Northern Ireland’s viral sensation Gareth has officially arrived — both in Nashville and in the country music scene. The rising star, who shot to fame with his viral cover of Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season,” is making waves with his original music, including his newly released single, “Quiet In This House” — a deeply personal song inspired by his mother.
Gareth’s journey started with posting covers online, but it wasn’t until his version of “Stick Season” took off in early 2024 that his life changed forever. “That cover kind of changed my life in a way,” he tells Celeb Secrets during CRS 2025 in Nashville last week. “It went stupid viral, and suddenly, there were people wanting me in their writing rooms.”
While Gareth never imagined his love for posting covers would turn into a career, the momentum led him to start writing his own songs. “I didn’t start writing until March of last year, and now some of those first songs are out on my debut EP,” he shares. His raw talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of BMG, with whom he recently signed a publishing deal. “I feel very fortunate to be in such great hands. They see my vision as a songwriter and artist, and I’m ready to get to work!”
@garethmusic “STICK SEASON” out JAN 19TH (save in bio) #noahkahan #stickseason #cover #acousticcover #musicontiktok #musictok
As Gareth embraces his new life in Music City, he’s also learning to navigate the challenges of being away from home. That bittersweet reality is the heart of “Quiet In This House.” “Moving to Nashville has been such a blessing but also very hard because I have to say goodbye to my family,” he shares. “Every time I leave home, my mum always tells me it’s far too quiet. This song is my way of sharing that story.”
For Gareth, family has always been the foundation of everything he does. “We all grew up in the same house — mum, dad, granny, grandpa, and all my brothers and sisters,” he shares. “Family is my everything, and being away from them has been the hardest part of this journey.” He reveals that his mom plays an integral role in his career, as she is always the first to hear his new music. “Whenever I finish a song, I send it straight to my parents,” he says. “Their support means the world to me.”
The track, which he co-wrote in June 2024, was an emotional moment for both him and his mother. “I played her the demo when she visited last summer, and she just broke down in tears,” Gareth recalls. “Straight away, we knew we had to release it.”
Gareth describes the creative process as deeply personal and organic. “It all started with a phone call between me and my mum,” he explains. “She always tells me the house feels too quiet when I’m gone. That simple sentiment became the heart of the song.” He worked with close collaborators to shape the track, making sure to capture the raw emotion of homesickness and love. “It’s written in a way that both parents and children can relate to — it’s about missing each other, about that quiet space that’s left when someone moves away.”
Musically, “Quiet In This House” maintains Gareth’s signature stripped-back style while incorporating more polished production. “I wanted it to feel intimate but also big enough to really hit home emotionally,” he says. “I think we found that balance.”
He believes “Quiet In This House” resonates with anyone who has experienced the emotions of leaving home and missing their loved ones. “It’s not just my story — it’s the story of anyone who has ever moved away and felt that distance,” he says. “That’s what makes music so powerful — it connects us.”
Since moving to Nashville in January, Gareth has been adjusting to his new life — including the challenge of driving on the other side of the road. “I haven’t crashed yet, so I’m doing something right,” he jokes. He’s also settled into his first apartment and is soaking in the energy of Music City. “It’s crazy, but I love it here.”
With his family flying in for their first-ever visit to Nashville, Gareth’s excitement is at an all-time high. “Nine of them are coming, and apart from my mom and dad, none of them have been here before,” he says. “It’s going to be a fun ten days.”
Beyond his personal milestones, 2025 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for Gareth. He just wrapped a Canadian tour with American Idol winner Chayce Beckham and will soon hit the road again, including performances at C2C: Country to Country festival in Berlin and London, and his first-ever headlining European tour in April and May.
He’s also working on new music, with a goal of releasing a new song every 4-6 weeks. “We’re actually cutting more songs next week,” he reveals. “We have some duets in the works, some really upbeat tracks, and even more storytelling songs. Hopefully, this all leads to my debut album.”
Despite the whirlwind of success, Gareth remains focused on his long-term dreams. “My goal is to play the Grand Ole Opry,” he says. “That’s always been a dream of mine since I started music.” He also has his eyes set on a collaboration with country superstar Luke Combs, an artist he’s looked up to for years.
For fans eager to see Gareth live, he promises an unforgettable experience. “These shows are my first time playing with a full band,” he shares. “There’s been a lot of rehearsals, but I can’t wait to play, especially back in my hometown.” His performances are known for their raw authenticity and connection with the audience. “I think my music resonates because it’s real. It’s my story, but it’s also a story so many people can relate to.”
When asked about his hidden talents, Gareth laughs. “That’s the thing about me — I am pretty talentless apart from music,” he jokes. “I tell everyone that apart from writing songs and playing shows, I have zero talents.” However, he does admit to being a bit of a nerd. “I play a lot of video games. My life consists of getting up, writing songs, playing games, and going to bed. It’s a great world,” he says with a grin.
For Gareth, that balance between music and downtime is essential. “Touring is crazy, so when I’m home, I just like to chill and relax. It’s my way of recharging.”
But now, Gareth is embracing every moment of this wild ride, from late-night songwriting sessions to playing his biggest shows yet. And as he continues to share his journey through heartfelt music, one thing is certain — his star is only getting brighter.
Listen to Gareth’s single “Quiet In This House” below and make sure to keep an eye out for the acoustic video dropping this Friday (February 28).
For more coverage from CRS 2025, click here.
