Renowned pop artist Gareth Dunlop returns with his latest work, the bold single 'Go Down Swinging', via Zenith Cafe. The song is another incredible teaser from the Belfast musician's highly anticipated third album, 'Welcome To The House Of I Don't Know'. During the release of this seminal album, Dunlop will be on their headline UK tour, with a final show opening for Irish troubadour Damien Dempsey at Dublin's Iveagh Gardens (July 20).
Crafted as a heartfelt message to Dunlop's beloved daughter, Joanie, 'Go Down Swinging' is a guiding beacon urging her to face life's challenges head-on. Dunlop's velvety vocals cascade over a tapestry of synth-driven melodies, channeling a mix of infectious energy and heartfelt sincerity, resulting in a power-inspiring pop song that replays in the mind long after listen to it. (Fans will remember 'Look Back Smiling,' the gorgeous 2022 single dedicated to her son struggling to cope with uncertainty and tumult during COVID-19.)
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the release, Gareth shares: “I wrote 'Go Down Swinging' for my daughter (Joanie)… Her confidence had dropped and I wanted to write something to her. “I wanted her to have a song that told her exactly how I see her and something that would allow her to always stand her ground and never turn a blind eye to who she is.”
Listen to 'Go Down Swinging' – BELOW:
Joanie, 10, stars in the official '80s-inspired music video for 'Go Down Swinging' ahead of its April 12 premiere. She reflects “I was a little nervous at first because I hadn't been in a music video where I was the star, but it was so fun to dress up and go crazy on stage. Dad and his band were very funny and did a very good job too.”
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 shows around the world, writing sessions in Nashville, and contributing songs to the upcoming documentary. about the American author William Faulkner. In the midst of these dizzying experiences, Dunlop and his band (also collaborative producers of the album) locked themselves in the studio to produce the cinematic greatness that is 'Welcome To The House Of I Do n't Know'; A mix of intimate vulnerability and inspiring power of synth-pop.
A musical journey that has been nothing short of extraordinary, Dunlop's talent has been supported by a notable list of legendary artists he has had the opportunity 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 captivate audiences around the world. Her song 'Wrap Your Arms Around Me' is a testament to this, racking up almost 5 million streams.
Dunlop's previous releases have appeared on both the big and small screen. His songs have made it to the hit television series 'Nashville', among other popular shows such as 'Lucifer', 'This Is Us', 'Bones' and 'Suits'. In addition to television, his work has been part of major films such as 'The Best of Me', 'Safe Haven' and 'The Visitor', as well as appearing in television commercials for Disney and Subaru, solidifying his status as a versatile Artist and on high demand. His debut album, 'No. 79', captured the hearts of listeners with its raw fusion of folk and soul, and even landed an Album of the Week spot on RTE1. In contrast, 'Animal', his second album, showcased a vibrant mix of synth-pop influences, reflecting the evolution of his musical style.
Inspired by Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Tom Waits and Pink Floyd, Dunlop's journey began at age 14, when he strummed his guitar and shared his tunes across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. His exceptional talent was recognized with the Young Songwriter of the Year award in Belfast in 2011, catapulting him onto the international music scene and leading to collaborations with esteemed songwriters in Nashville.
When the curtain rises on 2024, the stage is set for an unparalleled chapter for this celebrated synth-pop artist.
Live dates [Crosstown Concerts]
June 12 – EBGBs, Liverpool – Main Show
June 13 – Flapper, Birmingham – Main Show
June 14 – Crofters Rights, Bristol – Main Show
June 15 – The Lower Third, London – Main show
June 18 – Hallamshire Hotel, Sheffield – Main Show
June 19 – Gulliver, Manchester – Main Show
June 20 – Cluny 2, Newcastle – Main Show
June 22 – Nice'N'Sleazy, Glasgow – Main show
June 28 – Limelight, Belfast – Main show
July 20 – Iveagh Gardens, Dublin – Supporting Damien Dempsey
GARETH DUNLOP
THE CENTER OF ATTENTION, BELFAST
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024
TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 10 am
thanks to our partners at www.xsnoize.com