Cian Ducrot’s rise to fame is nothing short of a triumph, a story woven with threads of resilience, raw talent, and an unbreakable bond with his family, particularly his superhero mother.
His debut album, Victory, isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a testament to overcoming a turbulent childhood, finding salvation in music, and emerging victorious against all odds.
In this deep dive, we explore Cian’s journey, his collaborations with global icons like Ed Sheeran and SZA, and the profound influence of his mother, who carried her family through unimaginable challenges.
A Bold Debut: The Making of Victory
Naming your first album Victory might raise eyebrows, but for Cian Ducrot, it’s a declaration of survival and success. The French-Irish musician has not only shared stages with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Dermot Kennedy, and The Jonas Brothers but has also turned personal pain into poignant art. The album’s title track, a raw and emotional opener, lays bare the scars of a childhood marked by trauma, with lyrics that resonate deeply: “Ever since I was a little kid, I was never a favourite / But I dreamt of growing up and maybe one day I’d change it.”
“This album represents the victory of self-belief, the victory of everyone around me who I love and who loved me back,” Cian shared in a heartfelt message to his fans.
Cian’s ability to channel his experiences into music is what sets him apart. The 14 tracks on Victory were written with intention, a rare feat in an industry where artists often churn out hundreds of songs to find the right ones. Inspired by a run fueled by Eminem’s intensity, Cian crafted the title track in a seven-hour studio session, pouring his heart into every note.
A Childhood Forged in Resilience
Cian’s story begins in Cork, Ireland, where he was raised by his French mother, a concert pianist and flautist, after a painful family split. The absence of his father, whose surname Cian no longer carries, left a void but also forged an unbreakable bond between Cian, his mother, and his brother. Their home was a battleground of court cases and therapy sessions, a reality that could have broken them but instead fueled their determination.
His mother, whom Cian describes as a “superhero,” navigated a patriarchal system that offered little support to a single, foreign mother. “How did you do it?” Cian once asked her, marveling at her strength in raising two boys with no money. Her response was simple yet profound: “I had no choice, so I figured it out.” These words became Cian’s mantra, guiding him through his own struggles as he pursued a career in music.
“My Mum always managed to make life beautiful and meaningful, even in the darkest times,” Cian reflects.
Music was their salvation. Cian’s mother played piano every night, her melodies lulling him to sleep and sparking his own love for music. From covering Guns N’ Roses in bands to discovering Eminem’s raw lyricism, Cian found solace in sound. Eminem, in particular, resonated with him, offering a voice to the pain of a difficult upbringing. “His lyrics made me feel not alone,” Cian says, a sentiment that echoes in his own work.
From Busking to Blockbusters: Cian’s Rise
Cian’s journey from busking in Cork to performing at London’s O2 Arena with Ed Sheeran is the stuff of dreams. His first big break came when Sheeran handpicked him as a support act for shows in Manchester, London, Glasgow, Dublin, and Paris. “The first song I learned on guitar was Ed’s ‘Small Bump,’” Cian recalls, still in awe of sharing hugs and advice with his idol. Sheeran’s down-to-earth nature and work ethic left a lasting impression, teaching Cian the value of staying grounded amidst stardom.
Another pivotal moment came when Cian opened for Dermot Kennedy at Thomond Park in Limerick. Observing Kennedy’s calm control and relentless drive, Cian learned that success is built “record by record, show by show.” These experiences prepared him for the surreal moment of performing with The Jonas Brothers “‘Why am I onstage with them?’ I thought,” Cian laughs, recalling their Royal Albert Hall collaboration. “It still blows my mind.”
Collaborations with Pop Royalty
Cian’s talent extends beyond performing. His co-writing and production on Lauren Spencer-Smith’s hit “Flowers” showcased his ability to craft power ballads that resonate globally. But perhaps the most surreal moment came when SZA slid into his DMs, inviting him to collaborate on her album SOS. “I was in the toilets at Soho House when I saw her message,” Cian chuckles. “I was like, ‘I’ll be there tomorrow!’”
Working with SZA in Los Angeles was a dream come true. “She told me she was a fan and had watched all my videos,” Cian says, still pinching himself. The song they wrote together is slated for the deluxe version of SOS, cementing Cian’s place among pop’s elite.
The Power of Authenticity
Cian’s authenticity is his superpower. His brief stint on The Voice UK taught him the importance of staying true to himself. After a disastrous performance of a Maroon 5 song, he sang an acoustic piece at Will.i.am’s urging, earning a standing ovation. “It taught me to follow my own instincts,” he says, a lesson that shines through in Victory’s raw honesty.
Songs like “Part Of Me,” dedicated to his late friend Philly, who died by suicide, showcase Cian’s ability to confront heavy topics with grace. “Philly was the brightest star in the room,” he says, his voice heavy with emotion. The song is a haunting tribute, reflecting the complex grief of losing someone to mental health struggles.
Looking Forward: Electric Picnic and Beyond
As Cian prepares for his return to Electric Picnic, he’s riding high on the success of singles like “All For You” and “I’ll Be Waiting,” which have topped charts across Europe. His first Electric Picnic performance, where thousands sang his lyrics back to him, was a stark contrast to earlier gigs with sparse crowds. “I can’t wait to see what happens this time,” he beams.
Despite his rising fame, Cian remains grounded, inspired by his mother’s resilience and his own dreams of fatherhood. “Being a father will be the most special feeling,” he says, his eyes lighting up at the thought of his brother’s newborn son, named after their late grandfather.
Confronting a Toxic World
Cian’s optimism is tempered by frustration with the toxic corners of social media. He’s vocal about his disdain for figures like Andrew Tate, whose misogynistic rhetoric he finds infuriating. “Who’s raising these people?” he asks, appalled by the support for such views. His girlfriend’s experience with online harassment further highlights the pervasive issue of misogyny, even among women.
Yet, Cian remains hopeful, driven by a belief in goodness and the power of music to heal. His love for icons like Britney Spears, whose “Hit Me Baby One More Time” he calls a masterpiece, reflects his appreciation for pop’s ability to connect and inspire.
Conclusion: A Victory for the Ages
Cian Ducrot’s Victory is more than an album—it’s a narrative of survival, love, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her sons. His mother’s strength, his own resilience, and the music that saved them have propelled him from the streets of Cork to the world’s biggest stages. As he continues to collaborate with icons and captivate audiences, Cian’s story reminds us that true victory lies in staying true to yourself, no matter the odds.
For fans eager to dive deeper, check out Cian’s full letter to his fans on Instagram, and catch him live at Electric Picnic 2025 for what promises to be another unforgettable moment.
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