FRIENDS & FAMILY: DERMOT KENNEDY

From sold-out arenas to quiet walks back home in Ireland, Dermot Kennedy approaches music, style and everyday life with the same grounded perspective. During NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, the singer-songwriter linked with Flight Club for the latest installment of Friends & Family — discussing storytelling through hip-hop, underrated sneaker collaborations, football culture and why the best footwear is built to move through life with you.

How would you describe the music you make?

I would say I make music for me and the people I love. I think if I do that, it serves my audience best. That’s the best thing I can do.

Flight Club: Who are some artists you’re listening to right now?

Top of the pile for me is probably J. Cole. I think Meek Mill is underrated in terms of up-and-coming artists. I love LaRussell. I love Ravyn Lenae too. My favorite thing to listen to is usually pretty different from what I’m making myself. I like to tell stories with lyrics, and I think hip-hop is the best genre for that.

What kind of sneakers fit your day-to-day life best?

If I’m at home, the main thing is walking the dog. So if sneakers work for that, then I like them. The pair I got recently was the North Face x Costantino collaboration with the wool on them. Those are beautiful.

Thoughts on football culture and the World Cup?

As long as Ireland’s actually in it, I don’t care what happens. The country will be delighted. I see a lot of footballers getting ready for the World Cup wearing certain sneakers and boots, and I don’t know if it’s a gimmick or not, but I’m a sucker for that stuff.

Is there a sneaker you regret missing out on?

What I never got was the Off-White x Nike Prestos. I always wanted those. I did get the VaporMax though. I remember buying them from a guy in Dublin selling shoes out of a barber shop, so even now I kind of question if they’re real or not. They fully may not be, but the Prestos are beautiful.

How would you describe your personal style?

Comfort’s important. I’d say comfortable, eclectic and maybe surprising. I make acoustic music, but I don’t try to dress like an acoustic singer-songwriter.

Favorite sneaker color combination?

Red and black. That’s what I’ll always go for. I did a charity soccer match recently and had to wear white and gold, and it was too flashy for me. Red and black is the way.

Are there pairs in your collection that mean something personally?

Yeah, definitely. There are certain pairs I really take care of. I got one pair as a gift from a friend of mine who used to play for the Chicago Bears. That one means a lot to me.

What’s the footwear silhouette you’ve worn the most in your life?

Football boots. Adidas makes the Copa Mundial, and I’ve probably worn those more than anything else. It’s funny though—if you wear that boot, it says something about the kind of player you are. It’s not the flashy, skillful player. It’s more like the enforcer.

What kind of collaborations inspire you most?

I love collaborations that involve actual artisans and craftsmanship. That North Face x Costantino project was a perfect example. I have this dream collaboration idea involving The North Face and traditional Irish Aran sweater makers—really authentic knitted Irish garments mixed with outdoor performance wear. I want everything in my life—rugged shoes included—to feel like it can actually go through life with me.