FESTIVALSCAERNARFON FESTIVALCaernarfon.festival@btconnect.com / www.caernarfononline.co.uk/caernarfonfestival A series of live events in pubs and clubs around Caernarfon at the end of July each year. GIG MAWR BONTTwo days of the best Welsh language bands at Pontrhydfendigaid Pafiliwn every June. GWYL CAR GWYLLTMusic Festival with various art & community fringe activities held at Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd during the first few weeks of June. The festival has been staged in various formats from big stage events to a 2.5 mile pub gig race! The name 'Car Gwyllt' (wild car) comes from the "skateboard" once used by the quarrymen to ride down the steep slopes of the area's slate quarries. GWYL GARDD GOLLGwyl Gardd Goll is music festival in a Roman Amphitheatre at Parc Glynllifon just outside Caernarfon on the 27 of July. This year, its second year, artists like Euros Childs, Alun Tan Lan, Gwyneth Glyn and Derwyddon will be playing throughout the afternoon. Kick back, relax and let the magic of Glynllifon take you over. It's a unique place for a unique music festival. SŴNFestival of new music curated by Radio 1's Huw Stephens that takes place over various venues over a long weekend in Cardiff each November. Swn showcases bands from around the world as well as the best Welsh acts. GWYL TÂN TANATMorrisBrynaber@hotmail.com / 01691 791281 Tân Tanat Festival is held at Penybont Fawr in the Tanat Valley, north Powys in June. The aim of the event is to raise the profile of Welsh culture in the north of Montgomeryshire. The festival will include local and national rock and pop bands as well as DJs, poetry and a pub eisteddfod. LLANAST LLANRWSTwww.llanastllanrwst.org / post@llanastllanrwst.org / 01492 642357 The Llanast Llanrwst Festival is a mixture of unique events. The festival aims to fuse the traditional with the contemporary. The birthplace of 'Bards V Rappers' nights. The whole festival comes to an end in the 'Sesiwn Llanast' where musicians from the Welsh Language Scene and beyond tour Llanrwst pubs mixing their own, as well as contemporary and traditional tunes. MAES BMaesb / post@maesb.com Maes B is the official centre for rock and pop events at the National Eisteddfod, with performances from some of the biggest groups and artists in the Welsh music scene. Over the last decade Maes B has been the breeding ground for many big Welsh acts with an audience of over 2,500 attending some of the shows. SESIWN FAWR DOLGELLAUwww.sesiwnfawr.com / 08712 301314 The beautiful surroundings of Dolgellau, Gwynedd, provide the backdrop to the Sesiwn Fawr, held on a large green site in the town, which attracts an audience of about 10,000 over two days in mid-July. The festival, with its five diverse stages, offers a unique cultural mix of Welsh music and world rhythms and sounds. SMALL NATIONS FESTIVALwww.smallnations.co.uk / smallnations@cilycwm.com / 07904 353460 The Small Nations Festival is organised each July in Cil-y-Cwm, Carmarthenshire to promote music from Wales and other small nations. TYRFE TAWEwww.tyrfe-tawe.com / chris@tyrfe-tawe.com Tyrfe Tawe was established in 2004 to provide Welsh language cultural events in Swansea and the surrounding area. During the festival in October, gigs are held in a number of venues throughout the city with free entrance. Many popular Welsh language bands perform every year, providing a wide variety of styles that appeal to both young and old alike. WA BALAwww.wabala.co.uk / gerbach@wabala.co.uk / 07879 227819 Three days of gigs from some of Wales' best up-and-coming and established bands take place in Bala, North Wales. WELSH LANGUAGE SOCIETY GIGS - NATIONAL EISTEDDFODwww.cymdeithas.com / adloniant@cymdeithas.com The Welsh Language Society have organised gigs during the Eisteddfod week for the past thirty years. Over the years the best Welsh-language bands have performed in these gigs in a number of venues during one of the most important cultural events in Wales, while giving many new bands the chance to play before a wider audience. YOUTH VILLAGE - ROYAL WELSH SHOWThe Young Peoples' Village