Hogan of The Cranberries, have recently been added to the line-up for Hot Press's History in the Making: The Concert – a major, star-studded event that kicks off our 50th anniversary celebrations, taking place on Friday, February 6, at Dublin's 3Arena.

Watch the video for 'Funeral' below:

Dermot Kennedy's European and UK Headline Tour Dates:

• May 11 – Copenhagen, Denmark, Falkonersalen - SOLD OUT
• May 12 – Stockholm, Sweden, Annexet
• May 14 – Hamburg, Germany, Barclays Arena
• May 15 – Berlin, Germany, Max-Schmeling-Halle
• May 17 – Zurich, Switzerland, Halle 622
• May 18 – Paris, France, L'Olympia
• May 20 – Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Rockhal
• May 21 – Brussels, Belgium, Forest National
• May 23 – Munich, Germany, Zenith
• May 24 – Vienna, Austria, Gasometer
• May 26 – Dusseldorf, Germany, Mitsubishi Electric Halle
• May 27 – Amsterdam, Netherlands, AFAS Live
• May 29 – Glasgow, UK, OVO Hydro
• May 30 – Manchester, UK, AO Arena
• Jun 1 – Cardiff, UK, Utilita Arena
• Jun 2 – Leeds, UK, First Direct Bank Arena
• Jun 4 – Birmingham, UK, Utilita Arena
• Jun 5 – London, UK, The O2
• July 11 – Dublin, Ireland, Aviva Stadium - SOLD OUT
• July 12 – Dublin, Ireland, Aviva Stadium