The debut studio album O reached number eight on the UK Albums Chart and remained on the list for 97 weeks. Released in 2002, this collection of songs established the Dublin-born musician as a significant figure in contemporary pop and folk, securing the Shortlist Music Prize in 2003 while selling over 650,000 copies in the United States alone.
Early Career and Juniper
Born on 7 December 1973 to George and Maureen Rice, Damien Rice attended Salesian College in Celbridge, County Kildare. In 1991, he formed the rock group Juniper alongside schoolmates Paul Noonan, Dominic Philips, David Geraghty, and Brian Crosby. Based in Straffan, the ensemble signed a six-album contract with PolyGram Records. They released the EP Manna in 1995 and saw moderate success with singles such as Weatherman and The World is Dead. Frustrated by the artistic constraints imposed by the label, Rice departed the group in 1998, leaving his bandmates to eventually reorganize as Bell X1.
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Following his departure from Juniper, Rice relocated to Tuscany, Italy, to pursue farming. He later traveled throughout Europe as a street artist. Upon returning to Italy, he provided a demo to his second cousin, the composer David Arnold, who supplied him with a mobile recording studio. Back in Ireland, Rice began collaborating with a diverse group of musicians, including guitarist Mark Kelly, percussionist Tom Osander, pianist Jean Meunier, cellist Vyvienne Long, bassist Shane Fitzsimons, and vocalist Lisa Hannigan, to record his solo debut.
Expansion and Activism
The release of O in 2002 was followed by his second studio album, 9, in 2006. During this period, Rice integrated social and political advocacy into his professional life, participating in the Freedom Campaign to support Aung San Suu Kyi. He performed Unplayed Piano at the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo. Later, he contributed to various charitable efforts, including the Songs for Tibet project in 2008 and the Enough Project in 2010. His musical output continued with collaborations, such as his work on the 2011 debut album by Melanie Laurent.
Recent Projects
After an eight-year interval involving various collaborative endeavors, Rice announced his third studio album, My Favourite Faded Fantasy, in 2014. The record featured the single I Don't Want To Change You and earned critical attention upon its release in November. In 2020, he contributed a cover of Sia’s Chandelier to the Songs for Australia benefit album, continuing his trajectory of studio recordings and performances.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 December 1973, Dublin, Ireland
- Education: Salesian College Celbridge
- Debut Album: O (2002)
- Significant Award: Shortlist Music Prize (2003)
- Former Band: Juniper
- Key Collaborator: David Arnold
- Charity Involvement: Enough Project
- Notable Single: The Blower's Daughter
Questions readers ask
What happened to the band Juniper?
After Damien Rice left in 1998 due to artistic disagreements with their record label, the remaining members continued to perform under the name Bell X1.
Which albums has Damien Rice released?
His studio discography includes O (2002), 9 (2006), and My Favourite Faded Fantasy (2014).
Achievements
- Shortlist Music Prize — 2003
- Instruments: guitar and voice
- Genres: folk music and folk rock
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