Belfast’s Gareth Dunlop is off to a glorious start to the new year. Since age 14, the singer-songwriter has been crafting meaningful tracks, building an audience not only in his home city, but around the world. Since his early teenage beginnings, Dunlop has gone on to support the likes of Van Morrison and Snow Patrol, and his songs have provided soundtracks to Nashville, This Is Us, Bones, Suits, and more. But accolades aside, the music speaks for itself. And luckily, we’re in for more in 2024.

Dunlop’s newest single, out today, is a breathtaking offering combining his stellar songwriting skills and synth-pop production style. Titled “Church”, it welcomes in a new era of music, serving as a message of hope, acceptance, and warmth. The first taste of his forthcoming third album, Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know, it shows us a different side to the musician’s artistry — one that feels at peace after years of uncertainty. With gospel undertones and beautiful piano interludes, it’s a treat to the ears.

“‘Church’ was the last song we recorded for the album,” Dunlop explains. “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 and chorus introduces new elements that appear throughout the record and gradually builds into an explosion using every instrument and voice that makes sound throughout the album.”

We are so excited to premiere the video with you today, a beautiful and artistic visual accompaniment. Filmed and directed by Jamie Neish at Broken Film, it was shot at Shorts Recreational Club in East Belfast.

Watch the visuals…