is an open-air music event that runs for 4 nights coinciding with the Royal Welsh Show, Builth Wells in July annually. You can see a variety of Welsh and English bands perform to an audience of 5,000+. Camping and caravanning facilities available also! WEBSITESBANDITRunning alongside S4C's programme Bandit, Bandit247.com is the only place on the internet to see all the latest live performances by Wales' most popular and cutting-edge bands. As well as showcasing bands and gig reviews from the current series of Bandit, the website also offers an extensive archive of performances from previous series, an up-to-date news and gigs service and live performances which are exclusive to the website. C2On the website there is an opportunity to read the latest news from the scene, listen to all the sessions which have been recorded for us and reviews of all the latest CDs. You can also download C2's podcast, which contains highlights from the previous week. The C2 Chart is posted on the website every Tuesday. CURIADwww.bbc.co.uk/c2 / gwybodaeth@curiad.org Curiad is an independent Welsh music website which is both run and developed by volunteers. The site has been promoting Welsh language music since 1995, and to celebrate its tenth anniversary it has been re-launched to include a gigs diary, a list of live music venues and full details about new and established artists, record labels and much more. DISAUDIOSite that offers downloads from many Welsh labels, from a variety of genres. DOWNLOAD FACTOROffers Welsh artists (both local and international) the facility to sell their music as MP3 downloads. MAES-E.COMwww.maes-e.com / hedd@maes-e.com Maes-e is a Welsh language forum for people aged 16+ which features lively debate on all aspects of the music scene in Wales, as well as a comprehensive gig guide. The site also includes threads on other important topics such as sport, fashion and politics (not necessarily in that order). RADIO AMGENwww.radioamgen.com / info@radioamgen.com Internet based not for profit radio station that was launched by DJ Lambchop in 2001 to promote experimental and alternative music in Wales. Subscription available for the weekly podcast. SEBONwww.sebon.co.uk / siop@sebon.co.uk Sebon is an online shop that sells music released by labels in Wales. The website now contains well over 400 different titles to buy, and can accept orders from all over the world. SESH TVwww.sesh.tvSesh is a Welsh-language social video site. You can watch films, upload your own clips, music videos, discuss and develop your skills and collaborate with others. S.N.O.G.Events and gigs website based in north Wales. |
VENUES / REGULAR EVENTSBYD MAWRByd Mawr Crwn is a non-profit making company that aims to promote cultural understanding and international awareness through highlighting music, art and dance from around the globe. They have been putting on DJ and club nights for several years - benefit gigs are a speciality. CARDICWSTIGcered@ceredigion.gov.uk / 01545 572350 The aim of Cardicwstig is to develop a Welsh light entertainment circuit in Ceredigion. The idea is to hold evenings in the more rural areas with a variety of entertainment, combining acoustic music with more alternative items such as poetry, standup or short films. CELLwww.myspace.com/cell-blaena / 01766 832001 Based at an old police station and court hall in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Cell includes five rehearsal rooms, an Apple Mac music technology room, professional studio and the Cwrt music venue. CLWB IFOR BACH, CARDIFFclwbiforbach / post@clwb.net / 02920 232199 Clwb Ifor Bach is Wales' premier live music venue and has been the starting point for many of the country's most famous bands. There are a host of different nights at the club, with local and international bands and DJs. The club prides itself on its Welsh language heritage, and is always on the lookout for new Welsh talent. Sign up to the mailing list through the website. COFI ROC, CAERNARFONwww.cofiroc.com / post@cofiroc.com / 01286 673100 Live bands perform regularly in Cofi Roc, which has a