The latest single from Belfast singer-songwriter Gareth Dunlop is a reflective song that explores the importance of memory and the elements of our younger selves still apparent in who we become. With lyrics that many will associate with, Dunlop reaches back through time in Freewheeling, connecting with his past life and influences in order to find himself now, as he grows older. When writing the song, an afternoon of nostalgia transformed into something greater: a deeply felt consideration of the gap between who we are and who we were and the very fundamentals of our identities. But for all the change we see in ourselves, there are aspects hidden beneath that remain permanent. Recorded live at Salvation Music Studios, Freewheeling features flowing piano and Dunlop’s characterful voice. Indeed, his vocal, edged with weary grit, is impassioned and authentic as he appears lost in his reminiscing.
Dunlop reflects: “I wrote Freewheeling after spending a day driving around my old neighbourhood. I had all these memories of my childhood come racing back. The differences between my life then and now felt massive. Looking back, I probably thought I’d have it all worked out by now… but in a lot of ways, I’m still making it up as I go. I wanted to write about that feeling—how so much around me has changed, but there are parts of me that are still on those streets without a care in the world. The kid recording the top 40 on his Hi-Fi, cycling around the streets on his BMX and watching action movies with his dad is still in there. I think that’s true for a lot of us. We grow older, take on more responsibility, and the world keeps changing, but deep down, we never really stop carrying the people we used to be.”
As well as being a fine singer, Dunlop has produced albums for other artists, including Foy Vance’s Signs of Life, and has written songs for the likes of Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. This is his latest single since the release of Dunlop’s acclaimed third album, 2024’s Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know. He appears to be surging through one of the most inventive, creative and prolific periods of his career. Four previous standalone singles since the album have seen Dunlop explore a range of sonic textures and styles, all worth checking out. Enjoy.
