Top 5 Artists Like Dermot Kennedy (Singer-Songwriter & Emotional Pop Alternatives)
TL;DR: The top artists similar to Dermot Kennedy are Tom Walker, Lewis Capaldi, Dean Lewis, James Bay, and Hozier.
Dermot Kennedy is known for his raw vocal delivery, poetic songwriting, and blend of acoustic folk with modern pop production. If you're looking for artists like Dermot Kennedy, these five artists share his emotional intensity, stripped-back instrumentation, and powerful vocal-driven storytelling.
Quick List: 5 Artists Like Dermot Kennedy
- Tom Walker -- soulful, anthemic pop with raw vocals
- Lewis Capaldi -- emotional piano ballads with powerful delivery
- Dean Lewis -- introspective breakup - driven songwriting
- James Bay -- blues - influenced pop with expressive vocals
- Hozier -- poetic, soulful indie folk with depth
1. Tom Walker
Tom Walker closely mirrors Dermot Kennedy’s balance between acoustic intimacy and arena-ready choruses.
Sound Profile:
- raspy, soulful vocal tone
- piano and acoustic-driven production
- anthemic pop structures
Why It's Similar to Dermot Kennedy:
Walker shares Kennedy’s emotional vocal delivery and ability to scale from quiet verses to explosive choruses. Both artists focus on deeply personal lyrics paired with accessible pop arrangements.
Notable Songs:
- Leave a Light On
- Just You and I
- Better Half of Me
2. Lewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi leans further into piano ballads but shares a similar emotional core with Dermot Kennedy.
Sound Profile:
- piano-led arrangements
- powerful, strained vocal delivery
- minimal production emphasis
Why It's Similar to Dermot Kennedy:
Capaldi and Kennedy both rely heavily on vocal emotion and lyrical vulnerability. While Capaldi’s production is simpler, the emotional weight and direct storytelling align closely with Kennedy’s style.
Notable Songs:
- Someone You Loved
- Before You Go
- Bruises
3. Dean Lewis
Dean Lewis offers a more intimate, diary-like version of the same emotional songwriting approach.
Sound Profile:
- soft acoustic instrumentation
- conversational vocal tone
- melancholic lyric themes
Why It's Similar to Dermot Kennedy:
Lewis shares Kennedy’s focus on heartbreak and introspection, often using minimal production to highlight lyrics. Both artists connect through honesty and vulnerability rather than complex arrangements.
Notable Songs:
- Be Alright
- Waves
- Stay Awake
4. James Bay
James Bay blends folk, blues, and pop in a way that overlaps with Dermot Kennedy’s hybrid style.
Sound Profile:
- guitar-driven arrangements
- expressive, dynamic vocals
- pop-influenced songwriting
Why It's Similar to Dermot Kennedy:
Bay’s early work especially aligns with Kennedy’s acoustic roots and emotional delivery. Both artists combine traditional singer-songwriter elements with modern pop sensibilities.
Notable Songs:
- Let It Go
- Hold Back the River
- Scars
5. Hozier
Hozier represents a more poetic and atmospheric extension of Dermot Kennedy’s style.
Sound Profile:
- soulful, gospel-influenced vocals
- atmospheric indie folk production
- poetic and metaphor-driven lyrics
Why It's Similar to Dermot Kennedy:
Hozier shares Kennedy’s Irish roots and emphasis on lyrical depth. While Hozier leans more toward soul and blues influences, both artists create emotionally rich, vocally driven music with strong storytelling.
Notable Songs:
- Take Me to Church
- Cherry Wine (Live)
- From Eden
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Artist | Primary Genre | Mood | Vocal Style | Closest Era/Album of Dermot Kennedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Walker | Pop | Inspirational | Raspy soulful vocals | Without Fear era |
| Lewis Capaldi | Piano Pop | Melancholic | Powerful strained vocals | Ballad-heavy era |
| Dean Lewis | Pop | Reflective | Soft intimate vocals | Acoustic-driven tracks |
| James Bay | Pop Rock | Warm | Expressive vocal delivery | Early acoustic era |
| Hozier | Indie Folk | Atmospheric | Soulful baritone | Poetic, stripped era |
What These Artists Have in Common
- Emotionally driven vocal performances
- Blend of acoustic and modern pop production
- Focus on personal and introspective lyrics
- Dynamic builds from quiet verses to powerful choruses
Subtle Differences to Note
Listening Path: Where to Start
- Start with -- “Leave a Light On” by Tom Walker -- closest match in vocal tone and structure
- Then try -- “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi -- stripped-back emotional ballad
- Go deeper -- “Be Alright” by Dean Lewis -- intimate storytelling focus
- For something different -- “Take Me to Church” by Hozier -- more atmospheric and soulful
- Deep cut -- “Hold Back the River” by James Bay -- acoustic roots with dynamic build
More Similar Artists
- Gavin James
- Rhys Lewis
- Calum Scott
- Benjamin Francis Leftwich
- Matt Corby
- JP Cooper
FAQ: Artists Like Dermot Kennedy
Who sounds most like Dermot Kennedy?
Tom Walker is often considered the closest match due to his similar vocal tone and anthemic songwriting style.
What genre is Dermot Kennedy similar to?
He blends singer-songwriter, folk pop, and modern pop with emotional, acoustic-driven production.
Are there singer-songwriter artists like Dermot Kennedy?
Yes, artists like Dean Lewis and James Bay share similar acoustic foundations and introspective lyrics.
What are lesser-known artists like Dermot Kennedy?
Rhys Lewis and Gavin James offer similar emotional songwriting with less mainstream exposure.
Is Hozier similar to Dermot Kennedy?
Yes, Hozier shares similar lyrical depth and emotional tone, though his music leans more toward soul and blues influences.
What new artists sound like Dermot Kennedy in 2026?
New singer-songwriter artists continue blending acoustic instrumentation with modern pop production and emotionally direct lyrics, expanding on the style Kennedy helped popularize.
How We Chose These Artists
These artists were selected based on vocal style, emotional delivery, production approach, and lyrical themes. Strong overlap in singer-songwriter and pop-folk genres, along with audience crossover, informed the selections.
Last updated: 2026-04-02