Belfast’s celebrated singer-songwriter and acclaimed producer, Gareth Dunlop, is set to unveil his highly anticipated third studio album, ‘Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know’ and next single ‘Just In Case’ under the banner of Zenith Cafe. The album, scheduled for release on June 14th, promises to capture attention with its emotive storytelling and dynamic arrangements, highlighted by the next single ‘Just In Case’. Adding to the excitement, Dunlop will grace the stage alongside Irish troubadour Damien Dempsey at the iconic Iveagh Gardens in Dublin on July 20th.
‘Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know’, invites listeners into the warm embrace of home—the cherished moments with loved ones and the nostalgic echoes of days gone by. Departing in sound from his previous works, Dunlop elevates his narratives with a full band, rich production, and thrilling performances. Each track offers a glimpse of personal reflections; from the communal solace depicted in the opening single ‘Church’, to the serene respite found in the closer ‘All We’ll Ever Need’, the album ultimately emphasises the importance of cherishing what truly matters in life.
The record continues to explore themes of nostalgia in ‘Back Yard’, the aftermath of misplaced trust in ‘Naive’, and the uplifting anthem ‘I Don’t Feel You’. From the wistful musings of ‘The Rest of Ever’ to the empowering anthem of resilience in ‘Go Down Swinging’, Dunlop navigates the complexities of emotion with poignancy and depth, ultimately emphasising the importance of cherishing what truly matters in life.
Written during a period of intense creativity, ‘Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know’ was born amidst Dunlop’s journey through Americana festivals, songwriting sessions in Nashville, and tours alongside notable artists such as Lucy Spraggan, Foy Vance, and Bonnie Raitt, as well as contributing songs to the upcoming feature documentary about American author William Faulkner. Amidst these whirlwind experiences, Dunlop aimed to reconnect with his own voice and found himself longing to hit the pause button. Dunlop defies expectations with ‘Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know’, as it blends cinematic grandeur with intimate vulnerability.
Speaking on the record, Gareth notes that, “On ‘Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know’, I wanted to explore how those everyday sights and occurrences can send you flying back in time—the daydreams and the thoughts about the future. I feel like we have limited time here on Earth, and we should make the most of it.”
A musical journey that has been nothing short of extraordinary, Dunlop’s talent has been endorsed by a remarkable list of legendary artists that he has had the chance to perform with, earning support slots with Van Morrison, Snow Patrol, James Morrison, Stereophonics, Bonnie Raitt, Foy Vance, and Jeff Beck, among others. With a dedicated following of over 90,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, his prowess as an artist continues to enthral audiences worldwide. Notably, his track ‘Wrap Your Arms Around Me’ stands as a testament to this, amassing almost 5 million streams.
Dunlop’s previous releases have become a soundtrack to life, featuring on both the big and small screens. His songs have found their way into the hit TV series ‘Nashville’, among other popular shows such as ‘Lucifer’, ‘This Is Us’, ‘Bones’, and ‘Suits’. In addition to TV, his work has been a part of major motion pictures like ‘The Best of Me’, ‘Safe Haven’, and ‘The Visitor’, as well as gracing TV commercials for Disney and Subaru, solidifying his status as a versatile and in-demand artist. His debut album, ‘No. 79’, captured the hearts of listeners with its raw fusion of folk and soul, even securing an Album of the Week slot on the RTE1, while ‘Animal’, his sophomore album, showcased a vibrant blend of synth-pop influences, reflecting his evolving musical style.
Inspired by the likes of Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Tom Waits, and Pink Floyd, Dunlop’s journey commenced at 14, as he strummed his guitar and shared his melodies across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and the UK. His exceptional talent was recognised with the Young Songwriter of the Year award in Belfast in 2011, catapulting him into the international music scene and leading to collaborations with esteemed songwriters in Nashville.
As the curtain rises on 2024, the stage is set for an unparalleled chapter for this celebrated synth-pop artist.
Tracklist:
Church
For The Rest Of Ever
Go Down Swinging
Just In Case
Back Yard
Every Little Inch
Small Talk
I Don’t Feel You
Naive
All We’ll Ever Need
Gareth Dunlop
Listen to Gareth Dunlop on Spotify. Artist · 110.4K monthly listeners.
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