unique atmosphere and pictures of Welsh artists plus a special mural by local artist Wil Jones. CYMDEITHAS YR IAITH AT THE 3 SALMONS, CARMARTHENMonthly Welsh language gigs organised by Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Society) in order to promote local and national Welsh talent. DEFFRO'R DEYRNASwww.myspace.com/rebowndercymru / iestyn54@hotmail.com The people behind Deffro'r Deyrnas (Waking the Kingdom) organise a tour of Welsh venues every three months. Keep your eyes peeled for more information. Always looking for new bands to join the tour. GALERI CAERNARFONwww.galericaernarfon.com / 01286 678140 Galeri Caernarfon is a multi purpose arts centre that provides theatre shows, concerts, gigs and has a cinema. In addition, there are two dance/rehearsal studios, and several soundproofed rehearsal rooms. GYG - TY TAWE, SWANSEAwww.gygabertawe.org / swyddfa@menterabertawe.org / 01792 460906 GYG is a monthly live band event, usually held on the last Friday of the month. The artists featured all perform in the Welsh language, playing a wide array of musical styles. MAES B - ON TOURwww.maesb.com / post@maesb.com Maes B, the premier Welsh language music festival, also promotes gigs throughout Wales. The aim is to provide a regular platform for new and established bands. Check out the website for latest listings. MILKWOOD JAMwww.milkwoodjam.com / gigs@milkwoodjam.com / 01792 477 577 Milkwood Jam is a new live music venue down in the Heart of Swansea. Also featuring open mic nights. PAFILIWN PONTRHYDYFENDIGAIDwww.pafiliwnbont.co.uk / info@pafiliwnbont.co.uk / 01974 831635 The Bont Pafiliwn is a multi-purpose venue, which can be used for all sorts of events and activities. The main resource is the large auditorium that has a capacity of well over 2000 people. There is a bar and foyer at the front of the building as well as a professional back stage area and green room at the back. The Pafiliwn also boasts a large surrounding area with parking for around 300 cars and 20 buses. SLACYR - SPORTS CLUB, PORTHMADOGSlacyr Records have started a monthly night in Porthmadog under the name 'Clwb Slacyr'. The aim of the night is to have quality music night in Porthmadog of any genre where Slacyr was born. 'STAFELL FYWMonthly gigs in Cardiff from the Siarc Marw fanzine crew and Welsh Language Society. TAFARN Y FIC, LLITHFAENwww.tafarnyfic.com / swyddfa@tafarnyfic.com Tafarn y Fic is a Welsh Community owned pub that was formed in 1988. The pub is located in Llithfaen near Pwllheli, North Wales and provides a wide range of Welsh entertainment on a regular basis. TAFOD - NOS DA HOTEL, CARDIFFwww.nosda.co.uk / tafod@nosda.co.uk 'Tafod - underground sound lounge' is situated in the basement of the Nos Da Hotel, Cardiff. It is a popular music location which is available for hire. Featuring some great Welsh album launches, open mic sessions, live bands, resident DJs and the occasional visit from top Radio 1 DJs! Depending on the night there's something for everyone. The venue holds up to 150 people. TY NEWYDD SARN - SARN MELLTEYRN, PWLLHELI, GWYNEDDwww.myspace.com/tynewyddsarn / hefinj@hotmail.com / 01758 730747 Regular Welsh language acoustic and rock gigs. Contact the venue for details. TY SIAMASwww.tysiamas.com / idris@tysiamas.com / 01341 421800 Ty Siamas is the National Centre for Traditional Music in Dolgellau. Its doors opened in June 2007 and since opening, the centre has staged top class musicians and bands from across the world. Though a centre for Traditional music, Ty Siamas holds gigs and concerts of all music genres - folk, rock, jazz etc but always with an association with traditional and folk music. |
