Welcome Gareth Dunlop:
We’re joined on the Starline by singer, songwriter from Belfast. He’s an engineer and record producer whose unique style has his music in TV shows “This is Us”, films and more. We welcome Gareth Dunlop.
Let’s go Beyond the Mic. You’ve been called a “singer of uncanny ability”. Where was the first time when you discovered your voice?
You’ve lived in Belfast, but spent time in Nashville and L.A. We’re talking to you from Belfast. How has your time in America helped tighten or change your sound?
Your song “Born Uncool” has this lyric “I tried hanging with the cool cats, hoping a little bit of style would rub off on me”. How has your time in the music industry been good and bad?
So who are the cool cats in your mind, and who are trying to rub off of your style?
How did the pandemic change the way you look at music and the way you create music?
Over 300 songs in a year, how do you feel now you are in this good spot? Not the cookie cutter hook, bridge, there you go next! You can write and produce at a pace that is better for you and for family?
The Rockin’ 8:
Singer Gareth Dunlop joins us Beyond the Mic and it’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.
1. What’s your favorite hobby outside of music?
2. Have you ever seen a tornado?
3. What makes you lose sleep?
4. Favorite meal your mom used to make and before you leave this earth you have to teach your kids, Joanie and Wilson?
5. Who taught you how to drive?
6. What’s your best shooting skeet story?
7. Favorite song to sing in the shower?
8. Music on vinyl or streaming?
The Back Half with:
Gareth, you picked up a guitar at the age of 14, do you still have it and do you remember what that first guitar was?
Your passport is covered with bag tag stamps, how many trips to and from Belfast do you take in a typical year?
The video for your single “Look Back Smiling” stars your son and daughter. The video is so vivid and fun. How do your kids help you in your musical world?
Heading out on tour with Vance Foy, what’s tour look like for you with family?
When you get back from tour, how do you spend that first night with family?
Which tour when you were out opening do you remember now fondly?
How much pressure was on you when the BBC calls you “one to watch”?
Your music has been recorded by T.I. and Tim and Faith. How do you see music?
What was it like recording in Windmill Lane studio in Dublin?
Favorite studio to record in and you can’t say your house?
What makes recording in your house so special?
How has your mentors helped you create music? Who are they and how do they help you hold onto music with both hands?
I did talk to John Oates recently so I was going to ask you what’s your favorite Hall & Oates song?
Singers always have great stories. I want to know, how did you pick up your wife?
So I know you love cooking, what’s your favorite thing to cook? When you are home, who cooks between you and Aimee?
When people get to hear “Animal”, what do you want them to feel?
One Big Question:
Your first social media tweet back March 9th 2009 was “Working on album.. cabin fever is setting in…” How do you describe your writing process?
What’s your favorite whiskey?
Where can people find you online?
The Wrap:
Music is a necessity, don’t try to out shoot him skeet and he loves fishing. His album “Animal” is coming soon, Gareth Dunlop thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.
And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.
Check out other BTM conversations with other artists here.
Check out other BTM conversations with other artists here.
Gareth’s Website is here.
