The London, England-based Dempsey took his grandfather’s name for his recording moniker. Originally from California, McIntire laid the foundations for his future in the music capitals of America (Texas, New York City and Tennessee), before relocating to London. His self-titled debut as Dempsey, released in June 2002 by Output Recordings, demonstrated a ragbag of musical influences, notably Bob Dylan and Beck. Dempsey opened with the amusingly titled ‘ODB On The Run’, which chronicles the experiences of Wu-Tang Clan maverick Ol’ Dirty Bastard on the run from the police. The album was spread over two CDs. The first, Sunset, produced and mixed by Kieran Hebden of Four Tet and Fridge, fashioned a tripped-out acid rock sound to complement McIntire’s lazy lyrical delivery. The second CD, Sunrise, mixed by Output’s founder Trevor Jackson, created a more spacey psychedelic feel using various electronic elements. Dempsey promoted the album by supporting the Libertines on their UK tour and Trash Palace in Europe, helping to open up his melancholic music to a different audience.