Richard Gilpin was a finalists in the Forestside +45 Singer Songwriter Competition in 2017.  He went on to win Harmony Festival, Holywood busking Competition which gained him a support slot for The Boomtown Rats.

Originally from Belfast and now living in Raphoe, Co.Donegal, Richard Gilpin releases a remarkable solo album 'Beautiful Mistiake' in 2002. It wasrecorded in Maghera and features sterling musical performances from Henry McCullough (guitar), James Delaney (piano), Ted Ponsonby (dobro), and Rosemary Woods (vocals). An eclectic blend of acoustic rock, country blues and traditional Irish music, Hot Press music magazine commented on the album being a “hugely impressive debut release from a young artist who demonstrates a musical maturity way beyond his years.” 

Following on this success, Richard released '33' in November 2003, which won album of the year on Radio Spazio, Italy. Featuring 11 brand new tracks co-produced with bassist Michael McGinty and Dutch guitarist Remco Rodrigues, '33' featured Richard and his band with guest appearances by Maire Breatnach (backing vocals, violin & viola), Ted Ponsonby (hammond organ), Eddie Lynch (piano) and Liam Bradley (percussion & backing vocals).

Richards 3rd album 'Loose Ends' was released in 2007. Another collection of 11 brand new songs, 'Loose ends' is an eclectic mix of Reggae, Blues and traditional Irish music.  The album was recorded in Terry McGinty’s Valley Studios in Ballybofey and features Cathal Hayden (Four Men and a dog) and Peter Wilson (a.k.a. Duke Special) among others, while featuring a couple of live tracks recorded   Loose Ends will also feature a couple of live tracks recorded at the  BBC Music Live festival at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast. 

His songs are played regularly on Highland Radio, Radio Ulster, R.T.E., BBC Scotland and Wales and is constantly touring, playing at festivals and concerts throughout Ireland and Britain

'This kind of talent rarely fades' - Hot Press

'This is the real thing' - Sunday Tribune

'Finely crafted songs, well written and delicately performed… a collection of mainly plaintive but stirring melodies, all held together by strong lyrical content and deft musicianship'  -  The News Letter

'An inspiring piece of work, great lyrics and fantastic melodies. It really is a superb album' - Donegal Democrat

'One of the most original singer/songwriter/guitarists I’ve heard in a long long time' - Henry McCullough