Damien Rice

About Damien Rice

In the ’90s, Damien Rice—then going by the name Dodi Ma—sang for the Irish band Juniper, which later evolved into Bell X1 after he left over creative disagreements. ∙ Following his departure from Juniper, Rice busked around Europe and also tried his hand at farming in Tuscany. ∙ He recorded his debut album, 2002’s O, on mobile studio equipment bought by his second cousin, noted James Bond film composer David Arnold. ∙ To ensure complete creative control, Rice originally self-released O on his own label. ∙ In December 2011, British The X Factor winners Little Mix took a cover of Rice’s song “Cannonball” to No. 1 in the UK. ∙ Rice continued to busk even after his career took off and has been spotted singing on sidewalks with Glen Hansard and U2’s Bono.