Damien Rice (born December 7, 1973) is an Irish singer-songwriter. He was born in Dublin, Ireland and was raised in Celbridge, County Kildare, Ireland. In March 1999 Damien moved to Tuscany, then travelled around Europe, busking the streets. He arrived back in Dublin a year later. Damien started playing and recording music with his first band, Juniper. After a few years he decided creatively it was not for him so he left the band to start a solo career.

He recorded a demo and sent it off to his cousin, renowned producer and film composer, David Arnold (Bjork, James Bond). Arnold liked what he heard and provided enough money for Damien to buy his own mobile studio.

There’s something magical about music and the simple fact that it’s a vibration of air. It’s sort of magical if you vibrate the air in a certain way, people are pleased by it.

Damien Rice formerly sang with Lisa Hannigan and released his debut solo album, O, in Ireland in early 2002. In July 2002 O was released in the UK and it received widespread critical acclaim. In June 2003 O was released in the USA and Europe, with Rice appearing on The Letterman Show and receiving more acclaim from publications such as Rolling Stone, Newsweek and The Boston Globe.