Gareth Dunlop
Gareth Dunlop (born East Belfast) is a singer-songwriter from Northern Ireland who is a multi-instrumentalist, engineer and record producer. His distinct songwriting and vocal styles have led to his songs' being featured in numerous television shows, films and commercials. In 2013, Dunlop's song "Wrap Your Arms Around Me" was part of the soundtrack for the movie "Safe Haven" based on a romance novel by Nicholas Sparks. His song was the second best selling single on the album. Currently, Dunlop is in a joint venture publishing deal with Moraine Music Group and Round Hill Music. He  spends time in both the US and Northern Ireland, but permanently lives in Belfast and operates a recording studio in Hollywood. As a songwriter and artist, Dunlop has a mix of folk and soul music, which can be heard in several films, television shows and commercials. In 2013, Dunlop's "Wrap Your Arms Around Me" was included in the "Safe Haven" soundtrack and was one of the featured music videos from the film, alongside music by artists Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Amos Lee, Brandi Carlile, Ben Harper, and others. Other songs by Dunlop also appear in commercials for Subaru in  the US Discover Northern Ireland, and Disney Germany. Television shows featuring Dunlop's songs include "NASHVILLE", "House", "One Tree Hill", "Private Practice", "Switched at Birth", "Army Wives", "Lucifer", "Cougar Town", and "Bones". Early career. Dunlop picked up his dad's old Yamaha guitar at age 14 and began listening to an extensive collection of vinyl LPs and 45s at age 15. He was inspired by artists like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Jimmy Page. Dunlop started performing at the age of 16 in clubs and festivals around Northern Ireland and the UK where he received recognition as a captivating live  performer with "a voice that can tame dinosaurs.". Dunlop has opened for John Oates, Jeff Beck, the Stereophonics, James Morrison, Imelda May, Snow Patrol, Paul Carrack, Jools Holland, Angus & Julia Stone, Nanci Griffithm, the Steeldrivers and others. In 2011, he was chosen to perform in the Belfast Nashville Singer Songwriter's Festival where he was awarded 2011 Young Songwriter of the Year. The festival brought Dunlop to Nashville, leading to US tours and a publishing deal with Moraine Music and Nettwerk Music Group. Dunlop recorded his debut single in Northern Ireland, "Fool's Desire," and his "Devil Mocks Me" EP  with 6-time Grammy winning producer, Brent Maher.