RECORD LABELSAMAn occasional label that releases (heavy) 7" vinyl records by new bands/musicians. ANKST MUSIKwww.ankst.co.uk / www.ankst.net (online shop) "There's not much point sitting on the fence...." Record label and Welsh film production company. Over twenty years the label has been home to some of Wales' brightest musical talents among them Datblygu, Super Furries, Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, Y Cyrff, Ectogram, Melys, Topper, Tystion, M C Mabon, Zabrinski, Jarman, Stilletoes and many, many more. ARAN RECORDSpost@traciaucymraeg.com / 01286 831246 An established record label that's active in all genres of music with the emphasis on producing quality material. Recordiau Aran material is available for download from www.welshtracks.com where further details of the comapany's services are also available. AWENBased in the village of Pentraeth on Anglesey, along with Stiwdio Pandy and Cyhoeddiadau Pandy Publishing, Awen have been making, publishing and releasing music since 1996. Although primarily featuring Welsh artistes, they accept music from all languages and cultures. BOSgwyn@sianjames.co.uk Recordiau Bos is a relatively new label based in north Powys that released the compilation Y Gwir Yn Erbyn y Byd and is home to the singer Sian James. CIWDODwww.communitymusicwales.org.uk / www.myspace.com/ciwdod gethin.evans@communitymusicwales.org.uk / 01286 685248 Ciwdod works alongside Complete Control Music (CCM), the record label and touring department of Community Music Wales. Ciwdod specifically focuses on Welsh language acts. If you make music Ciwdod may be able to help you: access studio time, perform live on our touring circuit, release music through the record label, get specialist training and music industry advice, promote your own shows and promote your music to commercial industry. COPAmyspace.com/labelcopa / www.labelcopa.net / copa@sainwales.com / 01286 831111 Copa focuses on alternative music, whether 'lo-fi' produced by a wild and bearded man in a cottage on the slopes of Snowdon, or 'gypsy beats hip hop funk' by the lost druids of Iolo Morgannwg. Current roster includes Mr. Huw, Sibrydion, MC Mabon and Derwyddon Dr Gonzo. DOCKRADwww.dockrad.com / post@dockrad.com Dockrad Records was established in 2001 and has a catalogue of quality releases from bands from Wales such as Ashokan, Diffiniad, Howl Griff, Ty Gwydr, MC Saizmundo, Skep, Gilespi, The Afternoons, Volenté and others. You can buy CDs and download tracks from the website. GWYMONwww.gwymon.net / myspace.com/gwymon / gwymon@sainwales.com / 01286 831111Gwymon focuses on singer-songwriters with folk, acoustic, jazz and various other themes. From contemporary versions of old Welsh folk tunes to the atmospheric influence of Anglesey's landscape combined with an obsession for jazz, this label's aim is to inspire the soul. Since establishing the label, material has been released by the Lleuwen, The Gentle Good and 9bach. GWYNFRYN CYMUNEDOLwww.gwynfryncymunedol.co.uk / gwynfryncymunedol@hotmail.com / 01286 650 523 Gwynfryn Cymunedol is a community based, not-for-profit company, established in 2000. It aims to give community musicians a platform to perform and progress their talents on both local and national level. HIGH QUALITY RECORDINGSwww.highqualityrecordings.co.uk Electronic label, home to Blodyn Tatws and Les Idiots. Listen to tracks and get the latest news on the website KISSANwww.kissanproductions.com / info@kissanproductions.com Kissan productions provide a recording service and a record label, which includes some of Wales' best artist such as Catrin Finch, Ryland Teifi Fflur Dafydd, CF47 and more. Kissan has a distribution deal throughout Wales and Britain with the company New Note/Pinnacle, and organise live concerts and events in Wales and London. Kissan also has a brand new studio - see website for details. LABEL ABELLaBel aBel have released 3 cds by Bryn Fôn and the band, with new CDs by Y Tebot Piws and "Y Docfeisdr" - the long-awaited project from MCs Mabon and Saizmundo also out before long. MENAIwww.stiwdioeglwys.co.uk / george@stiwdioeglwys.fsnet.co.uk / 01248 671663 Recordiau Menai was launched in January 2004 to cater for the growing number of clients with finished or nearly finished works. PESKIwww.peski.co.uk / www.myspace.com/peskirecords / info@peski.co.uk Formed in 2003 to release the debut album from Jakokoyak; Am Cyfan Dy Pethau Prydferth, which attracted widespread praise. The label has continued to release alternative and eclectic music including Radio