Photo credit: Jamie Neish

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When Irish singer-songwriter Gareth Dunlop was asked to write a song for the upcoming film A Hidden Star about the late filmmaker and author Allison W. Gryphon, he drew on his own experiences. Dunlop recalls, “Back in January 2019, I was asked to play some songs at a scattering of ashes ceremony and wake on the West Coast of Ireland. A group of friends and film makers had travelled from Los Angeles to say goodbye and lay to rest Allison Wilke Gryphon. As well as saying their goodbyes and celebrating her life, they chose to document their collective journey as well as Allison’s battle with cancer. Through being there for several days I got to learn more and more about Alison, I spent time with her family and friends and watched them navigate through their grief.”

Dunlop wrote “Sorrow” which will appear in the film when it is released on November 1. The song is also featured on Dunlop’s forthcoming album, Animal, which is coming out on April 22. Dunlop recorded it in his own Sycamore Studios, where he has also produced Foy Vance and Lee Rogers.

As for origins of “Sorrow,” Dunlop adds, “As they got close to completing their documentary they asked if I would write a song for the film. One of the hardest songs I’ve ever tried to write. Ultimately, I pulled on my own dealings with grief and loss and tried to map out how that journey has been for me in the past. If you get the chance, watch A Hidden Star.”

Today we are premiering a moving live performance video of the song, which Dunlop plays on his wife’s grandmother’s piano. He will be touring with Vance and Rogers this spring.