Damien Rice

Damien Rice is an Irish singer-songwriter from Celbridge, Ireland. He is known for work across alternative folk, alternative rock, contemporary folk, folk, folk rock and indie folk.

Career

Rice is born in 1973 and is raised in Celbridge, County Kildare, after being born in Dublin. He begins recording and performing with his first band, Juniper. After several years, he leaves the group because he feels the direction is not right for his own creative work. He then starts a solo career.

Before returning to Dublin, Rice spends time in Tuscany from March 1999 and travels around Europe, busking. On his return, he records a demo by borrowing money and sends it to David Arnold, a distant cousin in London who is known as a producer and film composer. Arnold responds positively and provides money for Rice to buy a mobile studio.

Solo releases

Rice releases his debut solo album, O, in Ireland in early 2002. It is released in the UK later that year and then in the United States and Europe in 2003. The album receives strong critical attention. Lisa Hannigan performs with him during this period.

His songs also reach wider audiences through film and television. “The Blower’s Daughter” appears in Closer, “Delicate” is used in Lost, and “9 Crimes” is included in the soundtrack of Shrek the Third.

Rice follows O with 9, released in Ireland in 2006 and in Europe and North America shortly after. The record continues his emphasis on emotional intensity, though it is also described as relying more on volume and force than the reflective writing associated with O.

Live work and style

Rice develops a reputation as an intense live performer, with performances that focus on emotional delivery and experimentation rather than technical precision. He is also known for selling out venues across Europe and the United States. In one 2005 concert he throws big cheeses out to the audience. He also expresses dislike for the 2004 UK radio remix of “Cannonball” and says he allows it only under a contract that prevents future remixes of his songs.

Collaborators and touring line-up

Rice works closely with Lisa Hannigan, though their professional relationship later ends. His touring band at that time includes Joel Shearer, Shane Fitzsimons, Tom Osander and Vyvienne Long.