The Dunwells

Hailing from Leeds and steeped in the rich traditions of Indie-Folk and transatlantic Americana, The Dunwells have spent over a decade crafting a sound that feels both timeless and deeply personal — a heady blend of soaring sibling harmonies, poetic lyricism and cinematic melodies that echo the spirit of Bob Dylan, The Beatles and the golden age of American roots music, yet remain unmistakably their own. Built around brothers Joe and Dave Dunwell, whose musical upbringing was shaped by vinyl spinning in a house alive with Motown soul and folk storytelling, the band's foundations are rooted in authenticity, melody and a genuine love of songcraft.

From the release of their acclaimed debut Blind Sighted Faith in 2012, The Dunwells have grown into a globally respected act, building their reputation the old-fashioned way — on the road. Their relentless touring has taken them across the UK, Europe and the United States, gracing iconic stages and festivals including Late Night with Jay Leno, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits, while sharing tours with the likes of Mumford & Sons and Elbow. These experiences have shaped a band whose live performances are often described as euphoric, uplifting and deeply moving — the kind of shows that stay with you long after the final note fades.

At their core, The Dunwells are songwriters first and foremost — constantly evolving, collaborating and drawing from real-life experiences to create music that connects on a deeply human level. That connection is captured beautifully in releases such as Live at Aire Street, a raw and intimate snapshot of their live energy, and their 2022 album Tell Me What You Want, featuring standout tracks including This Is Love and How Will They Remember Us?. More recent releases such as Break My Fall continue to showcase a band at the height of their creative powers, blending introspection with anthemic lift in equal measure.

Critics have long recognised their magic. NME have hailed them as "a MUST-see band," while The Huffington Post declared "the best is yet to come," and others have noted that "whatever they create feels like magic." It's praise that reflects not just the quality of their recordings, but the emotional honesty and warmth that runs through everything they do.

Never standing still, The Dunwells continue to evolve — reopening and investing in their Aire Street studio in Leeds, collaborating widely, and stepping into an exciting new chapter following their signing with Simon Cowell. Yet through all of this, they remain grounded in the same brotherly chemistry and heartfelt songwriting that first set them on this path.

Here in Barnoldswick, their story has taken on a life of its own. The band have built a special relationship with audiences at Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, a venue that has become a true home-from-home for them over the years. On 9th September, The Dunwells return for what will be their 10th appearance at the venue — a remarkable milestone that speaks volumes about the connection between artist and audience in this unique Pennine listening room.

Each visit has seen that bond grow stronger, turning first-time listeners into lifelong fans and creating nights that are remembered long after the lights go down. In a world of passing trends, The Dunwells stand as something far more enduring — a band built on honesty, melody and the simple but powerful belief that music, played from the heart, still matters.

And as they return once again to Barnoldswick, one thing feels certain — these are not just gigs… they're moments, memories, and part of a journey that is still very much unfolding.