The incredible singer-songwriter, accomplished producer, and Belfast’s own, Gareth Dunlop is set to release his latest breathtaking single, ‘Church’, scheduled for Friday, January 5th, via Zenith Cafe. Alongside this much-awaited release, comes the announcement of his highly-anticipated third album, ‘Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know’, set for early summer next year. As the curtain rises on 2024, the stage is set for an unparalleled chapter for this celebrated synth-pop artist.

‘Church’ acts as a note to welcome the present, an earnest call to embrace the solace found in the collective warmth of kindred souls. Rooted in his personal experiences, the song unfolds with a single piano note that echoes through the expanse of the melody, laying a strong foundation intertwined with captivating piano interludes, resonant gospel undertones, and enormous arena-esque drums. ‘Church’ represents a departure from Dunlop’s earlier themes of fear and uncertainty towards a more accepting and nuanced perspective on the mysteries of life. Drawing from his experiences navigating the shadows of his upbringing, Dunlop’s latest work signifies a profound shift in his artistic exploration.

“‘Church’ was the last song we recorded for the album… from the moment I finished writing it I knew I wanted it to be the first track on the record that pointed to everything that came after it. As soon as the rest of the songs were tracked we knew what way ‘Church’ had to be captured. It starts the same way the last album track finishes, each verse & chorus introduces new elements that appear throughout the record and gradually builds into an explosion using every instrument & voice that makes sound throughout the album.”

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.