Luxembourg, Cate Le Bon, Evils, David Mysterious and Texas Radio Band PLACID CASUALEstablished in 1998 by the Super Furry Animals to expose to the world songs that come their way that may be ignored otherwise. If a tune comes along and "knocks (them) out", they are "compelled by the power of the music to bring you these records on a placid, casual basis". RASALwww.rasal.net / myspace.com/rasal1 / guto@rasal.net / 01286831111 Rasal concentrates on contemporary popular artists. The scope is wide, and the material varies from humorous songs about coffee, or your father's underpants, to melodic and funky tracks by one of Wales' most prolific multi-talented writers. Current roster includes Gwibdaith Hen Fran, Fflur Dafydd a'r Barf and Al Lewis. RASPwww.fflach.co.uk / info@fflach.co.uk / 01239 614691 The Rasp label was started in the year 2000 by the Fflach recording company of Cardigan to promote pop, rock and dance music. Rasp plan to release more CDs in the future, especially from new groups and individual artists. Part of the Fflach label. RECORDIAU ANHREFNwww.myspace.com/anhrefnA record label that has recently reappeared after a long time away, run by Rhys Mwyn. RECORDIAU KIMBERLEYLabel with tracks to download from a number of artists including Cate Le Bon and Texas Radio Band. SAINwww.sainwales.com / sain@sainwales.com / 01286 831111 Sain, founded in 1969, has the largest catalogue of Welsh music in the world - over 15,000 tracks. Rock, folk, choral, classical, traditional and pop - whatever you are looking for, it will be on the Sain label. SKIPPING BEATSHip-hop and electronica label based in Cardiff. Formed in 2005 with a roster including Y Diwygiad, Mr Ronz, Redfalls, Mr Phormula and Domer. SLACYRwww.slacyr.co.uk / www.myspace.com/slacyr / info@slacyr.co.uk North Wales label "just putting out some records, sometimes". Artists include Texas Radio Band, Gwyneth Glyn, Genod Droog and Yucatan. Other artists on the label include Pep Le Pew, Gintis and MC Saizmundo. |
MAGAZINES & FANZINESBRECHDAN TYWODinfo@brechdantywod.org Fanzine established in 1996 to reflect the underground music scene. FFWDANUwww.myspace.com/ffwdanu / ffwdanu@yahoo.co.uk Ffwdanu is an occasional underground fanzine. It tries to reflect the music scene in Wales in a fair but different manner, using articles, questionnaires and all other forms of information available to discuss the latest developments in the scene. It's distributed for free and is posted to anyone who contacts the email address above. SIARC MARWsiarcmarw@yahoo.co.uk / www.myspace.com/siarcmarw Underground fanzine that features all aspects of modern Welsh language alternative culture. It is an independent publication, which hits the streets every three months. VIVA SPARKYvivasparky@aol.com Occasional fanzine run by Penfold concentrating on Welsh language music and music in lesser-used languages. Available from Cob Records, Bangor, or by emailing vivasparky@aol.com for a free copy. Y SELARwww.yselar.com / golygydd@yselar.com A bi-monthly magazine that's full of news, reviews and interviews with the biggest names in the world of Welsh language music. Y Selar is an A4 publication in full colour that is free of charge and is distributed to schools, universities, Mentrau Iaith, local shops and also posted to individual subscribers. MEDIABANDITwww.bandit247.com / bandit@boomerang.co.uk / 029 20550550 Since 1998, Bandit is S4C's foremost programme that reflects the contemporary Welsh music scene, with weekly live performances, videos, interviews and guests. Presented by Huw Stephens and Huw Evans. C2 (RADIO CYMRU) 92 - 105FM08703 500 500 broadcast hours only / 07786 201030 text / c2@bbc.co.uk Monday - Friday 8pm - 1am Music, music and more music, that is what you'll get on C2 each and every night from our various presenters, Magi Dodd, Huw Stephens, Dafydd Du, Lisa Gwilym, and Glyn Wise. In addition to playing all the latest music from the singles and C2 charts, new tracks and the occasional classic, C2 also gives artists the opportunity to record new music especially for the programme. CYTGORDemyrpierce@hotmail.com / 01248 602 267 Cytgord collect information on the Welsh language music scene and prepare a news package, gig calendar, as well as the weekly Cytgord and C2 chart for BBC Radio Cymru, S4C, Y Cymro, Golwg and others. