Dermot Kennedy Shares New Song 'Refuge'

Official Announcement | Published: Feb 22, 2026 10:22 AM EST

(BT PR) Dermot Kennedy releases "Refuge," the second single from his forthcoming anticipated third studio album The Weight of the Woods, out March 27th via Interscope Records. The anthemic, passionate track follows lead single "Funeral".

Backed by gentle acoustic guitar, "Refuge" represents a tender moment of reflection and introspection before taking flight on the refrain, "Say I'm invincible, it's all a lie 'cause darling I'm shaking tonight, chasing a dream, but I'm tired. If we never make it, at least we can say we died trying."

The Weight of the Woods was largely written and recorded in a studio down the road from Dermot's home in rural Ireland, together with close collaborator and producer Gabe Simon (Noah Kahan, Lana Del Rey). The two also recorded portions of the record together in Nashville.

Speaking about "Refuge" Dermot explains, "I like the 'died trying' lyric, because it reminds me of 50 Cent's 'Get Rich or Die Tryin.' On stage, I'll feel supremely confident...Nobody can shake me. I think the people who are close to me will view me as solid and strong, but it's not always the case. Gabe brought the vulnerability out of me. Instead of asking what I wanted to write about, he took my notebook and started reading it. All of my feelings were on display."

Rolling Stone spoke to both Kennedy and Simon about the making of the new album - read the story HERE. The piece notes, "He (Dermot) wants to go dark and he wants to break your f*#!# heart - and he does it," Simon says, remembering a night when Kennedy brought the Ryman Auditorium to tears with just a guitar and his voice. "He also wants to leave you not standing there alone but leaning against someone crying. He wants to leave you holding your friend's hand as you walk out. He wants to leave you with hope and love as much as he wants to devastate you. That's what we need right now."

With a refreshed approach to his songwriting and production, Dermot has peeled away the layers to let his stunning voice shine through brighter than ever. The result is a thrilling blend of traditional folk textures, country-influenced authenticity, and soaring melodies that stay with you long after first listen. The poetry and music across the 14 new tracks draw inspiration, energy, and strength from Ireland itself. Dermot says, "To me, the album is a beautiful homegrown thing with Irish instruments and an Irish story. 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."

Known for his passionate and powerful live performances, Kennedy has graced the stages of such iconic venues as London's O2 and New York City's Madison Square Garden. In May and June, he headlines his largest tour to date across Europe before a run of six UK arena shows, including a return to London's O2 on June 5th. In July, Dermot returns home for two headline shows at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, the home of Irish Rugby. North American dates will be announced soon.

Other recent live events for Dermot include intimate, stripped back tours of Europe, the UK and North America, a special half-time performance at Soccer Aid Match in Manchester, and memorable shows with GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Zach Bryan at London's British Summer Time Festival and Indiana's famed Notre Dame Stadium. Dermot also launched MISNEACH, a new annual global music festival conceived and curated by Dermot himself, celebrating Ireland's rich musical heritage and culture.