Testing Dermot Kennedy's Music Knowledge

About this episode

Dermot Kennedy discusses his music influences and early career with host Jack Coyne.

Today on Track Star*, we are joined by Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy. Known for his passionate live performances and poetic lyrics, Kennedy often draws inspiration from folk traditions, hip-hop rhythms, and heartfelt narratives. In this episode, Jack and Dermot talk about Dermot’s music influences citing hip hop legends such as 50 Cent and J. Cole, as well as the introspective songwriting of Tracy Chapman and Bon Iver. The two revisit timeless classics and reminisce about Dermot’s early busking days in Ireland, gaining a deeper look at the moments and inspirations that helped guide his path as an artist.

People in this episode

Host: Jack Coyne

Guest: Dermot Kennedy

Topics covered

• music influences
• live performances
• songwriting
• busking
• hip hop
• folk traditions

Keywords

• Dermot Kennedy
• music influences
• hip hop
• folk
• songwriting
• busking
• Ireland

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Ireland

More episodes of The Track Star Podcast

• Andrew Watt Teaches Us How to Produce a Hit Song · June 10, 2026 · 36 min
• Testing Death Cab for Cutie's Music Knowledge · June 8, 2026 · 20 min
• NY Times Critics Unpack Their Controversial Songwriters List · June 3, 2026 · 51 min
• Testing Eric André's Music Knowledge · June 1, 2026 · 7 min
• Testing Taj Mahal's Music Knowledge · May 20, 2026 · 22 min
• Testing Shania Twain's Music Knowledge · May 18, 2026 · 10 min