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONBANDIT/C2 TOURLast year C2 and the Bandit team went on tour around Wales and visited 20 schools in a month. In the morning the pupils took part in a radio or TV workshop and during the afternoon they enjoyed performances by various bands, including the headline tour band. C2 and Bandit will be on tour again in the Autumn of 2008. C2 BATTLE OF THE BANDSC2 and Mentrau Iaith Cymru annually organize the Battle of the Bands competition. The winners get a session for C2, the chance to appear on Bandit and Uned 5 on S4C, perform on the Bandit / C2 Tour, perform in gigs organised by Menter Iaith Cymru, and also share the stage with some of Wales' best bands in Maes B, Cardiff Eisteddfod 2008. For more information, check out our website or contact your local Menter Iaith. C2 WORKSHOPSC2 organises DJ workshops in schools up and down the country. The workshop gives pupils the opportunity to make their own programmes, to present, produce, research and engineer their very own shows. GWALLGOFIAIDBased at Cell in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwallgofiaid is a company that hold and run rock and DJ workshops for young people in north Wales and Ceredigion. MENTRAU IAITHThe Mentrau Iaith are community organisations that promote the use of Welsh by providing social opportunities for people of all ages to use the language. They place a heavy emphasis on working with young people and the music scene through arranging gigs and music workshops or by helping promote Welsh language events arranged by others. The Mentrau are also responsible for e-chlysur - an e-mail and SMS text service - that informs individuals about Welsh language events that are of interest to them in their area. OTHER YOUTH ORGANISATIONSA number of other organisations offer social opportunities through the medium of Welsh including music-related activities, including your local council's Youth Service, the Young Farmers' Clubs' Movement, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. RHYS MWYNwww.rhysmwyn.com / rhys@rhysmwyn.com / 01286 685 215 Rhys Mwyn is active on many fronts - management (which provides a service to take care of an artist's career), booking agency (provide gigs for Welsh language and Welsh based acts), PR and as MD of Anhrefn Records. For further information please check the website. ROCK WORKSHOPSA number of other organisations arrange a variety of music workshops through the medium of Welsh. Workshops include half-day sessions, three-day or week-long courses in order to provide an introduction and specialist training to people from every background to develop instrument skills, computer-based music, DJing, or song composition. The main organisations in this field include Ciwdod (Community Music Wales) and the network of Mentrau Iaith. For further details, contact Ciwdod or your local Menter Iaith. URDD GOBAITH CYMRUWales' largest youth organisation arranges a wide range of activities for its members through the medium of Welsh including sport, excursions, and humanitarian work. It is also responsible for organising the Urdd National Eisteddfod, Europe's largest cultural festival for young people. For more information on activities for people aged 15-25, go to the website. WELSH MUSIC FOUNDATIONwww.welshmusicfoundation.com / enquiries@welshmusicfoundation.com / 029 20494110 Welsh Music Foundation (WMF) is a development agency for the music industry in Wales. WMF provides music companies - everyone from record labels and managers to venues and promoters - with business support, help with international trade, access to contacts and educational seminars on a wide variety of music business topics. WELSH BOOKSHOPSWelsh language CDs are sold in Welsh bookshops throughout Wales. There is a list of shops that provide a mail order service on the website: www.gwales.com |
