An Irish troubadour for the modern era, Damien Dempsey brings light to the contemporary and timeless character of his country. A former boxer from North Dublin, he was schooled in the work of balladeers like Christy Moore and Luke Kelly, but his empathetic, erudite style is equally informed by the wordplay of The Notorious B.I.G. While building on tradition, he addresses Ireland's current issues. Like that of his idol, Bob Marley, Dempsey's music sometimes stings, but it always rests on a message of hope.