Singer-songwriter, Gareth Dunlop, has just released a five-track EP, Born Uncool, a collection of songs written and recorded during lockdown.
The Belfast musician, who shot to fame after his songs were used in big TV shows such as Bones, Nashville, House, One Tree Hill, Lucifer and Switched At Birth among others, explained how the new release was created.
“I had intended to release my second album (ANIMAL) this spring, but Covid turned the world upside down so plans were put on hold and tours were cancelled,” he said. “The Born Uncool EP was born. It is a sonic departure from everything else I’ve ever done.
“I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have made the same studio decisions if my world had not have slowed down for a few months.”
Gareth has recorded with John Oates – of Hall and Oates fame – and legendary producer Brent Maher, whose artist resumé includes the likes of Tina Turner.
His road to today’s current successful musical career began
In 2011 when he was chosen to perform in the Belfast Nashville Singer Songwriter’s Festival.
Gareth was awarded 2011 Young Songwriter of the Year, and a trip to Nashville, leading to US tours and a publishing deal with Moraine Music and Nettwerk Music Group.
His reputation as a folk and soul musician was further enhanced when in 2012 his song Wrap Your Arms Around Me was included in the soundtrack of the movie Safe Haven.
Having spent time between Belfast and Nashville recording in recent years after he secured an American agent Gareth’s music has been used in commercials for everyone from Subaru and Disney and Discover Ireland Tourism.
Gareth started out performing cover songs all over the country at the age of 15. It was after a neighbor gave him a bin bag full of vinyl that his passion for music grew into an obsession, and the songwriting began.
Since then Gareth has continued to release emotionally charged music and perform sell out shows in his home city and further afield.
Dunlop has toured through Europe and the United States with artists such as Stereophonics, Ryan Sheridan and Kim Richey, and has played shows alongside Van Morrison, Snow Patrol & Jools Holland to name but a few.
Gareth recorded his debut single in Northern Ireland, Fool’s Desire, and his Devil Mocks Me EP with 6-time Grammy winning producer Brent Maher.
The father of two has also appeared in a cameo in the film No Postage Necessary.
His discography includes Devil Mocks Me, Safe Haven (Soundtrack), How Far This Road Goes, The Best of Me (2014) Soundtrack, Rooms, No. 79, Pieces, Many Moons Ago, and current release Born Uncool.
Gareth will finish working on his forthcoming album Animals for release in the near future, and hopefully, can begin touring again.
For more information go to garethdunlop.com