Renowned pop artist Gareth Dunlop returns with his latest offering, the emboldening single ‘Go Down Swinging’, via Zenith Cafe. The track is another incredible preview into the Belfast musician’s highly anticipated third album, ‘Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know’. During the release of this pivotal album, Dunlop will be on his UK headline tour, with a final show supporting Irish troubadour Damien Dempsey at the Iveagh Gardens, Dublin (July 20th).
Crafted as a heartfelt message to Dunlop’s beloved daughter, Joanie, ‘Go Down Swinging’ is a beacon of guidance, urging her to confront life’s challenges head-on. Dunlop’s velvety vocals cascade over a tapestry of synth-driven melodies, channelling a blend of infectious energy and heartfelt sincerity, resulting in a strength-inspiring pop song that repeats in the mind long after listening. (Fans will remember ‘Look Back Smiling’, the gorgeous 2022 single dedicated to his son struggling to cope with the uncertainty and tumult during COVID-19).
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the release, Gareth shares, “I wrote ‘Go Down Swinging’ for my daughter (Joanie)… She’d taken a knock to her confidence, and I wanted to write her something. I wanted her to have a song that told her exactly how I see her and something that empowers her to always stand her ground and never turn a blind eye to who she is.”
Listen to ‘Go Down Swinging’ – BELOW:
10-year-old Joanie is the star of the 80’s 80-inspired official music video for ‘Go Down Swinging’ before its premiere on April 12th. She reflects, “I was a bit nervous at first because I haven’t been in a music video where I am the star, but it was so much fun getting to dress up and go crazy on the stage. Dad and his band were being really funny and they did a really good job as well.”
This Third album was written during an intensely busy time for Dunlop, between tour dates with Foy Vance, Josh Turner, and Bonnie Raitt, performing at numerous showcases across the globe, songwriting sessions in Nashville, as well as contributing songs to the upcoming feature documentary about American author William Faulkner. Amidst these whirlwind experiences, Dunlop and his band (also collaborative producers of the record) locked themselves into the studio to produce the cinematic grandeur that is ‘Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know’; A blend of intimate vulnerability and inspirational synth-pop strength.
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, including Van Morrison, Snow Patrol, James Morrison, Stereophonics, Bonnie Raitt, Foy Vance, and Jeff Beck, among many others. With a growing following of over 130,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, his prowess as an artist continues to enthral audiences worldwide. His track ‘Wrap Your Arms Around Me’ is a testament to this, amassing almost 5 million streams.
Dunlop’s previous releases have featured 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. In contrast ‘Animal’, his sophomore album, showcased a vibrant blend of synth-pop influences, reflecting his evolving musical style.
Inspired by Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Tom Waits, and Pink Floyd, Dunlop’s journey began at 14, when 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 in 2024, the stage is set for an unparalleled chapter for this celebrated synth-pop artist.
Live Dates [Crosstown Concerts]
June 12th – EBGBs, Liverpool – Headline Show
June 13th – Flapper, Birmingham – Headline Show
June 14th – Crofters Rights, Bristol – Headline Show
June 15th – The Lower Third, London – Headline Show
June 18th – Hallamshire Hotel, Sheffield – Headline Show
June 19th – Gullivers, Manchester – Headline Show
June 20th – Cluny 2, Newcastle – Headline Show
June 22nd – Nice’N’Sleazy, Glasgow – Headline Show
June 28th – Limelight, Belfast – Headline Show
July 20th – Iveagh Gardens, Dublin – Supporting Damien Dempsey
GARETH DUNLOP
LIMELIGHT, BELFAST
FRIDAY, 28 JUNE 2024
TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 10 am
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